All infections are caused by bacteria, and the mouth is full of microbes, both good and bad. In fact, it is bacteria that are responsible for cavities. So it’s not uncommon for patients to experience an oral infection. When they do, it’s important to contact a Duncan dentist right away. Symptoms may worsen and bacteria can spread, causing greater damage.
At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges treats a variety of oral infections. If your tooth is damaged, he offers state-of-the-art restorative dentistry to repair your smile and renew your bite and speech.
If you believe you may be suffering from an oral infection, contact our office today.
1. An Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus located in the gums near the tooth root. Abscesses often result because of untreated dental decay, though they can also develop due to injury. Symptoms can include pronounced pain, swelling, redness, bad breath, and a visible draining sore.
It’s important to seek treatment for an abscessed tooth right away. Otherwise, the infection could spread to your jaw or sinuses. It could even enter your bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis. Your dentist will first drain the sore. He may be able to save your tooth with root canal therapy, or you may need an extraction.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease is not only one of the most common types of oral infection. It’s one of the most common types of infection in general. In fact, gingivitis or periodontitis affects nearly half of all adults over age 30.
The condition develops when bacteria accumulate in the gums, causing bleeding and dental sensitivity. Over time, your gums could recede, and you could experience tooth loss. Treatment may consist of a general cleaning for mild gingivitis or a full scaling and root planing for more advanced cases.
3. Thrush
Thrush is an easily treatable fungal infection that most often affects babies and young children. Certain medications, pregnancy, and age also increase the risk of thrush. The oral infection causes white, creamy-looking sores inside the mouth, particularly on the tongue and insides of the cheeks.
Most cases of thrush can be diagnosed solely with a visual exam. The most common treatment is a prescription antifungal medication. Symptoms usually clear up in a week or two.
4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouse disease is a scary sounding name for a relatively harmless, though highly contagious, condition. It most often affects children under age 5. Symptoms include sores on the inside of the mouth, a rash on the palms and soles of the feet, and a fever.
There is no specific treatment for this type of infection, but it usually goes away on its own in a week to ten days. Make sure you or your child is drinking enough water and getting plenty of rest.
Contact Us If You Are Suffering the Symptoms of an Oral Infection
Though rare, mouth sores could also be signs of something more serious, like oral cancer. If you have any symptoms of an oral infection, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center right away.
Reach us online or call us at 580-255-4880.
