Causes of Dental abscess

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Dental abscesses occur when decay in a tooth is left untreated and reaches the dental pulp (nerve and blood vessel in the centre of the tooth). This becomes infected and dies. Bacteria then spread beyond the end of the tooth to form an abscess.

Decay is caused by poor oral care, leaving dental plaque on the tooth. Sugar in your diet forms acid, which gradually eats into the structure of the tooth.

Decay can be prevented by good oral hygiene, brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning in between the teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes. You should also cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks to allow the teeth time to recover from any acid attack.