10943 Abscessed Tooth

Overview

An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus (thick fluid) that forms inside or around a tooth because of a bacterial infection. It usually causes a severe, throbbing pain and needs dental care as soon as possible.

Yes, dental abscesses are fairly common. Many people visit their dental or medical team each year for a tooth-related abscess.

Anyone can get an abscessed tooth, but people with untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a weakened immune system are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe, throbbing pain in the tooth or gum that may come on suddenly
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• A bad taste in your mouth or bad-smelling breath
• Red, swollen, or tender gums around the affected tooth
• Fever
• Swelling in your face or cheek

Symptoms in children

• Tooth pain that keeps them awake at night
• Difficulty eating or chewing, or refusing food
• Swollen gum near a tooth
• Irritability or crying without a clear reason
• A visible bubble or pimple-like bump on the gum
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Symptoms in older adults

• A dull or less intense toothache that may be easier to ignore
• More likely to have pre-existing dental work or gum disease
• Possible confusion or drowsiness if infection spreads (rare but serious)
• Increased difficulty with eating or chewing due to other medical conditions
• Dry mouth from medications that raises cavity risk

Causes

Main causes

• Tooth decay (cavities) that reaches the soft inner part of the tooth (pulp) and becomes infected
• Cracked or broken tooth that lets bacteria enter the pulp
• Gum disease that creates a pocket between the gum and tooth where bacteria can build up
• Sometimes, an injury to the tooth or previous dental work can increase the risk of infection

Risk factors

• Poor oral hygiene — not brushing twice a day or flossing
• A diet high in sugary foods and drinks
• Not having regular dental check-ups
• Smoking or using other tobacco products
• Dry mouth, which can occur with certain medicines or health conditions
• A weakened immune system from conditions like diabetes, or some treatments such as chemotherapy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe or worsening toothache
• Swelling in your face or gum
• Fever or feeling unwell
• Difficulty or pain when eating or drinking
• If the tooth feels loose or the pain affects your sleep

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild or occasional tooth discomfort that comes and goes
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than a few days
• A bad taste in your mouth that does not go away
• A small gum bump that does not hurt

Diagnosis

A dentist or doctor can often diagnose an abscessed tooth by asking about your symptoms and examining your mouth. They may tap on the tooth, check how you respond to hot and cold, and look for swelling or pus.

Tests that may be done

• A dental examination with a small mirror and gentle pressure
• A dental X-ray to look for signs of infection around the tooth root
• Sometimes a test with hot or cold to see if the tooth is sensitive
• If you see a general practitioner, they may refer you to a dentist or a specialist for a full assessment

What to expect at your appointment

At your appointment, the healthcare professional will explain what they see and discuss your options. If you see a GP before a dentist, they can help manage pain and refer you for the right dental care.

Treatment

Treatment for an abscessed tooth focuses on removing the infection, saving the tooth if possible, and preventing complications. The exact approach depends on how bad the infection is and where it is located. You should always see a dentist or doctor for an assessment; a dentist will carry out most dental treatments.

Self-care at home

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers exactly as directed by a pharmacist or healthcare professional
• Rinse your mouth gently with a warm salt-water solution (about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) and spit it out — do not swallow it
• Eat soft foods and try to chew on the other side of your mouth
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary drinks and foods that can make the pain worse
• Keep your head slightly raised when lying down to reduce pressure and throbbing
• Do not place aspirin or other painkillers directly on your tooth or gum — this can burn your tissue

Medical treatments

A dentist may need to drain the pus by making a small cut in the gum (an incision and drainage). They may also start a root canal treatment, which removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, or give you a prescription for antibiotics if the infection has spread. The specific antibiotic and dose will depend on your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Sometimes, if the tooth is badly damaged and cannot be saved, the tooth may need to be removed. This is usually a simple procedure done under local anaesthetic. In more serious cases, if the infection has spread, you might need to be seen in a hospital for further treatment.

Living with this condition

After treatment, the pain usually improves within a couple of days, but you may need a few days to fully recover. Follow any advice from your dentist, take any prescribed medication as directed, and keep your mouth clean. You may be back to normal activities as soon as you feel able.

Lifestyle tips

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or small brushes
• Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
• Do not smoke or vape, as this makes healing slower and raises your risk of future infections
• Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth clean
• Continue with regular dental check-ups

Diet and exercise

You can usually eat normally after a few days, but choose soft foods for the first day or two. Your appetite may be low while your mouth is sore, so try small, frequent meals. Drinking water is fine, but avoid alcohol. There are no special exercise restrictions, but if you feel unwell, rest until you recover.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with dental pain can affect your sleep, mood, and ability to concentrate. It can also cause worry about treatment. These feelings are normal. If you are feeling anxious or low, talk to your healthcare team — they can support you and explain each step of your treatment.

Prevention

Most dental abscesses can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth, limit sugary foods and drinks, and see your dentist regularly. If you notice a cavity or damaged tooth early, treating it early can prevent an abscess.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread to the bone supporting the teeth (osteomyelitis)
• It can spread to the soft tissues of the face or neck (cellulitis), causing severe swelling
• It can lead to a generalised blood infection (sepsis), which is life-threatening
• The tooth may become loose or need to be extracted
• In rare cases, swelling can block the airway and make it hard to breathe

Long-term outlook

With prompt and proper treatment, most abscessed teeth heal well and the tooth can often be saved. Even if the tooth is removed, the infection usually clears and your mouth can recover. The key is to get help early and follow the treatment plan your dental or medical team recommends.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.