Trench Mouth in Armageddon

Studying the history of societal upheavals—wars, economic collapses, etc.—and how they affected people can help to prepare us for the challenges we will face.  As the supply chain becomes further disrupted and people have difficulty sourcing even the most basic of medicines (lidocaine, OTC pain relievers, OTC cold medicines to name a few), we have to recognize that the time for learning and preparing is drawing to a close.

But there is still so much to learn.

The term trench mouth, also known as Vincent’s infection, originates from World War I, when soldiers fighting in the trenches for months on end had no access to dental care and poor dental hygiene habits.  Such as might happen again in a collapsed society.  Unfortunately, this problem common to young men fighting over 100 years ago isn't addressed in any of the common austere medicine texts.

Everyone who has ever watched American television knows about gingivitis.  “If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth with our toothpaste or product, you will get gingivitis!  Everyone will know and it will be so embarrassing!”  Something along those lines.

Gingivitis is basically an early form of gum disease marked by swollen, red gums that bleed easily when the teeth are brushed.  Bad breath is also very common.  Probably because anyone who has ever watched American television knows the symptoms and preventative treatment for gingivitis (brush for at least 2 minutes twice per day, floss every day, use antiseptic mouthwash if necessary), off-grid medical books do not reference gingivitis at all.  (Well, The Survival Medicine Handbook references gingivitis once—only to say if this common condition isn’t treated, infection may result.[1]

Trench mouth is the common name for what happens when gingivitis is untreated and progresses.  It will become quite common and caregivers need to know how to identify and treat it.  The following information comes directly from The Ship’s Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea.

Trench Mouth (Vincent’s Infection)

Vincent’s infection, a generalized infection of the gums, is more common in young and physically run-down individuals.  During the acute stage it is characterized by redness and bleeding of the gums.  Usually there is a film of grayish tissue around the teeth.  There is usually a very disagreeable odor and a foul metallic taste in the mouth.  The acute stage may be accompanied by a moderately high fever.  Lymph glands in the neck may be swollen.

Treatment

For Vincent’s infection a mouthwash of equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water should be prepared.  The patient should be instructed to swish the solution vigorously within the mouth several times a day, especially after meals.  A fresh solution must be prepared each time it is used.

The teeth and gums should be cleaned gently several times daily with cotton swabs moistened with the mouthwash solution.  When tolerated, a soft toothbrush may be used carefully.  Although often uncomfortable, cleaning the gums and teeth is an essential phase of treatment.

The patient should be advised to eat an adequate diet but avoid hot or spicy foods.  The fluid intake should be increased.

For pain, aspirin 600 mg should be given by mouth every three to four hours as needed.  If aspirin is not well tolerated by the patient, acetaminophen may be tried at the same dosage and frequency.  If the pain is not controlled by aspirin or acetaminophen alone, codeine sulfate 30 mg should be given by mouth with aspirin or acetaminophen.  To repeat the codeine sulfate, medical advice by radio should be obtained.

For infection, an initial dose of penicillin V potassium 500 mg should be given by mouth followed by 250 mg every six hours.  If the patient is allergic to penicillin, oral erythromycin should be given at the same dosage.  The patient should be kept on the antibiotic until at least four days after the fever has left.  He should be instructed to see a dentist at the earliest opportunity.[2]

Most everyone recognizes the importance of good dental hygiene practice—brushing and flossing—in preventing dental problems.  Make sure you have a great supply of toothbrushes (remember, most are made in China) and dental floss.  And be in the habit of using both.  (I know, I need to start flossing.  I know.  I’ve known it for years.  I figure I’ll start when we totally collapse.  Bad plan, I know.  We all have areas where we need to improve.)

Alternatives for treating gingivitis, in case you cannot locate hydrogen peroxide, include the following:

• Calendula (infusion to rinse mouth)
• Coconut oil (swish around in mouth for 2 minutes)
• Raspberry leaf (infusion to rinse mouth)
• Honey (no mention of how to use)[3]

Links to related posts:

Coconut Oil Health Uses  

Calendula 

Medicinal Uses of Honey  

Red Raspberry

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[1] Joseph Alton, Survival Medicine Handbook, 2013, 130.

[2] The Ship’s Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea, 1978, 153-54.

[3] Stephen Harrod Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics, 2012, 189-90.