Common Oral Infections

You need to take proper care of your oral health. Improper hygiene, vices, and physical contact are just some of the causes of the infections that can occur within the mouth. Being aware of what's going on with your mouth is one of the most important things to know. Tooth decay:

Also called dental carries or cavities. Imagine your teeth are disintegrating due to acids that are caused by bacteria. If you are experiencing pain while eating, or you notice pits on the tooth surface, the chances are you already have tooth decay. It may still be reversible if you catch it is time. Regular flossing and brushing along with dental cleanings and checkups can help prevent getting cavities.

Gingivitis: 

This is the baby brother of periodontitis, and if you let this one slide, you're going to probably going to regret it. Gingivitis is caused by plaque that becomes attached to your tooth surfaces. Regularly going to your dentist for a cleaning is important as they will remove the plaque for you. Better yet is practicing good oral hygiene, especially being sure to floss to make sure the areas your brush can't reach get properly cleaned. Don't ignore gingivitis as it could cause your teeth to fall out in the future. Five minutes a day is worth the investment for your health.

Gum Disease:

a.k.a. periodontal disease, this one makes your gums more inflamed than gingivitis and affects the tissue around your teeth. The tissue pulls away from the tooth leaving pockets where particles can get trapped, causing an infection. If you have ignored your gingivitis before, you'll need to be sure to visit your dentist immediately.

Cold Sores:

a.k.a. oral herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are names for every herpes infection that occur in your body. Oral herpes is a very visible infection that occurs on your face or in your mouth. If your lip starts itching or maybe you already have fever blisters, chances are good this is a cold sore. Cold sores may take two to four weeks to disappear. While the cold sore is present, you'll probably feel pinching-like pain in the affected area. Herpes will usually let itself show for a period of time with some active cases, but it will also decrease depending on severity. There are medicated creams that can help speed the process of healing the outbreak. Herpes is not limited to cold sores so watch out for unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and headaches as the first symptoms to be concerned about.                                                                                       

Taking care of your oral health is simple and easy. Brush after meals and before bed and floss once or twice a day. There are many electric toothbrushes that can help make this a light task. There are also many aids to make flossing less of a bother as well.

Having bad oral health is not something to be proud of and can cause far-reaching health issues. Start to change this pattern now, Call us at (281) 367-3685 in Woodlands , (281) 356-3351 in Pinehurst or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

Have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment? CLICK HERE or Call Us at (281) 367-3685