Trench mouth medical therapy
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Supportive therapy for trench mouth includes analgesics and either salt water or hydrogen peroxide-based rinses. Antimicrobial therapy is indicated among patients with signs of systemic involvement.
Medical therapy
Treatment is by the simple reduction of the bacteria through improved oral cleaning and salt water or hydrogen peroxide-based rinses. Chlorhexidine or metronidazole can also be used in addition. The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and relieve symptoms. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever. Good oral hygiene is vital to the treatment of trench mouth. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly as often as possible, at least twice a day and preferably after each meal and at bedtime. Salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) may soothe sore gums. Hydrogen peroxide, used to rinse the gums, is often recommended to remove dead or dying gum tissue. Over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics) may reduce your discomfort. Soothing rinses or coating agents may reduce pain, especially before eating. Application of lidocaine to the gums for severe pain.
- Provide patient with specific oral hygiene instructions to use a prescription antibacterial mouthwash: Chlorhexidine 0.12% twice daily.[1]
Antimicrobial regimen
- For any signs of systemic involvement, the recommended antibiotics are:
- Preferred regimen: Amoxicillin, 250 mg 3 x daily for 7 days ± Metronidazole, 250 mg 3 x daily for 7 days