# trench mouth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/trench-mouth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, a severe bacterial infection of the gums, typically characterized by inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, necrotized tissue, pain, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and halitosis.

## Examples

- The dentist said he has trench mouth and needs strong medicine.
- You need antibiotics to treat a bad case of trench mouth.
- Trench mouth makes it very painful for you to swallow food.
- After weeks of poor dental hygiene and high stress, he developed painful trench mouth.
- The doctor explained that your extreme exhaustion and painful gums are likely signs of trench mouth caused by a weakened immune system.
- If you notice a foul taste and bleeding gums, you should see a specialist to check for trench mouth immediately.
- The soldier suffered from trench mouth, a severe gum infection that caused him significant pain and made it difficult to eat during the long campaign.

## Origin

Probably coined during World War I when the disease was common among soldiers in the trenches during trench warfare. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.