Trench mouth natural history, complications, and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Trench mouth is a polymicrobial infection of the gums leading to inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration and necrotic gum tissue; there may also be fever. Untreated, the infection may lead to rapid destruction of the periodontium and can spread, as necrotizing stomatitis, into neighbouring tissues in the cheeks, lips or the bones of the jaw. The condition can occur and be especially dangerous in people with weakened immune systems.

Complications

• Dehydration
• Loss of teeth
• Pain
• Periodontitis
• Spread of infection

Prognosis

The infection usually responds to treatment. The disorder can be quite painful until it is treated. If trench mouth is untreated or treatment is delayed, the infection can spread to the cheeks, lips, or jawbone and destroy these tissues.