How your dentist in Romford can treat trench mouth
Trench mouth (acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis) is the most progressed form of gingivitis which is an advanced form of gum disease. Trench mouth is an infection that is characterised by the inflammation of your gums and the display of ulcers. When left untreated, trench mouth can harm and potentially kill your gum tissues and in severe cases extend into the neighbouring tissues for example in your cheeks, lips, and jawbones. Luckily, trench mouth is not a habitual dental issue we come face-to-face with at H Dental however we highly urge you to arrange an urgent appointment with your dentist Romford if you doubt whether you are exhibiting signs of trench mouth, so they can be attended to immediately.
What causes trench mouth?
Trench mouth is typically caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth; your mouth contains natural bacteria which is usually healthy, however when these bacteria come into contact with particles of sugar and starch from the foods and drinks you consume, they syndicate to create harmful acids which attack the outer surface of your teeth known as the enamel and gums. Moreover, poor oral hygiene can contribute to the production of harmful bacteria in your mouth which can cause your gums to become infected; infected gums can be characterised by turning red, swollen, and painful and your gums will bleed when you brush your teeth. Infected gums can also lead to tooth sensitivity, making it problematic to consume hot and cold foods and drinks. It is essential that you look out for any of these signs as trench mouth is able to progress quickly, so informing your dentist Romford will help to prevent irreversible effects such as tooth loss.
Other factors that can increase your possibility of developing trench mouth include suffering from gingivitis, poor nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV and AIDS.
Symptoms of trench mouth
There are many signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for which may suggest that you have trench mouth; as it is a rapidly developing disease, it is vital you get early treatment from your dentist Romford as the symptoms advance much quicker than standard gingivitis. Symptoms to pay precise attention to include bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, bad breath that does not go away, large ulcers in your mouth, red and swollen gums and the establishment of a grey film on top of the gums.
Diagnosis and treatment of trench mouth
Trench mouth is often diagnosed by your dentist at a routine appointment, which is why we highly encourage that you keep up with regular visits to your dentist. For a diagnosis of trench mouth, your dentist will check your lymph nodes for signs of inflammation and the inside of your mouth for any visible lesions. If these are present, the dentist will refer you for blood tests to check for the presence of any bacteria linked to trench mouth. It is important your dentist is aware of your medical history, particularly if you suffer from immunocompromising diseases such as HIV, AIDS or cancer as these increase your risk of getting trench mouth and the infection can become much more severe a lot quicker.
Fortunately, trench mouth can be treated quickly and requires minimal treatment regardless of how severe it is. The treatment involves completing a course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading into further tissues, painkillers to treat the pain and professional cleaning.