Dentist warns against cold drinks, hard toothbrush

A dentist, Dr Abubakar Sadiq has warned residents against cold drinks and the use of a hard toothbrush to avoid dental abscesses.

Sadiq gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Kaduna.

A dental abscess or tooth abscess is a buildup of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums.

The abscess typically comes from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.

He added that bacteria exist in plaque, a by-product of food, saliva, and bacteria in the mouth, which sticks to the teeth and damages them and the gums.

“If the plaque is not removed by regular and proper brushing and flossing, the bacteria may spread inside the soft tissue of the tooth or gums and can result in an abscess,” he said.

He listed the three types of dental abscesses to include Gingival, periodontal and periapical.

Sadiq said symptoms of a dental abscess include; pain in the affected area when biting or when touching the affected area, sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids and a foul taste in the mouth.

Others include; fever, a general unwell feeling, difficulties opening the mouth, swallowing difficulties and insomnia.

He urged residents to keep oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.

(NAN)