Tooth abscess

Prevention

Preventing dental abscesses

You can reduce your risk of developing dental abscesses by keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this, you should:

use floss or an interdental brush at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under the gum line
brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day spending at least two minutes each time
avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing because this washes the protective toothpaste away just spit out any excess toothpaste
cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks particularly between meals or shortly before going to bed
visit your dentist regularly your dentist can suggest how often you should have a check-up, based on your oral health

and dental check-ups .

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.

Health News