ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Trench mouth

Trench mouth is when the gums in your mouth get really sore and infected. It happens when lots of bacteria (tiny germs) grow in your mouth and make your gums angry.

When lots of bacteria grow in your mouth, they can make your gums bleed and hurt. This can make it hard for you to eat or brush your teeth. Sometimes, you might even get really bad breath or a funny taste in your mouth.

Trench mouth gets its name from a really long time ago when soldiers fighting in World War I would get this infection from living in dirty, muddy trenches. But today, you can get trench mouth from not taking good care of your teeth and gums.

If you think you have trench mouth, it's important to see your dentist. They can help you feel better and give you tips on how to keep your mouth healthy.
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