An infection is what happens when one or more microorganisms (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans) attack healthy tissues in or on a host. Oral infection is the result of microorganisms establishing themselves in or on the mouth.
All of the infections that can occur in or on the parts of the mouth qualify as oral infections. From cold sores to cavities to gum disease to oral cancer, they’re all oral infections. Since only 1% of the human population avoids cavities, you’ve probably experienced oral infection at least once.
In today’s blog and next week’s blog, you’ll learn how to FIGHT oral infection proactively, which will reduce your risk of overall health problems. We’ll explore the following topics, so after reading this blog, stay tuned for next week’s continuation.
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- Symptoms of oral infection
- Types of oral infections
- Oral cancer facts
- Re-claiming good oral health
- Tips to prevent oral infection
- How to find professional help
Symptoms of Oral Infection
Your mouth is a complex system made up of hard tissues, bones of the jaws and teeth, as well as soft tissues, gums, tongue, interior of cheeks and throat, and the upper and lower palates. Therefore, if you experience abnormalities in the appearance or feel of any of these components, you should see Duncan dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK.
You might experience some of these symptoms if you have an oral infection:
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- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose permanent teeth
- Pain in the teeth, gums, or jaws
- Sores in or on the mouth, lips, or gums
- Sore or bleeding gums (when brushing teeth)
- Swollen gums, jaw, or lymph nodes
Types of Oral Infections
This list of oral infections is not comprehensive. Instead, these are some of the most common oral infections:
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- Tooth decay (AKA dental caries, cavities)
- Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis)
- Thrush (yeast infection on soft tissues)
- Canker or cold sores
- Oral herpes
- Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths)
- White tongue (oral papillae on tongue swell and trap food debris, and bacteria)
- Coxsackie and herpangina viruses (usually occur in children and causes blisters)
Oral Cancer
Approximately 54,540 new cases of oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed this year. About 11,580 people will die as a result of oral cancer this year. These cancers account for 3% of diagnosed cancers, annually. People over 40 are at greater risk, and men develop oral cancers twice as often as women.
Of course, smokers and tobacco users run a high risk of developing oral cancer. However, an untreated oral infection can also prompt the development of oral cancer at that site. Denture wearers whose dentures cause oral sores should see the dentist for relining and instructions to cure the sores.
The good news is, if you stop smoking and using tobacco now, you’ll reduce your risk. Other good news: 67% of people who develop oral cancer have a 5-year survival rate, overall.
The best way to survive oral cancer is to find and treat it early. Mouth sores that bleed easily and don’t heal over the course of 14 days should be screened by Dr. Bridges. You may need a biopsy to determine whether oral cancer is present.
At every dental exam, Dr. Bridges inspects the mouth for oral infection, as well as oral cancer. The exam is comfortable and quick. The dentist will bring your attention to any suspicious areas. That requires a biopsy.
We Want to Help
We welcome new patients of all ages. If you live in the Duncan, OK, area, call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges. He’ll make you feel welcome and respected, regardless of the state of your oral health. Dr. Bridges has helped many people overcome poor oral health to reclaim comfortable oral function and good oral health.
