Oral Infection Vs. Inflammation

Both oral inflammation and infection can cause oral pain and dental complications. Many people use the two terms interchangeably, but the two are markedly different. Understand the differences to avoid these oral conditions and take relevant remedial measures in case of oral problems.



Below are some of the areas in which oral inflammations and infections differ.

1. Occurrence

Inflammation is the body's response to injury. Anything that causes damage to your oral tissues can trigger inflammation. The inflammation response causes the blood vessels around the injury site to swell, increasing blood flow to the site. The increased blood flow allows some hormones, blood proteins, and white blood cells to build up on the site. The buildup swells the tissues around the injury.

An infection is the entry of a foreign microorganism into the body. Foreign organisms usually begin to multiply as soon as they enter the body. The organisms attack your cells and produce different reactions depending on their nature and the affected body part. For example, a jawbone infection can weaken the bone and reduce its density.

2. Causes

The specific things that trigger infections and inflammations also differ. Specific microorganisms that cause infections include:

• Viruses, such as those that cause oral herpes
• Bacteria, such as those that cause gum disease
• Fungi, such as those that cause oral thrush

On the other hand, specific causes of inflammations include the following:

• Infections
• Physical trauma, such as blunt force trauma
• Exposure to irritating chemicals
• Insect bites

For example, your gums might swell due to gum infection, and your inner lips might swell due to irritations from ill-fitting dental restorations.

3. Purpose

An infection does not have a purpose since it results from unwanted intrusion of microorganisms. However, inflammation is an intentional reaction of your body. Below are some of the reasons you might develop oral inflammation:

• It increases blood flow to injured oral tissues to increase nourishment and accelerate healing.
• It confines the agents causing the injury to a specific area to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.
• It supplies the injury site with chemicals to kill infectious agents, such as bacteria.

Thus, inflammation may be good if it doesn't last too long. However, an infection is never a good thing.

4. Treatment

As mentioned above, inflammations are beneficial, and you do not always have to treat them. However, extreme or chronic inflammation can trigger further injuries. In such a case, your dentist may prescribe different anti-inflammatory treatments. Examples of such treatments include:

• Managing the inflammatory event, as treating the gum infection will also help relieve the gum inflammation
• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Managing inflammatory symptoms, as in taking pain medication to numb the pain
• Using hot and cold therapy to reduce the inflammation

For example, your dentist may advise you to use hot and cold therapy on your cheek to reduce swelling after tooth extraction.

Treatment for infections usually depends on the cause of the infection. For example, the dentist may:

• Prescribe antibacterial drugs for bacterial infections, such as gum disease
• Remove the affected tissues and bacteria, as is the case with endodontic treatment
• Advise you on oral hygiene measures to keep emerging infections at bay
• Prescribe pain medication to help you manage infection-related pain

You will need a multifaceted treatment approach in many cases.

Preventive oral care can help you avoid both inflammations and infections. However, you should not despair if you develop oral problems despite your best preventive efforts. Contact Calm Waters Dentistry for a consultation to diagnose and treat your condition. You can rely on our professionalism and patient-centered services to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.