Mouth infections, also known as oral infections, are extremely common. Most are temporary and easy to treat at home with proper oral hygiene. However, some mouth infections require medical treatment to prevent complications. Knowing when an oral infection is serious enough to see a doctor can prevent further problems.
What are the common symptoms of a mouth infection?
There are several symptoms that may indicate a mouth infection, including:
- Pain or soreness
- Redness or swelling
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- White, yellow, or gray patches in the mouth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Dry mouth or increased saliva
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on the lips, tongue, gums, inside cheeks, or roof of mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or opening the mouth
- Numbness in mouth or tongue
- Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the type and extent of the infection.
What are the common causes of mouth infections?
Oral infections are typically caused by:
- Bacteria – The mouth contains hundreds of different bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, certain bacteria like streptococci and staphylococci can cause infection, especially if they overgrow.
- Viruses – Viral infections like cold sores, herpes, chickenpox, and hand-foot-mouth disease often affect the mouth.
- Fungi – Overgrowth of Candida fungi in the mouth leads to an infection called oral thrush.
- Poor oral hygiene – Not brushing and flossing properly allows bacteria to build up and invade the gums and teeth.
- Dry mouth – Insufficient saliva flow makes the mouth vulnerable to infections.
- Weakened immune system – Illnesses like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer lower immunity and raise infection risk.
- Smoking/tobacco use – Chemicals in tobacco products irritate and inflame the mouth.
- Dentures – Poorly fitted dentures can rub and cause sores that become infected.
- Injuries – Cuts, bites, or burns in the mouth provide an entry point for bacteria.
- Medications – Some medicines like chemotherapy drugs and steroids may decrease saliva and impair oral health.
When should I see a doctor for a mouth infection?
See a doctor or dentist right away if you have:
- Fever over 101°F (38°C)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rash or skin lesions in addition to mouth sores
- Swelling interfering with ability to open or close mouth
- Numbness, drooping, or facial muscle weakness
- Stiff neck or severe headache
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Pain that is severe, worsens, or persists more than 1-2 days
- Sores or ulcers lasting more than 2 weeks
These can indicate a deeper or spreading infection or a serious condition like abscess, Ludwig’s angina, or oral cancer. Prompt medical care is needed to treat infection before it spreads to the blood, brain, or nearby anatomical spaces.
What types of infections require urgent medical care?
Examples of potentially serious oral infections requiring medical evaluation and treatment include:
Abscesses
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket of infection. Dental abscesses at the root of a tooth are common and can spread to deeper tissues quickly.
Candidiasis
Oral thrush caused by Candida fungus can affect denture wearers, infants, people with diabetes, cancer patients, and those with immunodeficiency. Antifungal medicine is needed.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis
Mouth sores from herpes viruses can be extremely painful. Antiviral medication can help reduce duration.
Ludwig’s angina
This is a severe, potentially life-threatening cellulitis which causes floor of the mouth swelling that restricts airway.
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
Also called trench mouth, this gum infection marked by pain, bleeding, and ulceration requires debridement and antibiotics.
Pericoronitis
Infection around a partially impacted wisdom tooth causes swelling and pain. Extraction or incision and drainage may be necessary.
When should my child see a doctor for a mouth infection?
Young children are prone to oral infections due to developing teeth, exploration tendency, and unestablished immunity. Seek medical care if your child has:
- Difficulty drinking or eating
- Severe pain and fussiness
- Fever >100.4°F (38°C)
- Swelling of gums, jaw, or neck
- Pus or excessive bleeding
- Skin rash in addition to mouth sores
- Persistent lack of energy
Prompt pediatrician evaluation is recommended to treat infection, ensure adequate hydration and nutrition, and avoid complications like dehydration or dental damage.
How are serious mouth infections treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of infection, but may include:
- Antibiotics to clear bacterial infections – may include penicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, or combination treatment for resistant bacteria
- Antifungals like fluconazole to treat oral thrush
- Antivirals like acyclovir or valacyclovir for herpes infections
- Surgery to drain abscesses or extract infected teeth
- Debridement of infected gum tissue
- Hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and hydration
- Airway management if swelling impairs breathing
Good oral hygiene and adequate hydration supports healing. Follow up with your dentist is important after any mouth infection.
How can I prevent mouth infections?
You can lower your risk of developing a mouth infection by:
- Brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day and flossing once daily
- Using an antiseptic mouthwash
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Treating dry mouth by drinking water, chewing gum, or using moisturizing gels/sprays
- Replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months
- Seeing dentist regularly for exams and cleanings
- Avoiding sharing drinks, food, or utensils
- Promptly treating injuries like bites or cuts in the mouth
- Using properly fitted dentures if you wear them
- Managing medical conditions like diabetes that impair healing
- Eating nutrient-rich foods and avoiding excess sugar
- Avoiding chewing on pens, nails, or other objects
When are mouth infections contagious to others?
Some causes of oral infections like cold sores or hand-foot-mouth disease are highly contagious through contact or airborne droplets. Practicing good hygiene around others when you have a mouth infection can limit transmission. Stay home from school, work, social gatherings, or sports if you have:
- Fever, malaise, or swollen lymph nodes signaling active infection
- Active cold sores, blisters, or mouth ulcers
- A diagnosed bacterial infection until at least 24 hours of antibiotics
- Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
Let contacts know about your diagnosis to allow monitoring for symptoms. Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, towels, lip balm, or oral care items when contagious.
Conclusion
Mouth infections are very common but usually clear up quickly with proper oral hygiene and minimal treatment. However, some oral infections can rapidly worsen and spread if left untreated. Recognizing signs of a severe mouth infection allows prompt medical care to relieve symptoms, treat infection, and prevent complications. With awareness and early intervention, most mouth infections can be managed effectively.