Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bones that surround and support the teeth. In its initial stage, called gingivitis, the gums may swell and turn red, and they may bleed. In its most severe form, called periodontitis, the gums can come off the tooth, bone can be lost, and teeth can loosen or even fall out.
Periodontal disease is mainly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place. It's usually due to poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up on your teeth and harden.
In advanced stages, periodontal disease can cause pain and bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss. There may be a gray film caused by rupture of the gum tissue. In some cases, there may be a fever and swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck. The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and relieve symptoms.
Your provider can prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever. Contact a dentist if you have trench mouth symptoms or if you have a fever or other new symptoms. People who have a trench mouth may develop sudden, severe gum pain that affects one or more places on the gums. Trench mouth is related to general health habits, such as coping with stress, getting enough sleep, eating well, and not smoking.
Trench mouth occurs when natural bacteria in the mouth begin to multiply or overgrow, infecting the gums. People began using the term “trench mouth” during World War I, when soldiers who lived and fought in the trenches of the battlefield developed serious gum infections related to poor diet, poor oral hygiene, and intense stress Once this occurs, pulp and nerves inside are exposed to bacteria, food particles, and other debris in the mouth. Trench mouth is a serious gum disease that often affects people whose immune systems are under stress or who do not have access to good hygiene and dental care. An oral infection can spread to other areas of the body if it enters the bloodstream, including vital organs such as the brain and liver.
Bacteria in the mouth infect the tissue surrounding the tooth and cause inflammation around the tooth, leading to periodontal disease. Most cases are dental caries (cavities), periodontal diseases, oral cancers, dental trauma, cleft lip and palate, and noma (severe gangrenous disease that begins in the mouth and mainly affects children). Without treatment, the trench mouth can destroy gum tissue and then spread to nearby tissues, such as the cheeks, lips, or jaw bones. Such treatment may include deep cleaning of the root surfaces of the teeth below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery.
The term trench mouth comes from the First World War, when this infection was common among soldiers in trenches. People who have immune system diseases, in particular human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are at increased risk of developing trench mouths. It's also important to keep your mouth clean and healthy by brushing, flossing, and not using tobacco. Oral infections are usually the result of tooth decay that makes its way into the pulp chamber of a tooth.
If you have had trench mouth treatment, you should see your provider if you think the trench mouth is coming back. .
