Trench Mouth: Just as Bad as it Sounds!
When it comes to oral health concerns, there are a number of different conditions and issues you need to watch out for. And while some are worse than others, according to Dr. David Malakov, a dentist known for providing the best gum graft surgery New York has to offer, sometimes gum infections get so bad that the only means of treatment involves surgically removing pieces of gum, and creating a graft in order to take its place. The bottom line is that while some are more severe than others, they are all a product of generally the same causes – poor oral hygiene. And while issues like enlarged gum pockets filled with bacteria can be treated with scaling and root planing, New York dentist David Malakov believes this condition might require a combination of nearly all procedures to treat. This devastating issue is known as trench mouth. Learn more about this extremely severe gum infection by reading below.
Trench mouth is a severe gum infection caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. It’s characterized by painful, bleeding gums and ulcers in the gums.Your mouth naturally contains a balance of healthy bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, poor dental hygiene can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Red, sensitive, and bleeding gums are symptoms of a condition known as gingivitis. Trench mouth is a rapidly progressing form of gingivitis. According to Dr. Malakov, can the best gum graft surgery New York patients suffering from trench foot will often need something this drastic. The term trench mouth can be traced back to World War I, when it was common for soldiers to experience severe gum problems because they didn’t have access to dental care while in battle. It’s formally known as:
· Vincent Stomatitis
· Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
· Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
Interestingly enough, similar to those who are in need of scaling and root planing, New York patients suffering from both gum pockets and trench mouth are generally teenagers and young adults. And although rare, its one of the most serious conditions around – often cases are found most commonly in third world countries and underdeveloped nations with poor living conditions. Trench mouth is caused by an infection of the gums due to the overabundance of harmful bacteria. If you have gingivitis, you’re already at a higher risk of developing this advanced infection.Trench mouth has also been linked to the following risk factors:
· Poor Oral Hygiene
· Poor Nutrition
· Smoking Stress
· A weakened Immune System
· Infections in the Mouth, Teeth, and Throat
· Diabetes
· HIV & AIDS
The infection worsens and damages gum tissue if it’s left untreated. This can lead to a host of problems, including ulcers and possible tooth loss.It’s important to recognize the symptoms of trench mouth so you can get timely treatment and prevent complications. In addition, trench mouth can cause the gum pockets to recede and largen, whilst filling with unwanted bacteria and furthering the infection, this means that treatment might have to include scaling and root planing New York dentist David Malakov will generally see how this effects the other symptoms and move forward with treatment from there. While the symptoms of trench mouth are similar to those of gingivitis, they tend to progress more rapidly.
Symptoms of trench mouth include:
· Bad Breath or a Bad Taste in My Mouth
· Bleeding caused by irritation or pressure while brushing or applying pressure.
· Crater-like ulcers in the mouth.
· Fatigue
· Fevers
· Reddish, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums
· Pain in the Gums
· A nasty grayish film on the gums.
Trench mouth can typically be cured in a matter of weeks with treatment. Treatment will include:
· Antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading further.
· Pain relievers
· Professional cleaning from a dental hygienist
· Proper ongoing oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly twice a day are important for controlling the symptoms of trench mouth. Warm salt water rinses and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can ease the pain of inflamed gums and also help remove dead tissue.It’s also recommended that you avoid smoking and eating hot or spicy foods while your gums heal. For more information on treating poor gum issues and to schedule an appointment for the best gum graft surgery New York has to offer, be sure to contact Dr. David Malakov today.