Prophylaxis
Fistulas can be avoided because their original trigger is usually bacteria that eat through the tooth as caries and eventually attack the root, causing the inflammation. Adequate and correct dental care is therefore the best prophylactic. The bacteria are fought by daily cleaning (at least twice a day).
Dental floss, mouthwashes and tongue scrapers can be used additionally. In addition, regular check-ups at the dentist are recommended, who can assess the general condition of the teeth and detect any existing inflammation very early. Due to their small size, most patients hardly notice the fistula entrances themselves, so that the dentist can already radiographically examine and treat an early stage.
Summary
Fistulas occur more frequently in the oral cavity and are usually associated with severe pain, which is not caused by the fistula itself but by the cause of the fistula. Fistulas should be handled with care, not treated by the patient himself/herself and should be taken directly to the dentist, as there may be a possible focus of inflammation that affects the teeth and the periodontium and should be treated as soon as possible.
