oral infections

What Are the Most Common Oral Infections

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Time to read 7 min

Oral health is the condition of being healthy and free of diseases that limit the ability of a person to chew, bite and speak or smile. The most common oral infections are facial and mouth pain, teeth loss, teeth decay, oral infections and periodontal or gum disease, and throat and oral cancer.


No matter what age, the oral health of a person is essential for a person's overall health as well as the quality of life and even psychosocial well-being. But many people ignore it. The mouth can reveal signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infections.


Inadequate nutrition, poor oral hygiene habits, and cigarettes and alcohol use are typical risks for developing oral disease.

8 Most Common Oral Infections


Here are eight common types of mouth infections :


Cavities: Cavities, also known as dental caries, are caused by bacteria that produce acid that attacks the enamel of the teeth.


Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, a film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.


Cold sores: Cold sores are small, painful blisters that appear around the mouth, lips, or nose. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).


Thrush: Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. It can cause white patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks.

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  • Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the mouth as a result of an infection. It can be caused by a cavity, gum disease, or a foreign object lodged in the gums.
  • Oral herpes: Oral herpes is an infection of the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause small, painful blisters on the lips, tongue, and inside cheeks.
  • Bacterial infections: Bacteria can cause infections in the mouth, such as bacterial tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) or bacterial infection of the gums.
  • Oral cancer: Oral cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat. It can be caused by tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

It's important to practice good oral hygiene and use Great oral health naturally regularly to help prevent these infections.

What Bacteria Causes Oral Infections?


There are many types of bacteria that can cause oral infections. Some of the most common ones include Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria can cause infections such as tooth decay, gum disease, and abscesses. Other bacteria that may cause oral infections include Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth.


How Do I Know If I Have An Oral Infection?


Are you looking for what does an oral infection looks like? There are several signs that you may have an oral infection:


  • Pain: An oral infection can cause pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat.
  • Swelling: If you have an infection, you may notice swelling in your gums, tongue, or other areas of your mouth.
  • Redness: The infected area may be red or inflamed.
  • Bad breath: Oral infections can cause bad breath.
  • Difficulty swallowing: If you have an infection in your throat, you may have difficulty swallowing.
  • Changes in taste: An oral infection can cause changes in your sense of taste.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider or dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the infection.

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What Can Cause A Mouth Infection?


There are many different things that can cause a mouth infection. Some common problems include:


Bacteria: Many types of bacteria can cause infections in the mouth, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Neisseria.


Viruses: Viral infections, such as the flu or herpes simplex virus, can also cause infections in the mouth.


Fungi: Fungal infections, such as thrush, can affect the mouth.


Allergies: Allergic reactions to certain foods or substances can cause swelling and redness in the mouth.


Trauma: Injuries to the mouth, such as cuts or abrasions, can lead to infections if they become infected.


Dry mouth: Saliva helps to keep the mouth clean and moist, so a lack of saliva (a condition known as dry mouth) can increase the risk of infections.


Poor oral hygiene: If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, food particles and bacteria can build up in your mouth, leading to infections.

What Happens If A Mouth Infection Goes Untreated?


If a mouth infection goes untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause more serious health problems. For example, a tooth infection can spread to the jaw and face, leading to abscesses and cellulitis. A gum infection can spread to the neck and head, leading to osteomyelitis (a bone infection) or sepsis (a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream). An untreated throat infection can spread to the ears, causing middle ear infections. It is important to see a dentist or adopt good oral hygiene if you suspect that you have a mouth infection so that it can be treated appropriately.


How Long Does It Take To Heal A Mouth Infection?


It can take several days to a week or more for a mouth infection to heal, depending on the cause and the severity of the infection. In some cases, a mouth infection may resolve on its own, while in other cases, treatment with proper oral health care may be necessary. If you have a mouth infection, it is important to follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor or dentist to ensure that the infection is fully resolved. If you are experiencing severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately, as these may be signs of a more serious infection that requires immediate treatment. You can use Great oral health toothpaste or mouthwash to get an infection-free mouth.


There are several signs that you may have an oral infection:


  • Pain: An oral infection can cause pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat.
  • Swelling: If you have an infection, you may notice swelling in your gums, tongue, or other areas of your mouth.
  • Redness: The infected area may be red or inflamed.
  • Bad breath: Oral infections can cause bad breath.
  • Difficulty swallowing: If you have an infection in your throat, you may have difficulty swallowing.
  • Changes in taste: An oral infection can cause changes in your sense of taste.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider or dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the infection.


Related Blogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Effective bad breath remedies include:

Gentle and regular scraping of the tongue

Regular oral care practices such as daily brushing and flossing

Professional deep cleanings and plaque removal

The ongoing use of oral probiotics.

How Probiotics Work To Control Bad Breath

One, the probiotics compete with the existing bad bacteria and reduce their presence by “crowding them out”

Two, the probiotics produce BLIS or “bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances” which is a technical way of stating that one probiotic strain (bacteria) can produce a substance that inhibits or kills off other bacteria. Three, by working to control gingivitis, gum disease and tooth decay these probiotics reduce the very sources of bacteria-generated odors in the mouth.

How Do Oral Probiotics Work to Fight Tooth Decay?

  • First, oral probiotics can break into and colonize your mouth's biofilm, replacing the "bad" bacteria with good.
  • Second, the beneficial oral probiotics compete against the bad bacteria. In effect they crowd out the "bad" bacteria by establishing themselves in the limited space of the biofilm.
  • Third, now, with a lower volume of S. Mutans, and other acid-forming bacteria, the teeth and gums are not under the constant, disintegrating attack of acids.
  • Fourth, at the same time, the oral probiotics are producing alkaline byproducts. This action not only reduces the acids but inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria as they thrive in acidic environments.
  • Fifth, as a part of the biofilm, the oral probiotics are able to make their way into those difficult to reach deep areas of the teeth and gums. Once there they can continuously work, 24/7, to create a balanced environment that inhibits tooth decay and gum disease while promoting the healing process.

How do Oral Probiotics Help Against Gum Disease?

  • First, our oral probiotics are chosen for their ability to penetrate into and to colonize within the biofilm (plaque) and to survive in the oral environment
  • Second, these oral probiotics have the ability to successfully compete against the harmful bacteria. There are limited resources in the biofilm and with more beneficial bacteria present then fewer harmful bacteria can exist
  • Third, it is not the presence of plaque that is so much the problem, it is the acids and toxins produced by certain bacteria that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Fewer harmful bacteria in the plaque=lowered toxins and acids
  • Fourth, our oral probiotics improve your mouth's pH balance. This has the effect of reducing acid levels and establishes a pH level that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
  • Fifth, unlike brushing or flossing our oral probiotics work their way into those difficult to reach "hideout" zones and so they will work “around the clock” and not just when you brush or floss

Studies have shown a clear reduction in plaque levels and gingivitis symptoms when oral probiotics were administered to patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.