Understanding oral and bacterial infections
Understand the causes and treatments to effectively manage oral infections
Oral infections can be complex, often surfacing without obvious signs until they cause discomfort. Bacteria exploit even small vulnerabilities to cause these infections, which can affect your overall health and well-being. In some cases, untreated oral infections may lead to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis in the body. At Aspen Dental, we're committed to helping you understand and manage oral infections effectively, ensuring your oral health is well maintained.
What are oral infections?
Oral infections encompass conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, dental abscess and oral thrush. These dental issues often start small due to poor oral hygiene, lifestyle choices, or other health complications but can escalate if not promptly addressed.
The role of bacteria in oral health
Our mouths contain a diverse ecosystem of microbes that must stay balanced to prevent disease. When harmful bacteria overgrow, often due to plaque buildup, oral infections can occur. Regular dental hygiene and dental check-ups at your local Aspen Dental clinic are great ways to maintain this balance and protect your oral health.
Common types of oral bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can take various forms, and understanding what they are is the first step in properly addressing them.
Causes of bacterial infection in mouth and risk factors
Symptoms of oral and bacterial infections
Symptoms of oral infections vary based on the type of infection, but key signs include:
Treatment options for oral and bacterial infections
Fillings and crowns for dental caries
Scaling and root planing for gum disease
Antifungal medications for thrush
Antibiotics and their role in treating bacterial infections
Root canal or tooth extraction
Prevention and care strategies for managing oral infections
Preventing oral infections is vastly preferable to dealing with the consequences, and several methods can reduce the risks.
Recognizing when to see a dentist
Knowing when to seek professional dental care can prevent minor issues from worsening. While regular checkups are essential for preventive care, some symptoms require urgent attention.
Oral infections and bacterial infections FAQs
What bacteria cause infections in the mouth?
Common culprits include the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, as well as the yeast that causes oral thrush. Other bacteria include those commonly linked to staph infections and other dental issues. These organisms can lead to various oral health problems if not properly managed.
How do I know if I have a bacterial infection in my mouth?
Symptoms include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums that bleed, a constant bad taste, painful swelling or pus, and white or red patches inside the mouth.
What happens if an oral infection goes untreated?
Leaving oral infections untreated can lead to severe complications such as spread of the infection to other body parts, systemic infections, tooth loss, gum recession, and potential connections to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Preventing oral infections and baterial infections starts here
Adopting a thorough oral hygiene routine and keeping up with dental check-ups is crucial in preventing oral and bacterial infections and maintaining overall dental health.
The path to a healthier smile
A healthier smile is within reach with a proactive approach to oral health. By offering a wide range of dental services, with our experienced care team, Aspen Dental is dedicated to helping you achieve the best smile for you.