Tooth Infections

Make an appointment at your dentist's office

Your first step should be to make an appointment with your dentist. You'll probably want to take time to decide which teeth you need the most help with. So, this is the perfect time to sit down and discuss your treatment options.

You and your dentist will determine how many required visits and when might work best for you. Your dentist can also help advise on any medical conditions that may complicate things, like periodontal (gum) disease or oral cancer.

Brush and floss regularly

Of course, brushing and flossing are the most important first steps to eliminating tooth infections. But, as we all know, a lot can happen in just a few seconds, so paying attention to your mouth while you brush and floss is essential. For example, if one of your teeth is sensitive or hurting, you might have an infection. A little bit of tooth sensitivity is standard, but when it becomes too intense, it might signal that you need to see a dentist immediately.

Tooth brushing and flossing are vital for preventing tooth infections because they remove plaque build-up on your teeth and gum line before build-up can cause an infection. 

Additionally, while brushing your teeth and getting rid of bacteria by brushing after meals is important, taking care of your mouth through proper dental hygiene will always be the best route for prevention.

Don’t smoke or chew tobacco

Always remember to brush your teeth properly for at least 2 minutes and floss after every meal. If you have a tooth infection, you should always use an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Be careful with foods and drinks

The main cause of tooth infection is bacteria. That means the food you eat and drink can lead to a cavity that develops into an infection. The best way to avoid this problem is to eat healthily and choose foods with less sugar, acidity, and spices. Drinking water is another great way to keep your teeth clean.

Take care of your tongue

Mouth health and hygiene starts with your tongue. If you take care of your tongue, it's easy to care for your teeth. When the bacteria, viruses, and other germs make their way into your mouth, they tend to settle around the gums and on the tongue. This is where bad breath comes from. With a little help from a toothbrush or floss, you can reach these areas and clean them out.

Tooth infection prevention:

• Brush or floss twice daily
• Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse 
• Chew sugarless gum for 30 minutes after brushing 
• Rinse with water 
• Don't drink tap water 

If you experience a toothache, see a dentist immediately to avoid complications like gingivitis or periodontal disease (gum disease).

Use mouthwash to combat bacteria

You may not be able to use mouthwash regularly, but it's definitely worth giving this product a try before you see the dentist. Besides the many benefits that mouthwash provides, it also offers an excellent way to fight bacteria in your teeth. This is because of its ability to kill the germs that cause tooth infections.

Did you know that sometimes the cavity-causing bacteria are resistant to antibiotics? This can be a long process, but mouthwash as a preventative measure can help avoid the overuse of antibiotics. So if you want to take care of your teeth without resorting to more harmful treatments, start using mouthwash.

So what's next?

In order to prevent tooth infections, it is important to take care of your mouth and hygienic practices. By brushing and flossing regularly, taking care of your tongue, and not smoking or chewing tobacco, you will be able to prevent the development of dental caries and tooth decay.

Brite Family Dental is the place to go if you're looking for a comprehensive dental check-up. Make an appointment for yourself and your family at Brite Family Dental. 07 3359 1029