How to Recognize and Treat Oral Infections: Expert Advice From an Ashburn, VA Dentist
Find out how to identify oral infections and cavities between teeth and how your dentist can treat them. Read our guide for tips to regain your healthy smile.
According to the CDC, around 90% of adults between 20 and 64 have had at least one cavity. About a quarter of this population also currently have one cavity.
Dental cavities are holes that form when bacteria in the mouth attack the teeth and cause decay. They usually develop on tooth surfaces, but cavities between teeth can also occur. Left untreated, they can lead to more serious oral infections, pain, and tooth loss.
For those reasons, it pays to know how to spot the signs of such oral diseases. By recognizing their early symptoms, you can seek immediate help and treatment from your dentist in Ashburn, VA.
The Simply Smiles team has compiled this guide to help you with their identification and shared dental health tips, so please read on.
Cavities Between Teeth
When cavities develop on the visible surfaces of the teeth, they appear as holes with brown or black markings. However, they can be more challenging to see if they're between the teeth.
If you experience the following, you may have cavities between your teeth:
- Sensitive tooth
- Pain whenever you bite down
- Throbbing pain
- Pus formation
Treatment
As BBC Science Focus points out, tooth enamel is the hardest biological material, with its hardness exceeding steel's! However, it's also brittle.
Cavities can make the enamel's brittleness more apparent. The decay can weaken the enamel so much that the tooth can break or chip.
If you break or chip your tooth (whether due to decay, cavities, or accidents), please don't delay going to an emergency dentist in Ashburn, VA. Your dentist may still be able to save the damaged tooth without having to extract it. Depending on the cause, your dentist may have to perform root canal therapy and preserve the natural tooth with treatments like a dental crown, veneer, or bridge.
If you have cavities between your teeth that aren't broken or chipped, your dentist in Ashburn, VA, will remove the decayed sections. They will then thoroughly clean and disinfect the areas. Finally, they'll seal the holes with tooth-colored dental fillings.
Prevention
While cavities are prevalent, they're also preventable with optimal dental hygienepractices. Flossing and brushing your teeth twice every day can minimize plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that attack the enamel, so you don't want this sticky film on your teeth.
It's also ideal to visit your dentist for preventive measures once every six months. During these checkups, your dentist will:
- Thoroughly clean your teeth and gums
- Examine your pearly whites for decay
- Address issues before they turn into cavities
Gum Disease
Gum disease affects 42% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older. It's among the most common oral infections that are easily preventable.
Like cavities, gum disease can develop due to overconsumption of sugary, starchy foods and drinks. It can also result from untreated cavities and, just like with tooth decay, poor brushing and flossing habits. Fortunately, gum disease is also preventable with optimal oral hygiene practices.
Gum disease presents itself in four stages, the symptoms of which differ.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and causes symptoms like gum swelling, bleeding, and soreness. However, at this point, the infection hasn't caused bone loss yet.
Your dental team in Ashburn, VA, can still reverse and treat gum disease at this stage if you go in for a dental checkup and professional cleaning as soon as possible.
Mild Periodontitis
At this second stage of gum disease, the bacteria have already invaded the area under the gums. The bacterial infection can start affecting the supporting bone and cause the gums to recede or pull away from the teeth.
Plaque and bacteria can hide in the pockets caused by gum recession, making it more difficult for your toothbrush and floss to clean your teeth and gums properly. As a result, you may develop bad breath (halitosis) and an unpleasant taste in the mouth that never seems to disappear.
Moderate Periodontitis
Left untreated, mild periodontitis can progress to moderate periodontitis. During this stage, the bacterial infection can break down the ligaments, soft tissues, and bones supporting and securing the teeth.
Pus and worsening halitosis are common signs, and in some people, chronic or lasting pain. If you experience and identify dental issues like these, please take them as signs of dental emergencies.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the fourth and worst stage of gum disease, causing even more bone loss. It can cause more mouth pain, your gums may appear red or purple, and your teeth can become looser and shift around. Eventually, the teeth may fall out, and at this point, you will likely also need an emergency dentistry appointment.
Treatment for Periodontitis
Your dental team will thoroughly clean the pockets that have formed due to gum disease using procedures like scaling and root planing. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. For more severe cases, surgical options like flap surgery and soft tissue/bone grafts may already be in order.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is an infection caused by the candida fungus. Babies, toddlers, older people, and those with compromised immune systems are more prone to developing this oral infection. However, it can happen to anyone.
If you notice the following, you may have oral thrush:
- Red or white patches on the tongue, inside the mouth, and on the back of the throat
- Raised white sections that resemble cottage cheese
- Mouth dryness
- Cracking and redness affecting the corners of the mouth
- Loss of taste
If you suspect you have oral thrush, please visit your dentist in Ashburn, VA. They can
diagnose your condition accurately and develop a targeted treatment plan. For instance, they may prescribe antifungal mouth rinses, oral tablets, and lozenges.
Prevent Cavities and Oral Infections
Remember: Cavities between teeth and oral infections can cause pain and tooth loss. The good news is that you can prevent them with proper oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist.
If you're experiencing signs and symptoms of cavities or oral infections, our team and highly experienced dentist at Simply Smiles in Ashburn, VA, can help. Dr. Aman Sabharwal is a respected member of the dental community who provides preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.
Schedule an appointment with our dental office today so we can help you achieve optimal oral health!
