Trench mouth is a severe case of gingivitis.  Gingivitis is an infection and inflammation of the gums due to plaque build-up and bacteria.  However, if the gingivitis is left untreated, the bacteria grows out of control thus resulting in trench mouth.

Trench mouth was first diagnosed during World War I. During World War I, soldiers who were stuck fighting in the trenches were unable to maintain adequate oral hygiene thus resulting in gingivitis.  as their gingivitis worsened, the bacteria within their mouth grew out of control and developed into trench mouth. Trench mouth destroys and damages the delicate gum tissue that supports the teeth.  if the infection causing trench mouth is not cured the infection worsens, spreads, and causes large ulcers in the mouth.  these ulcers are filled with bacteria, food particles, and decaying gum tissue.  these ulcers also lead to severe pain in the mouth, ulcers in the mouth, as well as bad breath.

In the United States, there are not many cases of trench mouth.  However, trench mouth is very common in third world countries or new developing countries which have poor living conditions and poor nutrition.  For those in the United States that suffer from trench mouth it is commonly the result of poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and a lowered immune system.

For those that think they may be suffering from trench mouth, it is fairly easy to diagnose.  some of the most common signs and symptoms of trench mouth include:

• Severe gum pain
• Ulcers between the teeth and on the gums
• Bad breath
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Red and/or swollen gums
• Pain when eating and/or swallowing
• Gray film on the gums
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes around the head, neck, and/or jaw