Guide To Preventing And Treating A Dental Abscess

Replace Toothbrushes Regularly

An individual who wants to prevent the development of gum infections and dental abscesses should replace their toothbrush or toothbrush head regularly. The standard rule is toothbrushes or toothbrush heads should be replaced every three to four months. They should be replaced sooner if an individual has recently been sick. Another good way an individual can use to gauge whether they need a new toothbrush or toothbrush head is to look at the appearance of the bristles. If the bristles on the toothbrush or toothbrush head are beginning to fray, then it is time to replace it. Frayed toothbrush bristles do not function nearly as well when it comes to cleaning the teeth of debris and plaque. A less effective toothbrush can allow bacteria and plaque to invade the gums because it is not scrubbed and washed away. Bacteria that colonize in the gums can promote the development of a dental abscess. Worn-out toothbrushes and toothbrush heads are also known to be a more inviting environment for bacteria to thrive in than new, non-frayed bristles.

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Drink Fluoridated Water

An individual who would like to help prevent the formation of dental abscesses can drink fluoridated water. Fluoride is a mineral found in plants, rocks, soil, air, and water. It is also found in an individual's teeth and bones. Fluoride is utilized in the dentistry field to help make enamel, the hard, protective outer tooth layer, strong. Fluoride is used in mouth rinses, toothpaste, supplements, as a cleaning agent, in pesticides, in medical imaging scans, and to make steel, Teflon, and aluminum products. Fluoride is added to some public water sources and some types of packaged water in small amounts for several reasons. Fluoridated water helps remineralize tooth enamel that has become weakened, reverse early signs of tooth decay, stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, and slow the loss of tooth enamel minerals. By drinking fluoridated water, an individual can help maintain their overall dental health and stop the mechanisms that lead to a dental abscess.