TRENCH MOUTH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 June 1938, Page 10

TRENCH MOUTH

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC. (Contributed by the Department of Health). Vincent’s angina (Trench mouth) is an infection caused by the association of the specific organisms. It manifests itself chiefly in the mouth and throat. A local symtom may be pain and constitutional reactions may be absent. Sometimes there is moderate fever. In the commonest form a false membrane is found which looks very like diphtheria; it often leads to bleeding when it is removed, and has a very offensive smell. The condition also occurs as ulceration of tonsils oi - gums, more particularly if they are septic or if there are septic teeth or stumps present. Many cases of pyorrhoea with deep-seated cavities are really due to Vincent’s disease. It was common amongst the troops during the Great War. being known as Trench mouth. The infection spreads rapidly, and by direct and indirect contact, so that it may be epidemic among school children and groups of young children. It may be mistaken for diphtheria. PRECAUTIONS. It is more often found in those who have unclean mouths, faulty fillings

and other sources of irritation. The infection is spread mainly directly, but occasionally indirectly. Eating utensils, towels, drinking cups, personal articles and kissing are all operative. The infection is apt to spread among those who live, work and play together. Crowding favours epidemics. The first principle of prevention is to keep the mouth in a clean, healthy condition. Carriers should be discovered and given prompt dental treatment. No decayed teeth or broken down roots should be allowed to remain. The mouth should be thoroughly cleansed by the use of a toothbrush and dental preparation such as weak salt solution of half a teaspoonful to a teacup of water. It is possible for a clean riiouth to become infected, but healthy gums and mucous membrane are resistant. If the condition is suspected expert advice should immediately be sought. There is a feeling that proper nutrition is prophylactic for many cases of Vincent’s angina have mulnutrition as an underlying condition.

Vincent’s angina is often characterised by inflammation of the gums, especially that portion which borders the neck of the teeth. Among the clinical signs are pain, ulceration, and . fetid breath. The condition needs skilled and immediate attention and extreme care should be taken to prevent its spread to others. A high standard of dental care should always be observed in the interest of personal health and prevention of such a disease as Vincent’s angina.