Published on Sep 05, 2023 | 5:23 PM
Dental infections used to be a leading cause of death, with the mortality rate believed to be up to 40% until 1908. Thanks to advancements in medical care, dental infections are much less deadly today but still affect over one in five American adults having untreated infections, and 13% seeking dental care for infections. (1)
A catch-all term for common conditions that involve the mouth or oral cavity, dental infections refer to conditions like tooth infections and gum infections. When left untreated, each can result in dental abscesses, cavities, oral ulcers, and more. Over time, these infections can lead to symptoms like pain, inflammation, and difficulty eating, while also leading to various conditions that affect your quality of life.
Like other parts of the body, your mouth is a microbiome that supports microbes like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more. On a normal basis, these help us break down food, counteract harmful microbes that enter through the oral cavity, and keep the environment clean. (2) However, just as oral thrush is a result of an overgrowth of fungus in the mouth, a dental infection is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Such an imbalance of bacteria can have multiple sources, including:
While an uncomfortable prospect at first, everyone has naturally occurring bacteria in their mouths that naturally form. Alongside protozoa, archaea, fungi, and some viruses, bacteria naturally form due to your mouth both remaining in a wet environment and regularly featuring food particles. Each form in our saliva while also gaining entry through air, food, and liquids. (3) This is why it is important to seek treatment if you or a child get bitten by another, as it has a high chance of developing a skin infection.
While it is considered relatively low risk, oral sex can be the source of dental problems by either exacerbating a dental infection or by passing on a sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection. In addition to being transferred from the genitals, someone with an active gum or tooth infection can also run the risk of transferring the bacteria in their mouth to the genitals. (4) The most common STIs and STDs to be wary of can include:
Yes, it is possible to contract bacterial infections from someone's mouth, especially through close contact or activities that involve direct exchange of saliva. The mouth contains a diverse range of bacteria, some of which can be harmful to the oral microbiome outside of its own. Dental bacterial infections that can be transmitted through contact with someone's mouth include:
Dental infections can manifest with a range of symptoms, and the specific symptoms can vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Common symptoms of dental infections include:
Dental infections can encompass a range of conditions that involve bacterial or fungal infections affecting the teeth, gums, and surrounding oral tissues. Here are some common types of dental infections:
In the instance of directly identifying a dental infection, many medical providers catch dental infections through the initial consultation that can be conducted in person or online. The process will include:
In the instance that there is a suspicion of a dental infection, but the initial steps of increased focus to hygiene and antibiotics don’t work, a doctor will take further steps to identify the problem by doing the following:
A gum or tooth infection has symptoms that can be identified by untrained professionals. On top of pain, swelling, and sensitivity, those who suspect a dental infection should watch out for discharge from the gums, a gum near or on the pain, and a bad taste or odor coming from the mouth that seemingly is unaffected by dental care products.
Dental infections often develop over time, starting when a harmful bacteria gains entry into the gums, teeth, or other parts of the mouth. How long it takes to become noticeable depends on the person, their pain tolerance, and how fast the infection develops. In the case of a tooth abscess, for example, development varies based on several factors, but it then takes weeks to months to spread and invade other parts of the body. (11)
Yes, dental infections can be effectively treated and cured with appropriate dental care. The specific treatment approach depends on the type and severity of the infection. Here are some common treatments for dental infections:
While there are some over-the-counter products and home remedies that might offer temporary relief for mild dental discomfort, dealing with a dental infection on your own is generally not advisable. Dental infections can be complex and potentially lead to serious complications if not properly treated by a qualified dental professional.
When it comes to avoiding dental infections, CallonDoc recommends getting checked out on a regular basis by a local dentist. Doing so is your best bet at avoiding problems like cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease while remaining healthier for longer. If you do get a dental infection, reach out to our team today. We can get you a consultation and deliver to you or your nearest pharmacy the needed medications in the same day!
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
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