Unfortunately, sometimes teeth get infected. Prestige Dental Care wants our patients to be able to avoid tooth infections whenever possible. Although poor dental hygiene can play a role, that’s not the only problem. Here are some other causes of tooth infection.
Bacteria
Bacteria will invade a cavity, crack, or chip in the tooth and continue to travel to the interior of the tooth. As a result, you may develop an infection. How do you know if you have a tooth infection? You might have an odd taste in your mouth, pain, or a visible abscess. Sometimes there’s a feeling of discomfort when you bite down on something or partake of hot or cold foods or beverages.
Untreated Cavity
An untreated cavity can turn into an infection. The cavity could get severe enough that it reaches the pulp of your tooth. As a result, you could develop an abscess which can potentially spread to your bloodstream. The infection could also affect your gums or jawbone. This type of infection must not be ignored.
Dry Mouth
You can have dry mouth from certain diseases and medications. The aging process could contribute as well. Saliva aids in the process of neutralizing acids, and when nothing is neutralizing the acid, it can cause cavities that lead to a tooth infection. It’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent this from happening.
Eating Too Much Sugar
Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. As they consume the sugar, they produce an acidic waste that damages your tooth’s enamel. Since the enamel protects the tooth, when it is compromised you can develop an infection. If you have a sweet tooth, you can mitigate the damage with extra brushing after eating sweets and by avoiding sticky candies that stay on your teeth a long time.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When you don’t take care of your teeth properly, you allow bacteria to thrive. Thorough brushing twice a day, regular daily flossing and routine visits to the dentist keep the bacteria in your mouth at bay. This prevention is essential if you want to protect your teeth and prevent cavities that can spread.
Infection Prevention in Flower Mound, TX
Our team at Prestige Dental Care provides preventive services that can intercept tooth infections. If you are experiencing pain, we can also diagnose and treat infections. The treatment may consist of draining an abscess safely, along with oral antibiotics. We evaluate the infection and provide a course of action to stop it and keep it from spreading to other parts of your body. Better oral health leads to better overall health. Contact us today for an appointment for preventive dental care.
