Trench mouth overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Trench mouth is a polymicrobial infection of the gums leading to inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, necrotic gum tissue, and possibly fever.

Causes

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

Laboratory Findings

There may be a gray film caused by broken down (decomposed) gum tissue. Occasionally, there may be fever and swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck. This disease may also be tested for by a throat swab culture.

X Rays

Dental x-rays or x-rays of the face may be done to determine how severe the infection is and how much tissue has been destroyed.