6 Ways to Avoid Dental Abscess

Okay, you probably know about abscesses. And you're guessing that this topic involves your mouth, right?

We're discussing periodontal abscess today because avoiding them is another important reason to establish and follow a regular dental hygiene routine.

In those who suffer from periodontal disease, the space between the teeth and the gums can increase, especially if the gums become infected. That space is known as a pocket. When the pocket deepens to the point where small food particles can lodge in it, the risk of bacteria increases. Once bacteria growth is established, a very rapid destruction of the supporting connective tissue and bone can ensue.

An abscess can be very painful and, if left untreated, can cause you to lose a tooth. If an abscess continues to be ignored, consequences can become even more severe and lead to serious health complications.

We want to help you avoid the ordeal altogether by encouraging you to follow a routine that helps prevent periodontal disease in the first place. This includes hygiene practices and lifestyle choices:

• Brush and floss after each meal
• Use antiseptic mouthwash
• Avoid sugar (or brush after eating it)
• Drink plenty of water to flush the mouth
• Stop smoking
• Eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants

Periodontal abscesses are more common in people over 40 but can also afflict children. By maintaining regular checkups and dental cleaning, we can help detect periodontal problems. To learn more about how you can restore your oral health, give Dr. Damion Gilday and his dental team a call at 541-343-3822 or contact us to schedule your appointment online.

Pregnancy & Oral Health

In our recent Village Plaza newsletter, Dr. Damion Gilday  posted about a recent review of women's health studies that indicates a link between hormones and gum disease. Professor Charlene Krejci of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found that the fluctuation of female hormones throughout their lives can change conditions in the mouth enough to allow bacteria to grow.

Higher bacteria levels can lead to periodontal issues and risks of bone loss, fetal complications and pre-term births. "There's definitely a gender-specific connection between women's hormones, gum disease, and specific health issues impacting women," Krejci said.

This becomes particularly important during pregnancy as women experience a tremendous hormonal shift. The ADA has worked closely with medical providers to provide information to the women they work with. At Village Plaza Dental, our dental team works with women to understand the unique health concerns they present.

Click here to download the Head Start OHRC publication on Oral Health.

Tooth Tips Launches!

Dr. Damion Gilday and the dental team at Village Plaza Dental are excited to announce the launch of our new blog, Tooth Tips. Excellent dentistry and personalized attention are what you'll find at Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR and we look forward to sharing that with you through our weekly blog posts.

To kick off our debut blog post, we'll introduce you to the American Dental Association's new website MouthHealthy.org. Full of great tips for families, mature patients, and a fun section for kids, you'll want to test your dental IQ and walk away with some new tools for your dental health.


Did you have a great experience with Dr. Damion Gilday or want to share kudos to the team for their work? We invite you to write a review and share with your friends and community.