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Ency. home > Disease > T > Trench mouth

Trench mouth   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Vincent's stomatitis; Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis; Stomatitis

Symptoms

  • Painful gums
  • Profuse gum bleeding in response to any pressure or irritation
  • Gums appear reddened and swollen
  • Grayish film on the gums
  • Crater-like ulcers in-between the teeth on the gum papillae
  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath
Note: Symptoms often begin suddenly.

Signs and Tests

Examination of the mouth shows inflamed gums with destruction of gum tissue around the teeth. Crater-like ulcers fill with plaque and food debris. There may be a gray film caused by decomposed gum tissue. Occasionally, fever may be present or lymph nodes of the head and neck may be swollen.

Dental X-rays or facial X-rays may be performed to determine the extent of infection and tissue destruction. This disease may also alter the results of a throat swab culture.

Ency. home > Disease > T > Trench mouth

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