Dental pain, swelling, or bleeding may indicate that your mouth gets infected. In fact, a bacterial mouth infection can also lead to various oral health issues. You can book an appointment at Health on 21’s Palm Beach medical clinic to get the proper diagnosis and help treat mouth infections. Remember that they should not be neglected, and urgent medical attention is necessary. Keep reading to learn more about common oral infections and what you can do to prevent them.
Common Oral Infection
Various infections can affect the tongue, mouth, and lips. Some people compliment their bacterial infection treatment with a cosmetic procedure, such as a dental facelift. However, whether you have viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, it is crucial to contact your doctor to seek appropriate treatment to help your particular condition.
Dental Caries
Dental caries, otherwise called cavities, are one of the most common oral infections. Usually, they are holes in your teeth that form from tooth decay. You tell you to have a cavity if you have:
- Redness inside the mouth
- Toothache
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks
Furthermore, the reasons for a cavity include consuming too many sugary foods and drinks and poor oral hygiene habits. Hence, get regular dental checkups and cleanings and brush and floss your teeth properly and consistently to prevent cavities.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease. It is a common oral infection in the gums that can lead to more severe gum disease. This early form happens when bacteria settle in the gumline and produce toxins. Because of this, you can have inflammation and swelling in the gums. However, the most common sign of gingivitis is bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth. Similar to cavities, proper oral hygiene can prevent gingivitis from happening. In fact, the health of your tooth and gums can also affect your eyes which is why mouth infections such as this should be managed thoughtfully.
Periodontal Disease
This condition is an advanced kind of gingivitis. When you have infected gums and bones that support the teeth, they can become red and swollen. As a matter of fact, periodontal disease can make your gums recede, exposing the structure of the bones and teeth. When this occurs, the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Loose and sensitive teeth
- Bad breath or taste in the mouth
- Tender swollen or bleeding gums
- Receding Gums
- Change in the fit of dentures
If you have a severe form of gum disease, professional dental deep cleaning is necessary. Know that only your dentist can help you decrease the progression of periodontal disease. Sometimes, a dentist may use periodontal laser therapy to prevent or stop the infection. Since bacteria that infect your mouth can affect surrounding tissues, including your eyes, treatment would differ. Though numerous great results from LASIK eye surgery, it would be best to ask your doctor if this method would treat the infections originating from your mouth.
Thrush
This fungal infection is often located in the lining of the tongue and mouth. It can likewise show up in the throat and in other parts of your body, such as your eyes. You can click here to learn more. In any case, here are the common symptoms of oral thrush.
- A cottony feeling
- Redness and pain in the mouth
- Loss of taste
- Raised white lesions on the inner cheeks and tongue
If you think you have this kind of infection, visit your doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
This condition is a viral infection in the mouth and other areas of the body. In fact, hand, foot, and mouth diseases usually target toddlers and school-aged children. Common symptoms of this disease include:
- Fever
- Painful, red, blister-like lesions on the gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
Usually, hand, foot, and mouth diseases disappear within three days. However, if your child’s symptoms worsen or the sore throat keeps them from drinking fluid, then it would be best to contact your doctor right away.
Canker Sores
Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores can be really annoying. However, they usually disappear within 10-14 days. In any case, typical symptoms of canker sores include:
- A tingling or burning sensation
- A painful sore or sores inside your mouth
- White or gray lesions in your mouth with a red edge or border
You can get over-the-counter medicine if you cannot tolerate the pain from a canker sore. However, canker sores typically heal by themselves without treatment.
Oral Herpes
Oral herpes occurs in the mouth because of the herpes simplex virus. When an individual is contaminated with herpes, they will have the infection for life. This is because this virus can lie within the nerve cells. Symptoms of oral herpes include:
- Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose. Know that the blisters are highly contagious.
- Initial redness, swelling, pain, or itching may develop in the affected area.
Some people may never develop symptoms, while others might have outbreaks occasionally. Also, other symptoms can mimic other medical problems. That is why always contact a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Prevention
There are a couple of ways to prevent getting an infection in your mouth and other parts of your body. These include:
- Keep your hands clean. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water. If this is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
- Make regular dental visits.
- Avoid sharing personal things such as toothbrushes and eating utensils.
Generally, mouth infections can be excruciating and can lead to other issues. Contacting your healthcare provider at the first onset of any unusual scar, bump, or pain is essential to get the necessary information and care for your condition. You can contact Lyndarum Dentist’s clinic in Epping today.
References:
Hygiene-related Diseases.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/dental_caries.html
Gingivitis.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453
Canker sores (mouth ulcers): Overview.
