The oral bacteria living in our mouths present both helpful and harmful qualities to our overall well-being. When proper oral hygiene is neglected, the damaging bacteria can further develop, leading to viruses, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral as well as overall body infections if not properly cared for by a dental professional.
Below are a few of the most common dental infections, their causes, and the impact they can have on your oral and overall health.
Dental Caries (Cavities)
Dental caries is the medical name for tooth decay or cavities. It is caused by specific bacteria that produce acid which destroys tooth enamel and the underlying dentin beneath it. These bacteria build up on the surfaces of teeth in a sticky film known as plaque. This film contains saliva, left-over food particles and other natural substances.
The microbes turn the sugar and carbohydrates that are found in the food we eat into destructive acid. These acids dissolve minerals in the strong enamel that protects the integrity of the tooth. The affected enamel erodes and develops pits, which are too small to see at first but grow larger over time.
Acid substances can also seep through pores in the enamel, which is how decay begins in the main body of the tooth. As enamel and dentin break down, a cavity is created.
If decay is left untreated, it can cause debilitating pain in the tooth leading to impaired quality of life as concentration and sleep are often impacted. The cavity can also cause the tooth to abscess leading to an infection.
Dental Abscess
When you experience dental irritation or injury, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause infection. Often, you will see painful swelling filled with bacterial liquid around the affected area. If the substance is unable to drain out, the site will become more swollen and painful. This situation is known as a dental abscess. The abscess develops when it creates a barrier around the dental infection.
If the situation is not properly treated, it can damage the surrounding teeth and bone. Sometimes, an abscess that isn’t addressed can form a fluid-filled bubble, or cyst, in the jawbone. If the affected tooth is severely broken down and can’t be saved, the cyst may be able to come out when the tooth is extracted. If the tooth can be saved, you will need a root canal procedure to remove the rest of the infection.
If left to further progress, the infection that causes an abscess can spread and lead to serious health problems.
Gingivitis
the most common and mild form of gum disease, gingivitis is also the first stage of periodontal complications. It causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gums. The typical cause for developing gingivitis is poor oral hygiene which encourages plaque to form on teeth. This plaque can harden under the gum line into tartar which collects more harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, this calculus cannot be removed by at-home oral care.
Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone, developing the more advanced periodontitis, a condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease
The bacteria found in dental plaque causes the more advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis. Ironically, it is our body’s response to the bacterial infection that causes most of the problems. To eliminate the harmful microbes, the cells of your immune system release substances that cause inflammation and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
Staying diligent on your oral hygiene as well as visiting your dental professional every six months or more can prevent gum disease from forming altogether. Daily brushing and flossing, when done properly, help effectively remove most plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings by your trusted dental team will keep plaque under control in places that are hard for brushing and flossing to reach.
At Ridgeway dental, our dentists, Dr. Jonathan and David Jacobs believe long-lasting, beautiful smiles begin with optimal oral health practices and patient education. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today to schedule your oral health consultation!