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Causes of Trench Mouth Disease
The cause of trench mouth (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis or ANUG) is the abnormal overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, resulting in severe infection of the gums.
Micro-organisms that cause the trench mouth are mainly anaerobes, including Bacteroides and Fusobacterium and spirochetes.
Some researches mention as cause of ANUG the combination of the Bacillus Fusiformis and the spirochete (Borrelia vincentii).
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A variety of micro-organisms, including fungi, viruses and bacteria, normally exist harmlessly in every human mouth.
Their population is auto-regulated as they compete with each other.
External factors that disturb the balance between the various micro-organisms of the mouth,
may allow to some of the harmful bacteria to grow out of control.
This overgrowth causes a painful infection of the gums, which can seriously damage or destroy the periodontal tissues
that support the teeth (periodontal ligament and gums).
Several factors can increase the risk of developing trench mouth by disrupting the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth :
Poor oral hygiene, that allows the build-up of dental plaque on the gums, usually contributes to the development of trench mouth.
Mouth or tooth infections, such as an existing untreated gingivitis can easily progress into trench mouth disease.
Poor nutrition reduces the ability of the body to fight the infection.
Weakened immune system due to other conditions like AIDS or cancer, also favors the development of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis.
Other factors contributing to ANUG include:
Smoking or chewing tobacco.
Emotional stress.
Lack of sleep
Treatment of Trench Mouth (ANUG)
Treatment of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis attempts to stop the infection, relieve the symptoms and restore the damaged gum tissue.
Medications. Dentists often prescribe antibiotics for ANUG treatment, in order to fight the bacterial growth and prevent infection from spreading.
Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers are also recommended, especially if the patient can not brush
or floss teeth because of the pain of the gums.
Professional dental cleaning. A gentle cleaning of teeth and gums by the dentist is usually the first step in the treatment of trench mouth.
The dentist will also remove any dead gum tissue. As soon as the pain is reduced the dentist will perform a more thorough cleaning procedure called tooth scaling and root planing. This procedure removes dental plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline and smooths any rough surfaces of the teeth roots.
Oral hygiene. Following a proper daily oral hygiene routine is essential for the treatment of trench mouth.
Teeth should be brushed gently with a soft toothbrush at least twice a day after very meal and flossed at least once a day.
If the gums feel very painful for brushing, an antiseptic mouthwash may be used for a few days for the home treatment of ANUG, until the pain subsides enough to allow brushing and flossing. Salt water rinses and hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes can also help soothe the pain of sore gums.
Gum surgery. If the damage to the gums is extensive, dental cleaning and oral hygiene may not be enough to restore the gum tissues.
In this case, the ANUG treatment involves gum surgery (periodontal surgery) in order to restore the normal shape of the gums.
It is recommended that during ANUG treatment, any cause of irritation to the gums, such as smoking or eating spicy foods and drinking alcohol, should be avoided.
Treatment of trench mouth with regular brushing and flossing, professional tooth cleaning and antibiotics is generally effective.
In mild cases of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis complete healing is expected in a couple of weeks.
Prevention of Trench Mouth
Prevention of trench mouth disease is based on maintaining good oral health, good nutrition and good overall health habits.
Practice good oral hygiene. Do not forget to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and especially after every meal.
Visit your dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings.
Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco products are a leading factor in the development of trench mouth.
Eat a healthy diet. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables. whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy foods.
Reduce stress. Learn some relaxation techniques and exercise.
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis is a severe but easily preventable disease, if you follow a proper daily oral hygiene routine.
Related pages :
What is Trench Mouth (ANUG)- Signs & Symptoms
Gum Disease - Gingivitis & Periodontitis
Oral Hygiene
Dental Problems (main page)
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Dental complications related with Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis may require expensive treatments.
Get the best dental insurance you can afford,
so that you will not have to worry about the cost of a necessary treatment.
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Do not let your dental insurance take the decisions for you.
Learn what you have to check before you choose a dental insurance.
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