Trench mouth
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
| Trench mouth | |
| ICD-10 | A69.1 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 101 |
| DiseasesDB | 13866 |
| MeSH | D005892 |
Overview
Risk Factors
Causes of Trench mouth
Causative organisms include anaerobes such as Bacteroides and Fusobacterium as well as spirochetes (Borrelia and Treponema spp.).
The condition is caused by an overpopulation of established mouth bacteria due to a number of interacting factors such as poor hygiene, poor diet, smoking, other infections.
Diagnosis
History & Symptoms
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment is by the simple reduction of the bacteria through improved oral cleaning and salt water or hydrogen peroxide-based rinses. Chlorhexidine or metronidazole can also be used in addition.
Natural history, Complications, and Prognosis
Untreated, the infection may lead to rapid destruction of the periodontium and can spread, as necrotizing stomatitis, into neighbouring tissues in the cheeks, lips or the bones of the jaw. The condition can occur and be especially dangerous in people with weakened immune systems.