A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by infection
It needs urgent treatment from a dentist and won't go away on its own
Symptoms include intense toothache, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth
A GP can't provide dental treatment, so always contact a dentist or 111
Certain symptoms, like swelling affecting breathing, need immediate A&E care
About Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. It needs urgent treatment from a dentist and won't go away on its own without it.
Symptoms
Symptoms include intense toothache or pain in the gums, redness inside the mouth or on the face and jaw, sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area, a bad taste in the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth or chewing, a swollen face or jaw, swollen glands on either side of the neck, and a high temperature.
?? Ask for an urgent dentist appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You think you have a dental abscess. Don't go to a GP surgery, since they can't provide dental treatment. To see a dentist urgently or out of hours, call your usual dentist first — if they're closed, their answerphone may explain what to do. If you don't have a dentist or can't get an emergency appointment, call 111 or use 111 online for advice, or find a dentist near you and ask about emergency appointments. You may need to pay for the appointment.
?? Call 999 or go to A&E if you:
Are finding it hard to breathe, speak or swallow; have a swollen or painful eye, or sudden problems with your eyesight; have a lot of swelling in your mouth; or are finding it hard to open your mouth. Do not drive to A&E — ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance, and bring any medicines you take with you.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Dental Abscess · Easing Pain
Easing the Pain While You Wait
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What Can Help
Do
Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 shouldn't take aspirin)
Eat soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and yoghurt
Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth
Avoid food or drink that's very hot or cold
Don't
Don't take more than the recommended dose of any painkiller — a higher dose won't work better and can be dangerous
Treatment from a Dentist
Dental abscesses are usually treated by a dentist, who'll drain away the pus. If a problem with the tooth itself has caused the abscess, you may need root canal treatment, or the tooth may need to be removed — this is done under local anaesthetic so you won't feel pain. You may be offered painkillers to take for a few days afterwards, and sometimes antibiotics too.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Dental Abscess · Causes & Prevention
Causes and Prevention
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What Causes a Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses usually happen when pus builds up beneath the teeth or gums due to an infection in the mouth. You may be more likely to get one if you have a tooth that hasn't fully grown out of the gums (an impacted tooth), tooth decay or gum disease, an injury to your teeth, gums or mouth, or if you're having radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Preventing Dental Abscesses
Do
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day — spit after brushing, don't rinse
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
Have regular dental check-ups so problems can be caught early
Don't
Don't use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth
Don't smoke
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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