Trench mouth is a painful bacterial infection and ulceration of the gums (gingiva).

Trench mouth is a painful form of gingivitis (gum inflammation). The term "trench mouth" comes from World War I, when the disorder was common among soldiers.

The mouth normally contains a balance of different microorganisms. Trench mouth occurs when there is an overabundance of normal mouth bacteria resulting in infection of the gums, which develop painful ulcers. Viruses may be involved in allowing the bacteria to overgrow.

Risks include the following:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Throat, tooth or mouth infections
• Smoking
• Emotional stress

This disorder is rare. When it does occur, trench mouth most often affects adults younger than 35.

• Painful gums
• Profuse gum bleeding in response to any pressure or irritation
• Gums appear reddened and swollen
• Grayish film on the gums
• Crater-like ulcers between the teeth
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Bad breath

Note: Symptoms often begin suddenly.

The health care provider will look at your mouth for signs of trench mouth:

• Inflamed gums
• Destruction of gum tissue around the teeth
• Crater-like ulcers filled with plaque and food debris

There may be a gray film caused by decomposed gum tissue. Occasionally, there may be fever and swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck.

Dental x-rays or facial x-rays may be done to determine the severity of infection and tissue destruction.

This disease may also alter the results of a throat swab culture.