The Shocking Truth About Mouth Larvae
The idea of having maggots moving around in your mouth can make anyone feel uncomfortable. Though it is not common, mouth larva, also known as oral myiasis, happens when fly larvae eat decaying tissue within the mouth.
Usually this comes about because of bad hygiene or wounds that are present, attracting flies which then lay eggs there.
Symptoms such as bad breath, swelling, and even the presence of visible larvae may appear.
It’s Rarer Than You Think
Mouth larva is not very common, even if it may cause some discomfort. This kind of problem can be seen more often in places that have hot and damp weather, which favors the growth of flies.
Also, individuals who have delicate health, not good cleanliness in their mouth or cannot keep up good hygiene like babies, old people or people with particular diseases are more vulnerable to this situation.
But keep in mind that having proper hygiene and being mindful can greatly decrease your likelihood of experiencing this unusual problem.
The Culprit
Flies deposit a lot of small eggs in wet and rotting organic substances. These eggs usually hatch less than one day later, letting out sightless wormy creatures called maggots.
Maggots are active during their larval phase where they eat constantly and increase in size quickly until it’s time to transform into fly adults at this point they dig themselves up a place to pupate or change form from maggot into adult fly stage.
Mouth larva is frequently caused by blow flies or screwworm flies. These insects are drawn to wounds or poor oral care, and their maggots possess hook-shaped mouth parts that scrape and consume rotting matter.
Risk Factors
Some elements make a perfect setup for mouth larva. Flies are drawn to dirty oral conditions, where leftover food and rotting substances entice them to lay eggs.
- Additionally, open wounds or sores in the mouth such as those from an operation or dental procedure also provide an entry point for fly infestation.
- A person who has health problems or a weak immune system may not be as good at handling infection or keeping cleanliness, leading to an increase in their risk.
- Lastly, elements of the surroundings such as warm and damp weather that promotes more flies can also impact how common mouth larva becomes.
Symptoms of Mouth Larva
Larva in the mouth can make different types of disturbing signs. A summary of various kinds is given below:
- Bad Breath: A clear indicator of something rotting in the mouth, and if there are maggots consuming tissue, a bad smell is certainly expected.
- Pain and Discomfort: The movement and eating of maggots in the area can bring about irritation or swelling, which causes pain and discomfort.
- Swelling: Swelling of the gums, lips or even whole face can be caused by inflammation from maggots and their byproducts.
- Gums That Bleed: When maggots are present and eating, it may cause irritation on the gums, leading them to bleed.
- Larvae that can be Seen: Occasionally, you might see the maggots in the mouth. This is a very unpleasant image to witness.
- Sensation of Movement: A person may feel a crawling or wriggling sensation when maggots are moving about in their mouth, this can be very disturbing.
- Difficulty Eating: Pain and swelling can make eating difficult and uncomfortable.
- Fever: Sometimes, a fever can occur due to infection caused by the maggots.
When to See a Doctor
If any of these signs, particularly bad breath or pain, swelling or an odd feeling in your mouth are happening to you then do not wait.
Go to a doctor at once. It is very important that you get diagnosed early and start treatment quickly to stop problems from becoming worse and help with getting better soon.
Treatment Options
If you think there is mouth larva, do not worry! Doctors can take them out using tweezers or oral irrigation methods. They are skilled at safely removing the unwanted guests from your mouth.
Beforehand, there might be a need for medication that suffocates the larvae. After taking them out successfully, your doctor will clean very well where it was to get rid of all leftover dirt or eggs.
Depending on how bad the infestation is and if you could get an infection, you might need more treatment with antibiotics after this to stop any complications from happening again.
Aftercare
After dealing with mouth larva, it is very important to keep good oral hygiene for fast healing and to avoid any problems later. You should brush your teeth and floss every day, two times a day properly to get rid of food pieces or dirt that stays behind.
Think about using a mouthwash suggested by your doctor for more cleaning. Above all, make sure to plan and see a dentist regularly to keep your mouth in good health and prevent any possible issues.
Keeping Your Mouth Maggot-Free
The way of brushing off your problems gets a different kind of importance when it’s about mouth larva, having good care for your teeth is the best shield you can have. Brush twice every day, floss often and make sure to visit the dentist regularly.
These things keep debris away from your mouth that flies like. For more home safety, cover food and throw away garbage quickly. Keep closed the lids of your trash cans and reduce places with water that does not move around your living area to make it less suitable for flies.
Can It Spread?
Even if the idea of mouth larva is disturbing, you do not need to be concerned about transmitting it to others. Mouth larva is not transferred like a common cold or influenza. It results from particular conditions that encourage flies to place their eggs inside your mouth. If you keep your mouth clean and the living area tidy, then the potential for this uncommon issue can be reduced.
Mouth larva might seem like a scary thing, but knowing about it and taking good care can help you deal with it calmly. Always remember that finding out early and treating this problem will make you get better quickly. Concentrate on keeping your mouth very clean, ensure there are no flies around you and relax because mouth larva is an uncommon enemy that can be easily defeated.
