Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, also known as trench mouth, is a bacterial disease that affects the tissues within the mouth. This condition, which is associated with poor nutrition, is caused by overgrowth of the bacteria that normally populate the mouth. It is not known what causes this overgrowth of bacteria or how the bacteria break down the gum tissue within the mouth. Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis causes a number of oral symptoms.
Gums
Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis is primarily a disease of the gums. Patients with this condition will develop severe gum pain and may notice that their gums bleed after the application of very mild pressure. This is due to the inflammation as the body attempts to fight off the bacterial infections. Patients may also develop swollen or red gums, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The swelling of the gums can also result in intense pain when the patient is eating or swallowing. As the disease progresses, large craters can form in the gum tissue in between the teeth; these craters are due to the bacteria breaking down the gum tissue and are filled with food debris, dead gum cells and bacteria. Over time the roots of the teeth may become visible as the gums recede; the gums may also become covered by a thin gray film, which is actually dead tissue.
Breath and Taste
One of the characteristic symptoms of necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis is extremely foul smelling breath, the Merck Manual notes. This foul smelling breath is caused by the combination of bacteria and dead oral tissue and is often severe enough that it can cause doctors and dentists to immediately suspect the condition. Patients with necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis may also develop an unusual or foul taste in their mouth.
Immune Response
The hyperproliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity causes the immune system to respond to the infection. One result of this immune response is swollen lymph nodes, particularly the ones below the jaw and in the head and neck. As the immune system is activated, a mild fever may also result.
