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Oral Infections: causes, symptoms and treatment
Why Infections Are Important:
Failure to keep appliances clean can turn an initially positive experience with oral appliances into negative over time. Even for those who clean their appliance daily, if they don’t follow the correct protocol then they could still be exposed to a range of diseases and discomfort.
Failure to keep appliances clean can turn an initially positive experience with oral appliances into negative over time. Even for those who clean their appliance daily, if they don’t follow the correct protocol then they could still be exposed to a range of diseases and discomfort.
Almost All Dental Appliances Get Infected Over Time
Clinical Research consistently finds that the majority of people with Dentures and Dental Appliances will become infected over time. Without an effective oral hygiene routine, millions of people in the US currently suffer from long term, chronic infections.
More tragic, because these people don’t know that they are infected, they gradually become accustomed to the symptoms – redness, discomfort, loss of taste, respiratory and digestive problems – until these symptoms become the “new” normal.
What Causes Infections?
Bacteria and Fungi, such as Candida Albicans, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. Coli
Exist in the Gastro-Intestinal Microbiome.
These Pathogens Colonize and Thrive on the porous material of Dentures, Dental Prosthetics and Dental Appliances, Leading to Pneumonia, Thrush, Stomatitis, Chelitis, Digestive Issues and Other Health & Respiratory Illnesses.
The likelihood of developing infections increases exponentially with advanced age, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and chronic diseases like Diabetes, Lupus, and Sjogren’s. Certain medications exacerbate these problems by upsetting the normal balance of oral flora and disrupting saliva formulation.
The risk of infection is even higher if you sleep with your dental appliance.
See article: Denture Wearing During Sleep Doubles The Risk Of Pneumonia
The Good News: When You Are Equipped With The Knowledge To Recognize Infections, And The Tools To Prevent Them, You Can Minimize The Risk!
Signs and symptoms of oral infections
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Bad Breath
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Bitter taste in the mouth
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Redness/ Swelling of Gums
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Soreness/ Discomfort
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White Tongue
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Fever
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Pain/Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
* If you experience any of these symptoms contact a dental or medical professional.
Most Common Infection Types
We’ve listed the most common diseases caused by infected dental appliances. Click on the infections to learn more.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. With pneumonia, the air sacs may fill with fluid or pus. The infection can be life-threatening to anyone, but particularly to infants, children, and people over 65. Symptoms include cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Thrush
Thrush, also called oral candidiasis is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth. Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is common condition where mild inflammation and redness of the oral mucous membrane occurs beneath a denture. Caused by a Candida overgrowth in the mouth, the symptoms of denture-induced stomatitis are subtle. The symptoms are small red bumps on the roof of the mouth and/or a general redness in the mouth, especially on the palate and ridges under your dentures. This most frequently occurs when dentures are not removed and cleaned regularly.
Cheilitis
Cheilitis is a painful and unsightly candida/yeast infection that typically causes cracking at the corners of the mouth. Candida can accumulate in old and/or dirty dentures and from there spread to certain areas of the mouth.
How to Prevent Denture & Dental Appliance
Related Infections:
From Dr. Berland’s 40+ years of experience, both as a denture technician and as a dentist, the best solution for infections is prevention with an effective cleaning routine, right from the start. Waiting until a patient is already infected, and treating the issue with antibiotics, has a range of consequences – the removal of good bacteria and increasing drug-resistance of the pathogens – while not eliminating the cause of the infection (an infected dental appliance).
Unfortunately, when an infected dental appliance is left unaddressed, the patient continues to suffer from the same recurring
infections despite multiple treatments.
The 3 Key Steps For Preventing Infections:
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See your dentist regularly
Your dentist will be able to recognize the signs of infection and develop a treatment plan. -
A strong daily hygiene routine
It is absolutely essential to clean your dental appliance and mouth regularly as part of a daily routine. Especially after meals. See The Best Cleaning Routine For Your Appliance. -
Use the right products
Not all cleaning methods are equally effective. Only use specialized products for cleaning dental appliances and check the packaging to make sure they kill disease-causing pathogens.
Did you know?
Most denture cleansers only claim to kill odor-causing bacteria and are ineffective at disinfecting Candida, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. Coli or Actinomyces. Do your research before purchasing a dental appliance cleanser to make sure they show studies on the effectiveness against pathogens.
Why Dr. B Dental Solutions Has The Best Products To Keep You Safe & Healthy:
A Daily Soak with the Liquid Crystal Cleanser & Ultrasonic Cleaner will Fully Disinfect All Removable Dental Appliances and Keep Them Clean As New.
Dr. B Ultrasonic Cleaner
- Revolutionary New Design.
- Dual Sided Head for Grooves and Hard to Reach Spaces.
- Extra Soft Bristles safe for Dentures, Implants, Overdentures & Mouth.
- Ergonomic Grip Handle Perfectly Fits Contours Of Hand For Comfort & Stability!
Liquid Crystal Soak Cleanser
- The ONLY Cleanser That Disinfects Candida, Strep, Staph, E. Coli & More
- Helps Prevent Infections Including: Oral Thrush, Stomatitis, Cheilitis, Pneumonia
- Completely Eliminates Odor, Tough Stains, Plaque & Debris
- No Harsh Chemicals Like Bleach, Chlorine, Alcohol or Peroxide
- Works In Just Minutes! No Overnight Soaking Needed!
Cleaning The Mouth Is Just As Important As Cleaning The Dental Appliance. Pathogenic Biofilm, Food Debris and Plaque Are Present In The Mouth And Can Cause Infections, Soreness & Discomfort.
Cleanadent Paste
- Ultra-Low Abrasive, Safely Cleans Prosthetics
- Removes Biofilm, Stains, Odor, Debris, Food and Plaque
- Moisturizes, Refreshes & Soothes Gums
- Melts Adhesive Away from Denture & Mouth
- Rich in Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Vitamins A, D & E
- The Only Dental Prosthetic & Mouth Toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance!
Dr. B Denture & Mouth Toothbrush
- Ergonomic Grip Handle For Maximum Comfort & Stability
- Innovative Dual Heads for Precision & Ridges
- Superior Cleaning of Grooves, Ridges & Hard to Reach Spaces
- Unique Multi-Layered Bristles Tailored For Shape of Prosthetics
- Extra Soft Bristles for Safely Cleaning Prosthetics, Implants & Mouth
Avoid Common DIY Cleaning Methods That Can Harm You & Your Appliance!
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Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Too abrasive, creates microscopic scratches into appliance material where pathogens thrive and increases staining, discoloration & odor. -
Bleach, Alcohol, Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide:
Can permanently damage & discolor the appliance material and negatively affect the appliance and health of patient. -
Mouthwash:
Often contains alcohol, can cause stains on appliance without disinfecting completely. -
Baking Soda:
Only deodorizes the appliance, “fizzing” reaction can harm the soft material. -
Dish Soap
Not made for dental appliances, doesn’t disinfect, potential for ingesting soap. -
If you do not have the Ultrasonic Cleaner use a cup or bowl and set a timer for 15 minutes.
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Rinse appliance thoroughly
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Pour remaining solution into drain
Want more information on clean tips for your appliance? Click below to visit our clean tip page.
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