Certain things may hasten the onset of an abscessed tooth if you do not change your oral health, including: Poor oral hygiene. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day to make sure your teeth’s enamel doesn’t wear away from acid buildup and bacterial growth.  High-sugar diet. Eating and drinking sugary foods, like candy, soda, sweets, and juices with added sugar, can cause tooth decay and cavities. These problems could lead to bigger issues like an abscessed tooth. Dry mouth. Having a dry mouth may harken tooth decay faster. You might get dry mouth due to a side effect of certain medications or when you get older.