Confined to the trenches in World War I, soldiers were afflicted with a bacterial infection of the mouth and gum tissue. The illness was common enough in the trenches to be called trench mouth. At that time, gentian violet was a treatment option. According to the Mayo Clinic, gentian violet is still available today and is sold without a prescription.
What is Trench Mouth?
Rarely seen today, trench mouth is a nasty form of gingivitis. Scientific names for this disorder are, Vincent's stomatitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Known to begin suddenly, symptoms include gum pain and bleeding, pain when eating or swallowing, a gray film on the gums, ulcers on the gums and bad breath. The bacteria can lead to fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Causes
Bacteria causes trench mouth, but there are underlying factors that allow the bacteria to grow out of control, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you don't floss and brush on a regular basis you are making conditions favorable for bacteria to grow. Poor nutrition and emotional stress, common in soldiers, are factors in trench mouth. A compromised immune system can allow bacteria to grow. Reasons for immune system problems include HIV/AIDS and cancer.
What is Gentian Violet?
Derived from coal tar, gentian violet got its name from the pink violet color similar to gentian flowers. A topical medication, gentian violet has some antibacterial qualities, but it is actually classified as an anti-fungal. Gentian violet is used to treat fungal infections like thrush. Gentian violet is also a dye that is used to stain gram positive bacteria in laboratories. Developing fingerprints is another use.
History
Before the introduction of antibiotics, gentian violet was used as a treatment for trench mouth, which was more of a concern in the first half of the 20th century. However, according to a "Journal of the American Medical Association" article from 1938, doctors noted that gentian violet was not especially effective for trench mouth and was best used as an anti-fungal.
Considerations
If trench mouth makes an appearance today, gentian violet is never used for treatment. Good nutrition and regular dental care make it difficult for the bacteria to take hold in the mouth. Modern treatment of trench mouth is a course of antibiotics. After the infection clears, the dentist may want to do a type of deep cleaning called scaling. This eliminates tartar and areas where bacteria can hide. Trench mouth can damage the gum tissue, which may need surgery. Prevention is the best policy with trench mouth.
