Most people don’t give their oral health much importance, which later leads to painful dental ailments, reports TOI.

Common bacterial infections Says aesthetic dental surgeon Dr Shantanu Jaradi, “The human mouth contains around 500 to 1,000 types of bacteria, which perform various functions. While some are harmful, most oral bacteria help prevent diseases.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common types of bacterial infection. These affect the gums and tooth-supporting structures. Adds dental surgeon Dr Karishma, “There are various types of oral infections, which can be bacterial, viral or fungal.”

The triggers Dental caries is mainly caused by a bacteria, which produces an acid that affects the enamel of the teeth. This happens due to improper or insufficient oral hygiene or wrong food habits. For example, excessive intake of sugar, etc.

“Gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by the build-up of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque), poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, underlying systemic conditions like diabetes, smoking, or a poor immune system. In Pericoronitis, gums around an erupting wisdom tooth may get infected due to bacterial colonisation in that region. Infection around an implant is known as peri implantitis and it’s causes are similar to those of periodontitis.

Traumatic tooth extraction or failure to follow post-extraction instructions may lead to it. It may also be triggered when the extraction site is unclean. Dry socket happens when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction socket,” says Dr Karishma.

Symptoms – Teeth sensitivity, lodging of food particles in the teeth and toothache are the most common symptoms of dental caries. – Periodontitis and gingivitis result in bleeding gums, soreness, bad breath, loose teeth, difficulty in chewing, etc. – Pericoronitis can be suspected when there is swelling of gums around the last molar in the lower jaw, pain and difficulty while opening and closing the mouth. In some cases, the pain extends to the ear. – Peri implantitis results in pain, loose implants, difficulty in chewing, etc. – Post-extraction infection or dry socket causes swelling, delayed healing, foul smell and severe pain.

How to avoid it “Regular brushing and flossing are the basic precautions. They will help get rid of the bacteria, which try to stick to the surface of our teeth to form plaque. Diet also influences oral health,” says Dr Shantanu. Adds Dr Karishma, “Avoid foods that have excessive sugar, use a fluoridated toothpaste, visit your dentist regularly, floss, use a waterpik (water flossers), maintain optimum blood sugar levels, quit smoking, get professional clean-ups done regularly and go for the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth if it is causing you repeated episodes of pericoronitis.”

Common oral bacterial infections are:
– Dental caries
– Periodontitis
– Gingivitis
– Pericoronitis
– Peri implantitis
– Post extraction infection/dry socket

Source: Viral News chart