Good Oral Hygiene Can Help Prevent Tooth Infection

There are few things more painful than a toothache, and the majority of them are caused by a tooth infection left untreated. Typically, an infection in the mouth is caused by poor oral hygiene or oral health care not received in a timely manner, and the result can be not only painful in the mouth, but the bacteria associated with a tooth infection can quickly cause problems in the jaw bone, the face and eventually to many other parts of the body.

An abscessed tooth will typically form a growth beside in the area of the tooth infection and the pain it causes can be debilitating. The abscess will remain on the gum until the skin around the abscess breaks and it drains on its own or is prompted to open and drain by other means. When the membrane releases the bacteria causing the tooth infection the bacteria is often swallowed, allowing the bacteria to get into the stomach and the digestive track where it is absorbed into the blood stream and spread throughout the body.

To prevent the formation of a tooth infection good oral hygiene is essential and cavities that form in the teeth need to be cared for promptly to remove the spot where food particles can become trapped, offering a home for all types of bacteria.

Proper Treatment Essential For Mouth Infections

When a person has cavities and a tooth infection forms, the pain can often be relieve by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If the abscess breaks on its own, rinsing the mouth with warm water will help cleanse the area and help to flush the bacteria through the system. In some cases, self-treatment is not going to be possible and the patient will need to seek help to eliminate the tooth infection and its cause.

When seeking professional intervention, the doctor may decide to cut open the abscess in order for it to drain. If the infection has been allowed to spread, it may be necessary for the doctor to drain the bacteria from the inside of the mouth in the hospital with the patient anesthetized. Allowing a tooth infection to continue to grow may also cause additional health issues that will remain after the infection has been removed.

Regular dental checkups can often prevent a tooth infection from occurring in the first place. Brushing and flossing to remove food particles as well as catching any cavities early and correcting them can help prevent the incidence of tooth infection and provide better oral and overall health.