Guide To Preventing And Treating A Dental Abscess

Use A Soft Toothbrush

An individual affected by a dental abscess will experience severe pain when any object comes in contact with the affected tooth or area in their mouth. This pain may cause patients to be reluctant to brush their teeth regularly when they have a dental abscess. It is beneficial to use a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush on the teeth in a healthy individual's mouth to remove plaque and tartar. However, anyone affected by an infection in their gums or dental abscess should refrain from using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush as it may cause more damage and inflammation in the part of the mouth where the abscess is located. Hard or medium bristles can push bacteria further underneath the surface of the gums, which promotes the development of a dental abscess. An individual with a dental abscess or gum infection that can develop into a dental abscess should use a soft-bristled brush to decrease the chances of making the infection worse.

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Avoid Flossing In Affected Area

It can benefit an individual with a dental abscess to avoid flossing in the area where the infected tooth or gums are located. Flossing is the action of using a specialized string to remove debris and plaque stuck between teeth, control bad breath, and polish tooth surfaces. Flossing is one of the biggest ways an individual can fight the buildup of tartar and plaque on the teeth that eventually leads to infections in the gums and dental abscesses. When the gums or a tooth become infected and a dental abscess occurs, it is best to avoid using dental floss in that area until it has been treated and given time to heal. Healthy gums have a tough outer layer that can hold up well to the sawing motion made by an individual when they floss their teeth. Gums that have become inflamed or compromised by the presence of an infection or dental abscess do not have this same protection against the friction of the dental floss, which can worsen the problem and cause pain.

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