A dental abscess is one of the most painful and potentially serious conditions that can develop in your mouth. Unlike many dental problems that can be monitored for a few days before booking an appointment, an abscess demands prompt action. It is a bacterial infection that creates a pocket of pus inside a tooth, in the gum, or in the bone around the tooth – and it will not resolve on its own. Contacting an emergency dentist is essential, because the longer an abscess is left untreated, the greater the risk that the infection will spread to other parts of the face, jaw, or neck.
Understanding what a dental abscess looks and feels like – and what to do the moment you suspect one – is genuinely important for your health. This article covers the causes, symptoms, immediate steps to take, and what professional treatment involves.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
An abscess is a localised infection in which bacteria have invaded the tissues around a tooth, producing a collection of pus. Dental abscesses fall into two main categories:
- Periapical abscess: This forms at the tip of the root of a tooth, usually as a result of deep tooth decay that has allowed bacteria to reach the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). Once the pulp becomes infected, the infection can spread downward through the root canal and into the surrounding bone.
- Periodontal abscess: This forms in the gum or in the bone alongside the tooth, often as a complication of gum disease (periodontitis). It is not typically related to decay inside the tooth but rather to infection within the gum pocket.
Both types are serious and both require professional dental treatment. Antibiotics alone are not an adequate long-term solution – the source of the infection must also be addressed.
Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
Pain
The most prominent symptom is typically a severe, throbbing toothache that develops gradually and intensifies over time. The pain is often described as pulsating, and it may radiate outward to the ear, jaw, and neck on the same side of the face. It tends to be worse when you bite down, and it can make it difficult to sleep. Unlike general toothache that may come and go, abscess pain is usually persistent and worsening.
Swelling
Swelling of the face, jaw, or cheek on the affected side is a key sign that infection is spreading. This can range from subtle puffiness to dramatic, visible enlargement. Swelling that extends to the neck or makes it difficult to open your mouth, swallow, or breathe is a medical emergency – you should call 999 immediately in that situation.
Fever and General Illness
As the body fights the infection, you may develop a fever (a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius), feel shivery, experience headaches, or feel generally unwell. These systemic symptoms indicate that the infection is affecting your whole body and needs to be treated urgently.
Visible Gum Changes
You may notice a red, tender, or shiny area of the gum near the affected tooth. In some cases, a small, pimple-like swelling (called a dental fistula or sinus) may appear on the gum surface. This is actually a channel that has formed to allow the pus to drain out – and while it may temporarily reduce the pain as the pressure eases, it does not mean the infection has resolved. It still requires professional treatment.
Bad Taste and Smell
If the abscess ruptures spontaneously, you may notice a sudden foul taste or smell in your mouth. This is the pus draining. While the pain may ease temporarily when this happens, the infection is still present and you still need to see a dentist urgently.
Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or pain when tapping the affected tooth, are common features of a dental abscess.
What to Do If You Suspect a Dental Abscess
According to NHS Inform Scotland, a dental abscess will not go away without treatment and you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. If you believe you have an abscess, here is what to do:
1. Contact a Dentist Immediately
Call your dental practice as soon as they open and describe your symptoms clearly – pain, swelling, and any fever. Be specific about the severity and duration of your symptoms. Most practices will prioritise a suspected abscess for same-day or next-day treatment.
2. Use Painkillers for Temporary Relief
While you wait to be seen, paracetamol or ibuprofen (taken as directed) can help manage the pain. Ibuprofen is particularly helpful because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum – this can cause chemical burns to the soft tissue.
3. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce inflammation and draw out some of the pus. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Do not swallow the rinse.
4. Do Not Apply Heat to the Face
Heat encourages infection to spread. Avoid hot water bottles, heat packs, or warm compresses on the affected area. A cold compress on the outside of the face can help reduce swelling and provide some relief.
5. Do Not Try to Drain the Abscess Yourself
Attempting to burst or squeeze an abscess at home risks introducing more bacteria into the area, spreading infection, and potentially causing serious harm. Only a dentist can safely and properly drain an abscess.
6. If You Cannot Reach a Dentist
If your regular dentist cannot see you and your symptoms are severe, call NHS 24 on 111 for guidance on emergency dental services in your area. If you develop swelling that is affecting your breathing or ability to swallow, call 999 or go to A and E immediately.
Professional Treatment for a Dental Abscess
| Type of Treatment | What It Involves | When It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Incision and drainage | Small cut in the gum to release the pus | Immediate relief for large, accessible abscesses |
| Root canal treatment | Removal of infected pulp, cleaning of root canals, filling | Periapical abscess; when the tooth is worth saving |
| Tooth extraction | Removal of the affected tooth | When the tooth cannot be saved |
| Antibiotics | Prescribed to control spread of infection | When there are signs of spreading or systemic infection |
How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing a Dental Abscess
The best way to avoid a dental abscess is to maintain good oral health habits and attend regular dental check-ups. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and limiting sugary food and drink all significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay – which is the most common route for bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection.
Attending regular dental check-ups allows your dentist to spot and treat early-stage decay long before it reaches the pulp. Small fillings placed at this stage are straightforward and comfortable; leaving decay to progress means root canal treatment or extraction becomes necessary instead. Similarly, managing gum disease early – through good home care and regular hygiene visits – prevents the deep pocketing where periodontal abscesses develop.
If you have a damaged tooth, a cracked filling, or anything in your mouth that is not quite right, do not put off getting it checked. The sooner small problems are addressed, the less likely they are to develop into something more serious.
Antibiotics and Dental Abscesses: What You Need to Know
Many patients ask whether antibiotics can simply treat an abscess without the need for dental intervention. The answer is that antibiotics alone are not a long-term solution. They can help control the spread of infection and reduce systemic symptoms like fever, but they do not eliminate the source of the abscess. Without draining the pus and addressing the underlying problem – whether that is through root canal treatment, extraction, or periodontal treatment – the abscess is likely to return once the course of antibiotics is finished.
Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics where there is evidence of spreading infection or systemic illness, but this is always in addition to – not instead of – definitive dental treatment. If a previous dentist has prescribed antibiotics for a recurring abscess without performing definitive treatment, this is something worth discussing at your next appointment.
The Risks of Leaving a Dental Abscess Untreated
The consequences of ignoring a dental abscess can be severe. Dental infections can spread into the floor of the mouth, the airway, and the neck in a potentially life-threatening condition called Ludwig’s angina. They can also spread into the bone (osteomyelitis) or, in very rare cases, into the brain. These outcomes are uncommon but they do occur, and they are entirely preventable with timely treatment.
Even in less extreme cases, an untreated abscess will cause increasing pain, bone loss around the tooth, and may make the eventual treatment significantly more complex and expensive than if the problem had been addressed early.
We are here to help when dental pain strikes. At Tarbert Dental Surgery, we take suspected abscesses very seriously and will always aim to see patients as urgently as possible. If you have symptoms of a dental abscess, please call us straight away on 01880 820387 so we can assess your situation and provide the urgent care you need.