ALSO KNOWN AS
Vincent's infection or trench mouth
DESCRIPTION
* This condition is due to a severe bacterial infection (Treponema vincenti) of the gums and is most often caused by stress. It used to be very common during wars when soldiers in trenches fought under extremely stressful conditions, and would develop gum infections -- thus the derivation of the name trench mouth.
SYMPTOMS
* Symptoms include painful, severely inflamed gums. Also, patients with this condition often have enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck, Bad Breath, fever, and bleeding gums.
CAUSE
* It is due to a bacterial infection of the gums (i.e., Treponema vincenti).
* It is usually seen in people who are under extreme stress.
* Patients with severe medical illness often develop trench mouth.
HOW THE DIAGNOSIS IS MADE
* Examination of the mouth by a doctor is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
* Treatment is with antibiotics such as penicillin, for 10 days.
* If possible, ideally eliminate stress.
* Eat a healthy diet.
* Half-strength peroxide can be used to rinse the mouth 3 to 4 times a day.
* If these remedies fail, see your dentist for more treatment.
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