Ever have an infected tooth? Ugh, they can hurt! Typically, tooth infections are caused by either a crack in the tooth or untreated tooth decay because you didn’t take very good care of your teeth.
Untreated Decay
So, if you have untreated tooth decay, here’s what happened: you probably had chunks of food stuck in between your teeth for a while, and that attracted a build up of bacteria. That bacteria decayed over time. In most cases, that whole mess penetrated the enamel of the tooth and ended up making its way to the pulp tissue inside the tooth. You have an infection! It’s known as a tooth abscess– yikes!
Molars Are Most Prone
Research shows that of all the teeth, it’s your molars in the back that are most likely to experience bacterial infections thanks to their deep grooves.
Prevention is Key
So what can a dentist do for you? A dentist will clean out the bacterial infection and then repair the tooth. Using a drill, the dentist gets to the infected area where he or she literally removes the infection and then uses an antibacterial solution to clean out that space. Then a filling (or crown perhaps) is used to “seal it up.” You may or may not get a prescription for antibiotics to further help you heal up.
Want to avoid an infection? Practice good oral habits, so brush and floss your teeth twice daily. This helps get rid of the bacteria in your mouth that could otherwise promote dental decay. Floss is good at getting “stuck” chunks of food out from between your teeth. You can also use Listerine to rinse your mouth once a day, to further prevent bacterial issues. Plus, avoid chewing things you know could crack your teeth, like jawbreakers, ice and popcorn kernels. And visit your dental office for regular check-ups– that’s always a good idea.
Think you might have a tooth infection? Make an appointment at Genesee Dental in Batavia, NY– call 585-343-1113.