Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedTests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffDiagnosing trench mouth isn't complicated. Your dentist can usually detect the disease simply by examining your teeth and gums. Sometimes you may need dental X-rays or facial X-rays to determine the extent of the infection and tissue damage.
If it's not known why you developed trench mouth, your dentist will refer you to your primary care doctor for additional examinations or blood tests. This can help determine if you have any undiagnosed medical conditions, particularly HIV, that may have caused your trench mouth.