Common Oral Infections
Five of the Most Common Oral Infections
Bacteria found in the mouth can cause a number of issues including tooth decay, infections, gum disease, and a number of other common oral infections in both adults and children. Even though these infections are sometimes unavoidable, it is important to know many of them are treatable and only last a few days, and they may even be preventable with a proper oral hygiene routine. With that being said, there are some more serious oral infections that may require long term, more advanced treatments. Here are five of the most common oral infections and what you need know about them.
- Gingivitis: There are a number of different kinds of bacteria that can cause gingivitis, which is a medical term for early gum disease. When these bacteria settle below the gum line, they can release toxins that can cause swelling, bleeding, and general pain. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition known as periodontal disease.
- Canker Sores: Canker sores occur when lesions are present on the gums or other tissue within the mouth. Dental professionals commonly refer to these lesions as aphthous ulcers, and they are most common in young children and teens. There is currently no clear cause for canker sores, but links have been made between canker sores and stress, food sensitivities, and hormones.
- Dental Caries: The primary result of tooth decay is dental caries (cavities), which is also one of the most common oral infections seen by dental professionals. In addition to being very common, dental caries are also the leading known cause of tooth loss in children under the age of 12.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease most commonly develops in school-aged children and toddlers, and this condition is generally caused by the virus called "Coxsackie A16." Patients usually begin with one to two days of a fever and sore throat, which is generally followed by the development of moderately painful blisters on the tongue and inside the cheeks as well as the buttocks, palms, and soles of the feet.
- Thrush: When the natural fungus called "Candida albicans" overgrows, it can cause thrush, and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics and radiation, can cause an outbreak. Curd-like, white plaques appear on the inner cheeks, tongue, back of the mouth, and the patient’s palate. This condition is most common in patients who are HIV positive.
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