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Trench Mouth & Sinus Infection

During World War I, many of the soldiers fighting on the front lines developed a condition known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. This condition, which is painful and possibly damaging, became known as trench mouth because of its prevalence among men in the trenches. However, its causes and treatment are well-known, and it may be cured with relative ease. If it isn't treated, though, the infection can spread, sometimes into the sinus cavities.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of trench mouth are easy to identify. The gums become tender and swollen, and there also are painful ulcers and sores that develop on the gums. The person suffering from the condition also develops a bad taste in their mouth and bad breath.

    The Disease

    • Trench mouth is an acute form of the gum infection gingivitis. This disease is caused by an overabundance of bacteria in the human mouth, which infects the gums and other tissues. Often trench mouth is exacerbated by other colds or sicknesses that repress the effectiveness of the person's immune system.

    Risks and Causes

    • There are a variety of habits and conditions that can help lead to trench mouth, including poor nutrition, bad oral hygiene, tooth and mouth infections, emotional stress and smoking. It's easy to see how soldiers in the trenches developed this condition, but it's still common today among college students, the homeless and others who deal with several of the risk factors.

    Complications

    • If trench mouth isn't treated, it can lead to permanent tissue damage as well as the spreading of the infection. This means that people could lose teeth, as well as having their bones, cheeks and even their sinus cavity infected by this condition. Additionally, trench mouth can weaken the immune system and make it likely for other conditions and infections to get into the surrounding area.

    Treatment

    • The initial treatment is to clean the teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing, no matter how painful they may be, should be done. Saltwater rinses and hydrogen peroxide can be used to help with the infection in the gums. A dentist should also be allowed to clean the gums and teeth once they're no longer tender. If the condition advances significantly, other, more serious matters may need to be taken, such as the removal of permanently damaged tissues and teeth. Other tissues may need to be treated with antibiotics.

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