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Warning-sign checks

Trench mouth: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if swelling makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, if saliva cannot be swallowed, or if you become confused, faint, or severely unwell.

    These signs can occur with a spreading infection and need immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a prompt dental assessment if you have sudden severe gum pain, spontaneous bleeding, crater-like ulcers, dead-looking tissue, or strong bad breath with painful gums.

    Do not wait for a routine checkup if symptoms are worsening.

    Seek urgent same-day dental or medical care if you have:

    • Fever or marked tiredness with the mouth symptoms
    • Swelling spreading into the cheek, jaw, or neck
    • Increasing difficulty opening your mouth
    • An inability to eat or drink enough
    • Symptoms while your immune system is significantly weakened
    • Symptoms that worsen despite treatment
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is still important after symptoms improve.

    Keep the dental appointments arranged for further cleaning, assessment of healing, and management of factors that may cause the condition to return.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Trench mouth. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.