The oral cavity is a place with ideal conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen concentration, nutrients, etc.) for the life of micro-organisms.
In fact, the oral microbiota is one of the microbial ecosystems first discovered by science, back in 1863, and is home to more than 600 different species of bacteria, although most of them do not cause any kind of pathology.
However, a high number of some of them influence the onset of different diseases and I will talk about them today in this new entry in our blog.
Come with me on this journey through the oral infections most common diseases that a human being can suffer:
CARIES
Clearly, this being a dental clinicOne of the first infections we have to treat is one of the most common, persistent and well known, caries. The caries are nothing more than lesions produced by the action of acids produced by oral bacteria, primarily streptococcus mutanswhich destroy the tissues of the tooth.
These bacteria can affect both primary (or baby) teeth and permanent teeth and can appear in the following cases at any age. In addition, they can appear on any surface of the anatomy of these teeth.
The best way to prevent caries is to maintain proper oral hygiene and have regular check-ups at the dental clinic. Depending on the size of the lesions caused by caries, different treatments may be necessary, from obturations (known as fillings) to extractions, including endodontics.
GINGIVITIS
What we know as gingivitis is nothing more than the initial stage of gingivitis. periodontal diseaseIt is characterised by inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums. It is caused by the action of bacteria present in dental plaque and tartar. The treatment needed to reverse the problem is the tartrectomy or dental hygiene in the clinic and improve daily hygiene habits.
PERIODONTITIS
This is the most advanced stage of periodontal disease. It is an inflammatory condition of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by bacteria that lead to progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and bone surrounding the teeth, usually the gingiva. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis y Tannarella forsythensis.
Periodontitis is the leading cause of premature tooth loss.
HALITOSIS
The halitosis or bad breath is in most cases directly related to poor hygiene, smoking or oral pathologies such as caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, but its direct origin is the bacteria present on the tongue.
In order to treat halitosis, it is necessary to carry out the relevant treatments to restore oral health and have excellent hygiene of the teeth and tongue.
ORAL THRUSH
Oral candidiasis is due to an overgrowth of the fungus in the oral mucosa. Candida Albicans. It is quite common in patients with a weakened immune system, so it often occurs in people undergoing chemo- or radiotherapy or suffering from HIV.
It manifests as whitish, creamy-looking lesions at various locations in the oral cavity, usually on the tongue, palate and inner cheeks.
Treatment requires the use of antifungal drugs and improved oral hygiene.
HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE
It is a common disease in children under 6 years of age (caused by the viruses Coxsackie A16 y Enterovirus 71), which causes painful blisters to appear on the tongue and cheeks, as well as on the palms of the hands, feet and buttocks.
It is usually accompanied by a sore throat and fever, but disappears within a few days.
OTHER
Of course, there are many viruses that can cause lesions in the oral cavity, but the most common are HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV1-HSV2), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VHSV3) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
To prevent these and other infections in the oral cavity, it is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene and attend the routine check-ups and check-ups scheduled by our dentist.
If you have any questions about this or other issues, you can leave us a comment or contact us through our usual channels.
Author: Francisco Sánchez-Alcaraz (Dentist)