What is Mouth Larva?
A mouth larva, also referred to as a mouth worm or oral maggot, is a parasitic insect larva that infests the human mouth and throat. Now, that sounds downright scary, but infestations of this sort are relatively rare, especially in unsanitary conditions.
How does one get a mouth larva infection?
These happen because infected food or water is ingested, containing insect eggs that hatch inside the mouth, and the larvae begin feeding on soft tissues.
Mouth Larva Infection Symptoms
The symptoms that result from a mouth larva infection will vary in severity. These are some of the more common symptoms:
Oral irritation: an itchy, prickling, or burning sensation inside the mouth and throat
Swelling: swelling of the involved body parts like lips, tongue, and gum
Swallowing difficulty: severe case wherein there is the inability to swallow due to the presence of larvae in the throat
Bad breath: characterized by a foul odor that most of the time results from decaying tissue and the presence of larvae.
Visible larvae: In some cases, the larvae may be seen with the naked eye, especially when they are already bigger.
Oral Larva Infection Prevention
Even though oral larva infection is rare in most cases, several ways can dramatically decrease the chance of contracting it:
1. Good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day to remove food particles that may attract insects.
- Mouthwash can also be used to eliminate bacteria while also preventing inflammation.
2. Proper Food Hygiene Handling:
- Ensure you wash your fruits and vegetables properly before eating them.
- Cook meat and poultry at the appropriate temperature to ensure that parasites are killed.
- Store food properly to prevent infestation by insects.
3. Avoid Using Contaminated Water:
- Use clean, filtered water.
- Do not drink stream or pond water. Refrain from drinking when you’re in a place where there is poor sanitation.
4. Insect Repellent
Apply insect repellent to any exposed skin if you spend time outside where insects are an issue.
5. Prompt Medical Attention
If symptoms of infection are due to the larva in mouth, see a doctor promptly, and treatment early enough will avert complications.
Management of Mouth Larva Infection
The management of mouth larva infections includes the mechanical removal and use of medications. The healthcare provider removes the larvae mechanically using forceps or instruments from the oral cavity. This is followed by medication to eliminate the remaining larvae and ease symptoms.
Surgery may be necessary to remove infected larvae and repair tissue damage in severe cases.
Conclusion
While infections from mouth larvae appear frightening, they are relatively rare; prevention is well outlined above. In this case, the parasitic infection could be significantly reduced. Should you suspect an infection with mouth larva, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.