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.
Possible Complications
- Dehydration
- Loss of teeth
- Pain
- Periodontitis
- Spread of infection