TRENCH MOUTH

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160735, 23 August 1920, Page 6

TRENCH MOUTH

ITS HISTORY, NOT FROM FRANCE. Some items of interest concerning “trench mouth” were divulged to an Auckland Star reporter by an Auckland dentist, who has had much to do with tho treatment of this disease. Trench mouth, he said, was not, as was commonly supposed, introduced from France during the war, but, on the contrary, was known twenty years ago in epidemic form, although then bacteriologically obscure. He himself had treated four cases prior to the war. The proper designation of the disease was that of “Vincent’s Disease.” It has often been conconfusecl with pyorrhea, which is, however, a chronic disease, whereas “trench mouth” is acute and runs its course in a few weeks. It moreover yields very readily to treatment. : The infection of this disease, which is more often found.in. men and children than ■in women, is generally brought about by a run-down condition. It is prevalent among men who are in the habit of indulging in excessive use of alcohol and tobacco, which has an irritating effect on the membranes of the mouth and thus renders them liable to infection. Tho disease is distinguished by an ulceration of the gums, which spreads to the mucuous membranes of tho month and throat, accompanied with considerable soreness of the glands and the neck. As a measure of prevention, good health and abstinence from the excessive use of alcohol and tobacco is necessary. The mouth should bo kept thoroughly clean and tho use of a mild anti-septic mouth-wash is advisable. Where” tho disease has developed to any great extenf, professional treatment should be sought. With regard to tlie prevalence of “trench mouth,” it was learned that’'considering the infections nature of the disease it was very rare.