Tooth abscess

Causes

What causes dental abscesses?

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.

If you don't keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease .

The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:

poor oral hygiene plaque can build-up on your teeth if you don't floss and brush your teeth regularly
consuming lots of sugary or starchy food and drink these can encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess
an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums bacteria can get into any damaged parts of the teeth or gums
having a weakened immune system this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes ,and those having treatment, including steroid medication or chemotherapy

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016

Articles for tooth abscess

Introduction

A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. Its caused by a bacterial infection.

Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include: an intense, throbbing pain, pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum, pain that's worse when lying down, etc.

Treatment

Dental abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection and draining away the pus. Depending on the location of the abscess and how severe the infection is, possible treatments are used like: removing the affected tooth, root canal treatment, etj.

Causes

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. If you don't keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease .

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of developing dental abscesses by keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible by use floss or an interdental brush at least once a day to clean your teeth, brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing, etc.

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