Everything You Need to Know About Oral Infections and How to Treat Them

There are many problems that can begin with an oral infection. Whether it’s cancer or a cavity, an oral infection can range from something that’s quickly treatable to something that could kill you. In many cases, oral infections are signs of deeper, more serious issues, but some are entirely preventable if you take good care of your teeth and get regular dental cleanings and exams. Others are more serious but are most easily treated when found early by your dentist.

Read on to learn the basics about oral infections. If you have reason to believe that you’re suffering from any of these issues then we recommend you contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Six common oral infections

There are many potential kinds of oral infections but there are six that are much more common than others:

1. Cavities. About 90% of people will have a cavity at some point in their lives.
2. Gum disease. There are many risk factors for gum disease, such as smoking, genetics, certain medications, and diabetes. When found early, gum disease is generally easy to treat. If it’s not found early and is allowed to progress to periodontal disease, then it can lead to tooth loss.
3. Bad breath. Sometimes bad breath is just the result of having eaten foods like garlic and onions, but other times it’s the result of infection.
4. Canker sores. Technically called “aphthous ulcers,” canker stores are lesions found on the gum and cheeks. Stress and immune problems are just two of the common causes of canker sores.
5. Oral herpes. One study shows that anywhere from half to 80% of Americans have oral herpes.
6. Oral cancer. Smokers and tobacco chewers are at much greater risk of getting oral cancer, as are people who drink alcohol excessively.

3 steps to preventing oral infections

In some cases, the chances of getting oral infections can be affected by the choices made on a daily basis. By making minor changes to your lifestyle, you could be greatly decreasing your chances of coming down with an oral infection. These steps are:

1. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily.
2. Eating fruits, veggies, and whole grains while avoiding cigarettes, having minimal alcohol, and eliminating or cutting out sugar.
3. Getting your teeth cleaned and examined at least twice a year.

Not all oral infections can be prevented but some can and those that can be prevented are much less likely to pop up if you follow the three steps above.

If you’re worried about the best way to treat your oral infections, or if you’re worried about something you’ve noticed in your mouth then we encourage you to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a California dentist. We can help ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.