What is a Tooth Abscess and What Causes Them?

Is My Child at Risk for a Tooth Abscess?

Certain factors can increase your child’s chances of a tooth abscess. These risk factors for an abscess include: 

• Poor dental habits and oral care – failing to brush twice a day and floss once daily can increase your child’s risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to a tooth abscess
• Eating sugar frequently – a diet high in sweets, sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to dental cavities that can turn into a tooth abscess
• Dry mouth – saliva rinses away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth abscesses; dry mouth in children is usually temporary, and often the result of dehydration or simply forgetting to drink water

A Tooth Abscess Can Cause Complications

A tooth abscess is not likely to go away without treatment from your pediatric dentist. While pain may improve if the abscess ruptures, the infection has not gone away and your child still needs dental care before the infection returns, worsens, or spreads to your child’s jaw, neck, or other areas of their body. 

Without care from a pediatric dentist, your child may develop sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body. The risk for spreading infection or sepsis is especially high if your child has a weakened immune system. 

How Can I Prevent My Child from Developing a Tooth Abscess?

Helping your child avoid tooth decay is essential to preventing a tooth abscess. Encourage your child to: 

• Drink water that contains fluoride
• Brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or a water flosser to clean between their teeth every day
• Eat healthy food, limit sugary items, and cut down on snacks between meals

You can also:

• Schedule your child for fluoride treatments 
• Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever you notice frayed bristles on your child’s toothbrush
• Schedule your child for regular checkups and professional cleanings with our pediatric dentist
• Purchase a fluoride mouth rinse

For more information on tooth abscesses and their causes, contact Saginaw Kids Dentistry. Our pediatric dentist in Saginaw can help determine your child’s risk for tooth abscesses and provide treatment as necessary. We also offer fluoride treatments, dental sealants and other forms of preventive dentistry to strengthen your child’s teeth, rebuild their enamel, and reduce their risk of tooth abscesses in the future.

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