How To Prevent An Abscess After Breaking A Tooth
Posted on: 27 November 2019
If you break a tooth, you are at a higher risk of developing a dental abscess. Preventive dentistry helps keep your teeth strong and cavity-free so that they don't weaken and break. Sometimes, however, even though you see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, broken teeth still happen. Until you can see your dentist, consider the following interventions that may reduce your risk for a dental abscess after breaking a tooth.
Saltwater Rinses
Saltwater rinses help alter the pH inside your oral cavity to help reduce the risk for an abscess after you break a tooth. Saltwater creates an alkaline environment which helps decrease the bacterial count inside your mouth. Conversely, bacteria and other microorganisms thrive in acidic environments.
If a sharp edge of a broken tooth is rubbing against your tongue or lining of your cheek, saltwater will help decrease pain and inflammation while promoting healing. Rinsing your mouth with salt water will also help remove food particles caught inside the cracks and crevices of your broken tooth.
If food particles are not removed, bacteria will breed, raising your risk for an abscess. To make a saltwater rinse, mix a pinch of salt with a cup of warm water. After the salt dissolves, take a sip and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds, then spit it out. You can do this multiple times a day or as directed by your dentist.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide, an ingredient used in many teeth-whitening solutions, can also help kill bacteria in your mouth when used carefully. It can also reduce your risk for an abscess after you've broken your tooth; however, you'll still need to see your dentist within a day or so after the incident.
Pour a capful of hydrogen peroxide into a cup of water and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds. Make certain that you never swallow any of this substance, and always rinse out your mouth with plain water after each use.
If you broke a tooth, consider the above interventions until you can see your dentist. Remember that preventive dentistry will help you prevent oral problems such as cavities, gum disease, dental pain, and broken teeth. Make sure that you're in touch with a provider of preventative dentistry services in your area so that you can improve your odds of avoiding these kinds of situations and also recover from any broken teeth or other problems.
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