Written By: IJCP Editorial Team

Published On: 21 Jul, 2024 12:44 PM | Updated On: 31 Jul, 2024 12:01 PM

Patient's Guide on Common Oral Infections and Transmission

Oral Health significantly contributes to overall well-being.¹

Dental infections, if untreated, pose serious health risks.^2,3 

Oral infections originating within the tooth or nearby structures may spread to surrounding tissues.¹

How can bad oral Hygiene complicate overall health?^2,4

• Bacterias (like mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) in the mouth
• Damages tooth and causes cavities
• Infection progresses from tooth to surrounding tissues, penetrating gums
• Infection may spread deeper in the neck and face
• Can cause severe complications like osteomyelitis, Ludwig angina, and life-threatening conditions

Common Oral Infections can spread 

• Oro-dental infections can migrate to adjacent spaces, or can penetrate deep neck structures, posing a risk for mild local infections to life-threatening bacteremia .^2,4

Following Prevention Strategies can help you protect your overall health

• Maintain proper oral Hygiene
• Gargle with PVP-I mouthwash to enhance oral Hygiene.^1,5
• Brush teeth at least twice daily, floss regularly, and limit sugary foods and drinks.⁶

Source-

1. Rautemaa R, Lauhio A, Cullinan M, Seymour G. Oral infections and systemic disease—An emerging problem in medicine. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2007;13(11):1041-1047. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007.01802.x
2. Erazo D, Whetstone DR. Dental Infections. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542165/
3.  Saini M, Brizuela M. Bacterial Infections of the Oral Mucosa. [Updated 2023 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574500/
4. Amtha R, Kanagalingam J. Povidone-iodine in dental and oral health: A narrative review. J Int Oral Health 2020;12:407-12
5. Kanagalingam J, Feliciano R, Hah JH, Labib H, Le TA, Lin JC. Practical use of povidone-iodine antiseptic in the maintenance of oral health and in the prevention and treatment of common oropharyngeal infections. Int J Clin Pract. 2015 Nov;69(11):1247-56. Doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12707. Epub 2015 Aug 6. PMID: 26249761; PMCID: PMC6767541.
6. Kuppuswamy VL, Murthy S, Sharma S. et al. Oral Hygiene Status, Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices among School Settings in rural South India. OHDM. 2014;13(1).