WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ORAL INFECTION?

Oral infection is when bacteria or other organisms invade either your teeth or gums. It can have very serious consequences. You need to understand that, left untreated, an oral infection can threaten your teeth, bones, and general health.

Oral infections may be the result of poor oral hygiene, of oral trauma, or a complication of oral surgery. Bacteria (or, in some cases, yeast) find a harborage in or near your teeth. A common harborage is a dental cavity, which allows these organisms to hide safely from your toothbrush and the damaging effects of your saliva. Another harborage can be at the gum line. If you have a gap at your gumline, bacteria can find shelter there and be safe from protection. Sometimes, bacteria can create its own harborage by secreting compounds that protect its colonies. When these secretions become hardened (what we describe as tartar), they allow bacteria to multiply.

As the bacteria multiply, they secrete acids that allow them to enlarge their home at the expense of your tissue, such as tooth, gum, and bone tissue. The result may be gum disease, a loss of teeth, and even damage to your jawbone. Infections can spread into other cavities, such as your sinuses and populate there. Eventually, they may spread to your bloodstream to form colonies elsewhere in your body.

To avoid the serious dental and general health effects of oral infection, make sure you have regular dental check-ups where we can detect infections in progress. Also, report to your dentist when you experience:

• Chronic bad breath
• Pain in your teeth and gums
• Swelling
• Redness of your mouth and face
• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting

This will help us to track down and treat any oral infections. We utilize OraFresh as part of our preventative treatment for oral infections.

If you are looking for information about or treatment of an oral infection in the Toronto area, please contact Chapnick Dental today to schedule an appointment.