TRENCH MOUTH Q: What is trench mouth? A: Trench mouth is a painful form of gum disease that includes the destruction of gum tissue around the teeth and creation of crater-like ulcers in the gums that are filled with plaque and food debris. This would account for one of the condition's alternative names: acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The term 'trench mouth' came from the condition's prevalence among soldiers in World War I. Other symptoms are a grayish film on the gums and a constant foul taste and breath. It is a rare disorder, brought on or exacerbated by factors including poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, other infections in the mouth or throat, smoking and stress. Good oral hygiene is essential to treatment. The dentist may recommend a salt-water rinse to soothe sore gums and a hydrogen peroxide rinse to wash away decayed gum tissue. If fever accompanies your condition, the dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic. The good news is that the condition normally responds well to treatment. Left untreated, though, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and jaw. Talk with your dentist about ways to keep your mouth healthy. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1827063 TRENCH MOUTH Q: What is trench mouth? A: Trench mouth is a painful form of gum disease that includes the destruction of gum tissue around the teeth and creation of crater-like ulcers in the gums that are filled with plaque and food debris. This would account for one of the condition's alternative names: acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The term 'trench mouth' came from the condition's prevalence among soldiers in World War I. Other symptoms are a grayish film on the gums and a constant foul taste and breath. It is a rare disorder, brought on or exacerbated by factors including poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, other infections in the mouth or throat, smoking and stress. Good oral hygiene is essential to treatment. The dentist may recommend a salt-water rinse to soothe sore gums and a hydrogen peroxide rinse to wash away decayed gum tissue. If fever accompanies your condition, the dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic. The good news is that the condition normally responds well to treatment. Left untreated, though, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and jaw. Talk with your dentist about ways to keep your mouth healthy. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1827063