Our Location:
Five blocks South of the
Lynnhaven Mall
Behind the Chick-Fil-A
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2010
Tags
- celebrity smiles (83)
- oral health (22)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- dental fillings (1)
- sleep apnea (2)
- cosmetic dentistry (10)
- smile makeover (2)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- braces (10)
- orthodontics (6)
- tads (1)
- Veneers (2)
- dental implants (16)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- Teeth (1)
- Virginia Beach (2)
- thumb sucking (2)
- pediatric dentistry (14)
- Partial Dentures (1)
- Tooth Replacement (3)
- Missing Teeth (3)
- diabetes (3)
- sealants (2)
- nutrition (3)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- bone grafting (3)
- oral hygiene (29)
- root canal (3)
- osteoporosis (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dental injury (8)
- teeth whitening (8)
- gum surgery (1)
- mouthguards (6)
- tooth pain (4)
- root canal treatment (8)
- oral cancer (1)
- dental injuries (2)
- tooth decay (8)
- baby teeth (2)
- dental implant (4)
- crowns (6)
- gummy smile (2)
- bridge (1)
- partial denture (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- bonding (1)
- crown lengthening (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- cancer (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (2)
- antibiotics (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- pediatric care (1)
- cold sore (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- gum disease (8)
- mouthguard (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- retainers (1)
- dental care (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- root resorption (1)
- bad breath (3)
- fluoride (2)
- sugar (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- fillings (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- toothache (1)
- x-ray (1)
- snoring (1)
- bruxism (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- GERD (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- flossing (1)
- extraction (1)
- gum recession (3)
- dry mouth (1)
- teething (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- retainer (2)
- lingual braces (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- pregnancy (1)

That bit of gum bleeding after you brush, along with redness and swelling, are strong signs you have gingivitis, a form of periodontal (gum) disease. Without treatment, though, your gingivitis could turn into something much more painful and unsightly — a condition commonly known as “trench mouth.”
Properly known as Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), the more colorful name arose from its frequent occurrence among soldiers during World War I. Although not contagious, many soldiers contracted it due to a lack of means to properly clean their teeth and gums and the anxiety associated with war. Inadequate hygiene and high stress still contribute to its occurrence today, along with smoking, medications that dry the mouth and reduced disease resistance — all of which create a perfect environment for bacterial growth.
ANUG can arise suddenly and be very painful. The cells in the gum tissue begin to die (“necrotizing”) and become swollen (“ulcerative”), especially the small triangle of gum tissue between the teeth called the papillae, which can appear yellowish. Patients also encounter a characteristic foul breath and taste. Untreated, ANUG can damage tissue and contribute to future tooth loss.
Fortunately, antibiotics and other treatments are quite effective in eradicating bacteria that cause the disease, so if caught early it’s completely reversible. We start with a complete examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes. We then attempt to relieve the pain and inflammation with non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen and begin antibiotic treatment, most notably Metronidazole or amoxicillin. We may also prescribe a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine and mild salt water rinses to further reduce the symptoms.
We must also treat any underlying gingivitis that gave rise to the more acute disease. Our goal here is remove any bacterial plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) that have built up on tooth surfaces, particularly below the gums. Only then can we fully bring the disease under control.
It’s also important you become more consistent and effective with daily brushing and flossing, quit smoking, reduce undue stress, and get better rest and nutrition. Establishing these new habits and lifestyle changes will help ensure you’ll never have to experience trench mouth again.
If you would like more information on ANUG and other periodontal gum conditions, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Painful Gums in Teens & Adults.”