How do I Prevent a Periodontal Abscess?

The way to prevent a periodontal abscess is to brush, floss, and use mouthwash every day. A periodontal abscess occurs in much the same way a skin abscess does. Bacteria accumulate under the teeth and infect the gums, causing a painful inflamed area. To prevent this from occurring, you should keep bacteria in your mouth at bay through good oral health practices.

One way to prevent a periodontal abscess is to use an antiseptic mouthwash daily. These are specially designed to kill germs and bacteria. They often contain alcohol, so children should be closely supervised before using. Your dentist may also give you a prescription medicated mouthwash if you have a history of abscesses.

Brushing multiple times per day will also help to prevent the development of a periodontal abscess. There may be antibacterial toothpastes available to kill germs, but the primary way in which brushing helps is by removing food particles from the mouth. When food sits in the teeth after a meal it begins to decay and can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Flossing will also help by removing food from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

If you experience recurrent abscesses, there may be an underlying condition causing them. Sometimes, if not all infection is removed from a periodontal abscess by a dentist, it can swell up again and continue to occur in cycles until it is fully drained and healed. Frequent abscesses may also indicate a type of hard to kill bacteria or an underlying medical condition, such as an immune disorder.

Any time you experience swelling, pain, or redness at the gumline you should contact your dentist. If you have a periodontal abscess, he may perform minor surgery to drain it and give you a prescription for antibiotics or medicated mouth rinse. It is important that you follow the dentist's directions exactly because abscesses commonly reoccur if not properly treated, since the drainage is highly contagious.

You should also avoid eating or drinking foods that may be more likely to harbor harmful bacteria. This mainly includes foods that are high in sugar. When you can’t avoid these foods, be sure to brush right after the meal. Drinking water throughout the day also helps because it washes plaque away from the teeth. When you aren’t somewhere appropriate for brushing, gargle with a little water or carry a small travel sized mouthwash with you.