Oral Infections: Types, Causes and Treatment

There are a number of infections that can affect the mouth. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. With any condition, it’s important to contact your healthcare professional to get the right treatment to help your specific condition.

Chewing gum

Thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth. It is usually found on the lining of the mouth and tongue. It can also appear on the neck and other areas of your body.

When oral thrush occurs, symptoms include:

• Raised white lesions on (inner) cheeks and tongue
• Redness and pain in the mouth
• Cotton feel
• Loss of taste

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of it Candida or other fungi. It is diagnosed by physical examination and rarely requires a throat culture. It can be treated with antifungal drugs.

It is important to consult a health care provider to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Cavities

Cavity is common in both adults and children. It develops from tooth decay and forms a hole in the tooth. This happens when acids and bacteria in the mouth erode tooth enamel, or the hard outer layer.

To prevent tooth decay, it is important to have regular dental exams and cleanings, as well as to brush and floss properly and regularly.

Symptoms of a cavity include:

• Toothache
• Redness inside the mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or foods
• Bad breath

Cavity causes include eating too many sugary foods and drinks, as well as improper brushing and flossing.

Bacteria in the mouth are known to feed on foods that are high in sugar and starch, which turn into acids. The acids in turn will begin to erode the tooth enamel and create holes and cavities.

When a person has a cavity, treatment options include:

• Filling
• Endodontics
• Tooth extraction

If tooth decay is in its early stages, a remineralization treatment can help restore tooth enamel. This procedure involves fluoride treatments at the dentist. It may also require prescription mouthwash and toothpaste.

It is important to have regular checkups with the dentist to keep teeth healthy. Regular checks can also prevent potential problems in the future.

Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gingivitis. When the gums and bones that support the teeth become infected, they can become inflamed and red. They are also starting to move away from
bone and tooth structure. When this happens, teeth can become loose or fall out.

This condition occurs mostly in adults. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Tender, swollen or bleeding gums
• Loose and sensitive teeth
• Gums receding from the teeth
• Change in the application of dentures
• Bad breath or taste in the mouth

When plaque builds up in the mouth from bacteria that stays on the teeth for a long time, it will harden and become tartar. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line. When this happens, it makes it difficult to remove tartar and clean the teeth.

It is important to have a professional dentist clean the teeth, remove tartar and give the proper suggestions and treatment to help slow down the process/progression of periodontal disease.

Treatments for this condition include preventative measures such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at recommended appointment times.

Other treatments include:

• Prescription medications that can be placed directly under the gums or taken by mouth
• Deep cleaning of tooth surfaces and roots under the gums
• Surgery

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. This condition occurs when bacteria infect the gums, making them red, swollen and often bleed. Gingivitis is treated with regular dental checkups, brushing and flossing as recommended by a dental professional.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Pain when chewing food
• Red and swollen gums

Overall, having bacteria in the mouth is normal and safe. However, some bacteria can build up plaque, which can cause infection in the areas where the teeth meet the gums. is when gingivitis occurs. It can get worse when plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which is harder to remove from the teeth.

Treatment includes:

• Antimicrobial mouthwash
• A specific dental hygiene plan
• Scaling, a procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from under the gums and teeth

Certain conditions and lifestyle habits could increase your chances of developing gingivitis. These include:

• Diabetes
• Family history
• Smoking and other forms of tobacco use

Oral herpes

Oral herpes is an infection in the mouth area caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a person is infected with herpes, they will have the virus for life. It can lie dormant inside nerve cells.

Some people never develop symptoms and others may have periodic outbreaks. Symptoms include sores all over the mouth and around the lips.

The sores are known to be contagious, painful, fluid-filled blisters. Some of the symptoms can also mimic other conditions, so it is important to contact a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The signs and symptoms of a cold sore outbreak may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Herpagina

Herpagina is a contagious disease that causes ulcers and sores in the mouth.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Ulcers in the throat and mouth
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite

This condition is common among children between the ages of 3 and 10, although it has been known to occur at any age.

Treatments include:

• Ibuprofen
• The ice is cracking
• Fluid increase
• Avoiding acidic, spicy and citrus foods and drinks

There are also topical medications. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment and care.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can occur and spread through sexual contact with someone who has the condition.

If the infection is left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Damage to the brain, eyes and heart
• Mental health disorders
• Blindness
• Death

Symptoms depend on the stages. It usually starts as a small sore that is painless and then a bumpy rash may appear on the body (usually on the hands or soles of the feet or palms). Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, fever, sore throat, or fatigue.

If someone comes in contact with the rash accidentally or during sex, the infection can spread. Treatment includes antibiotics and preventive behavior.

It is important to talk to a health care professional to get proper treatment and education about the infection.

A word from Verywell

It is extremely important to contact a healthcare provider at the first appearance of any unusual lump, scar or pain. Oral infections can be extremely painful and can lead to other illnesses.

Regular checkups with your healthcare provider and/or dentist and a treatment plan can help with both preventative measures and effective treatment of the infection. Your healthcare professional can help you with the appropriate information and care needed for the specific condition you are experiencing.