8 Most Common Oral Infections You Should Look Out For

Even though most oral infections differ in their etymology and symptoms, they have a common course: Their damages and severity greatly increase with time. Below are some of the most common oral infections that may rob you of your smile and chewing comfort.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is characterized by localized gum inflammation; it does however not lead to loss of the bones that support the teeth. Common symptoms include erythema, as well bleeding and swollen gums observed during flossing or brushing. Pain is not so common with gingivitis, but there may be cases of halitosis. Observing oral hygiene including using mouth rinses containing essential oils and regular tooth brushing using antiseptic pastes can reverse gingivitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a dental disease characterized by loss of the supportive bone structure, usually caused by chronic cases of gingivitis. Chronic Periodontitis can result to the periodontal ligament being detached from the tooth.

Periodontitis can also be characterized by deep gum pockets that easily bleed when probed, receding gums and sub-gingival dental plaque. Periodontitis can be combated by mechanical debridement in conjunction with antibiotics.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay also referred to as cavities, is the most common dental disease a typical emergency dentist in Orlando deal with on a daily basis. Tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with starches or sugars found in most foods that we eat. This combination is what forms the acid that attacks the tooth enamel. Frequent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups is the best practice to deal with tooth decay.

Oral cancer

This is another very serious and quite deadly oral disease that plagues millions of people worldwide. Oral cancer affects the throat, mouth or lips. Cancer can be effectively treated if diagnosed in its early stages.

Mouth sores

They come in different sizes and shapes and can develop to be quite bothersome if not attended to in time. They are characterized by inflamed lips and sometimes gums. The most common mouth sores are canker sore, thrush, fever blisters, and ulcers. Mouth Sores are generally not a serious threat and don’t need to worry much about them unless they last for over two weeks.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth, also referred to as Xerostomia, is a condition characterized by drying of the mouth. It results in difficulty to eat, swallow, taste or speak. The dryness is caused by a failure of the salivary glands to work properly. Lucky enough, there are various treatments available in most of local dental clinics.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is essentially the feeling of pain or discomfort on the teeth as result of contact with cold air, hot drinks, sweets, cold drinks or ice cream. Tooth sensitivity can be experienced during flossing or brushing. There are kinds of toothpaste designed specifically for suppressing pain and discomfort such as Sensidine.

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is characterized by localized, acute infection caused by microorganisms and food particles trapped underneath the gingival flaps of impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth. Symptoms associated with Pericoronitis include limitation of jaw movement, localized pain, facial swelling, and discomfort on swallowing and chewing.

Good oral hygiene and removal of food particles are recommended as a remedy. In severe cases, you may want to make an urgent appointment with your local dentists. Most emergency dentist in Orlando, Florida for example, can squeeze you in to avoid the painstaking queues characterized by most dental clinics.