A dental infection is a serious health condition that can cause permanent damage to the surrounding tissue and bone. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Let’s look at the causes of a dental infection.
Causes of a Dental Infection
Unfortunately, dental health issues are not always given the priority or attention that they deserve. In order to ensure that you can identify and receive treatment for a possible dental infection, we will go over some of the most common causes of dental infection and associated symptoms.
Poor Oral Healthcare
The American Dental Association (ADA) states that it is in our best interest to follow a strict dental hygiene regimen every day. Their recommendations for dental care include:
- Brushing at least twice per day for two minutes each time
- Flossing once per day, preferably with dental floss
- Rinsing once per day with mouthwash
- Visiting your dentist for routine dental care in Cerritos every six months
While it is still possible for someone to develop tooth decay, gum disease, or a serious dental infection, the risks are significantly lowered by following these recommendations.
For even better protection, the ADA suggests brushing your teeth every time you eat, but this approach is not always practical.
High Sugar Diet
A diet that is high in refined sugar or simple carbohydrates could increase your risk of developing an oral infection. Both break down into sugars, which can be consumed by bacteria in your mouth.
When these bacteria consume sugars, they release an acid as a byproduct. These bacteria and associated acids can irritate your gums and wear away the enamel on your teeth. Both can open you up to infection. A regular daily hygiene routine can reduce this risk.
Dry Mouth
Your saliva is a natural defense against bacteria and infection. Unfortunately, any condition that causes dry mouth reduces the amount of saliva that you naturally produce. These changes open you up to an increased risk of infection.
Normally, your saliva would neutralize some of the threats to your oral health in between brushings. With lowered saliva levels, your teeth and gums may be vulnerable in between brushings.
Smoking
Smoking has a number of negative health effects, and your oral health isn’t left out. And smoking makes you more likely to develop bacterial plaque, which can directly increase the risk of tooth decay, gum infection, and broader oral infection.
In addition to increasing the risk of developing bacterial plaque, smoking also decreases the oxygenation of your blood supply, including the blood supply to your gums. As a result, your gums are less able to heal when they sustain damage.
Some Health Conditions
There are certain health conditions that make you more susceptible to oral infection. While the list is rather long, common conditions that increase the risk of damage to the teeth and gums include:
- pregnancy
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- osteoporosis
- lung disease
- kidney disease
- arthritis
If you have any of these health conditions, then it is important to follow a strict, daily oral hygiene schedule. You will also want to discuss your other health conditions with your dentist to find a regular check-up schedule that will best protect your long-term health.
Signs of Oral Infection
The early signs of oral infection can be subtle. Increased sensitivity and some bleeding of the gums are common indications that you have a developing infection. As the infection becomes more serious you may notice growing pain and visible irritation.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should consult with your dentist to check for infection before it becomes an abscess or affects the bone. The good news is that a simple root canal in Cerritos is all that it will normally take to address the problem as long as you catch it early enough.
