Oral infections can occur inside or outside the mouth and range from mild to serious. Gingivitis, periodontitis, oral warts, herpes simplex, and thrush are common types. Treatment options vary from professional teeth cleaning to surgery, antifungal or antibacterial mouth rinses, and laser or freezing treatments. Some infections can be contagious and may spread to other parts of the body.
An oral infection is one that affects the mouth. These infections can occur inside the mouth, as with gingivitis, or they can occur outside, as is often seen with herpes simplex. Some oral infections are mild and require only simple treatments. Others, however, can be quite serious and may even require surgery.
Gingivitis is an oral infection that often involves swollen and bleeding gums. The gums may begin to darken and appear purple or black. This infection can lead to serious problems such as tooth decay or jaw bone abscesses. Gingivitis is usually caused by bacteria that result from the buildup of plaque and tartar. Treatment generally involves professional teeth cleaning and the use of antibacterial mouthwashes.
Periodontitis is an oral infection that can occur when gingivitis is left untreated. This infection can cause teeth to fall out because the structures that support them are too weak. A person with this type of infection is also likely to have bad breath and discolored gums. May develop one or more abscesses in the gums. Treatment may involve tooth extraction and surgery.
Oral warts can occur when a person is infected with papillomavirus. The warts associated with this virus can appear all over the mouth and even in the throat. This oral infection can be contagious. It is also possible to infect the genitals if oral contact is made.
Treatment often involves using a laser to burn or freeze the warts. In some cases, they can be cut. While this may offer comfort or relief, there is still a chance that the warts will return later. This is because there is no cure for this virus.
Herpes simplex is another oral infection caused by a virus. Like oral warts, this infection can also spread to the genitals. Some people carry this infection but never show symptoms. Other people may develop blisters around the outside or inside of the mouth.
Many people who are infected with oral herpes and experience symptoms find that the symptoms tend to become less severe over time. There are medications available to treat these infections, but they only suppress the symptoms. They do not eliminate the virus from the body.
Thrush is an oral infection caused by yeast. Women are generally victims of yeast infections involving the genitals, but anyone, even babies, can suffer from thrush. This infection is often indicated by a white, pasty substance on the tongue or around the mouth. It can be caused by antibiotics or by performing oral intercourse on someone with a vaginal yeast infection. Antifungal mouth rinses are usually sufficient treatment.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
