What Causes an Abscess Tooth?
Understanding what causes an abscessed tooth is an important step in preventing one in the future. There are three primary reasons why an abscessed tooth forms: tooth decay, gum disease or trauma to the tooth. In all of these cases what occurs is the growth of bacteria within the pulp or the center of the tooth. An abscess that forms in response to tooth decay such as untreated cavity is the result of poor dental hygiene practices. Lack of teeth brushing, flossing and a poor diet may pave the way for bacteria to form in the mouth and within the teeth. The bacteria thrive on carbohydrates such as the chocolate candy bar you had for your afternoon snack. When the bacteria come in contact with a sweet carbohydrate, it quickly digests it and produces an acid in response which wears away the outer coating of your tooth also known as the enamel. The bacteria can travel deep within your gums to affect the nerve and blood supply of your tooth as well as to your gums and around your mouth and e
