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Since bacteria that normally reside in the oral cavity cause mouth infections, proper dental hygiene can prevent most cases of infection. As such, mouth infections are more common in populations with poor access to dental care (homeless, uninsured, etc.) or populations with health-related behaviors that damage one's teeth and oral mucosa ...
The host's immune system controls the bacterial colonization of the mouth and prevents local infection of tissues. A dynamic equilibrium exists notably between the bacteria of dental plaque and the host's immune system, enabling the plaque to stay behind in the mouth when other biofilms are washed away. [19]
Pericoronal infection is normally caused by a mixture of bacterial species present in the mouth, such as Streptococci and particularly various anaerobic species. [11] [13] This can result in abscess formation. Left untreated, the abscess can spontaneously drain into the mouth from beneath the operculum.
Ludwig's angina (Latin: Angina ludovici) is a type of severe cellulitis involving the floor of the mouth [2] and is often caused by bacterial sources. [1] Early in the infection, the floor of the mouth raises due to swelling, leading to difficulty swallowing saliva. As a result, patients may present with drooling and difficulty speaking. [3]
However, there are some remedies used in the treatment of oral bacterial infection, in conjunction with mechanical cleaning. These include fluoride, which has a direct inhibitory effect on the enolase enzyme, as well as chlorhexidine, which works presumably by interfering with bacterial adherence.
In a periapical abscess, usually the origin is a bacterial infection that has accumulated in the soft, often dead, pulp of the tooth. This can be caused by tooth decay, broken teeth or extensive periodontal disease (or combinations of these factors). A failed root canal treatment may also create a similar abscess.
Oral candidiasis is the most common fungal infection of the mouth, [77] and it also represents the most common opportunistic oral infection in humans. [78] Infections of the mouth occur in about 6% of babies less than a month old. [7] About 20% of those receiving chemotherapy for cancer and 20% of those with AIDS also develop the disease. [7]
Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms (mostly bacteria, but also fungi) that grows on surfaces within the mouth.It is a sticky colorless deposit at first, but when it forms tartar, it is often brown or pale yellow.