Dental abscess
Dental abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that can form inside a tooth, in the gum, or in the bone that holds the tooth in place. It happens because of a bacterial infection.
If the abscess forms at the tip of a tooth's root, it's called a periapical abscess. If it forms in the gum, it's called a periodontal abscess.
Dental abscesses are usually painful, though not always. Either way, a dentist needs to check it.
Please seek help as soon as possible. An abscess will not clear up by itself, and in some cases the infection can spread to other parts of the face and neck and make you seriously unwell.
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 999 straight away. If you notice any signs of a dental abscess, get in touch with your dentist.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 999 straight away. If you notice any signs of a dental abscess, get in touch with your dentist.
Causes
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria, and these form a sticky film on your teeth known as plaque.
If your teeth aren't kept clean, the acids these bacteria produce in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
The following can make you more likely to develop a dental abscess:
- poor oral hygiene: plaque can build up on your teeth if you don't brush and clean between them regularly
- eating and drinking too much sugary food: this encourages bacteria in plaque to grow and can lead to decay that ends up causing an abscess
- an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums: bacteria can enter through any damaged areas of the teeth or gums
- having a weakened immune system: this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and those undergoing treatment such as steroid medication or chemotherapy
Treatment
Dental abscesses are treated by clearing away the source of the infection and draining out the pus. The right approach depends on where the abscess is and how severe the infection has become, and may include:
- removing the affected tooth (extraction), which may be needed if root canal treatment is not possible
- root canal treatment, a procedure that clears the abscess from the root of the affected tooth before it is filled and sealed
- incision and drainage, where a small cut is made in the gum to drain the abscess (usually only a temporary solution)
A local anaesthetic is normally used to numb the mouth for these procedures. More extensive operations may be carried out under general anaesthetic, where you are fully asleep.
Antibiotics are not routinely given for dental abscesses, but your dentist may prescribe them if the infection has spread or is especially severe.
Prevention
You can lower your risk of getting a dental abscess by keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Do
- use an interdental brush or floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under the gum line
- brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, spending at least 2 minutes each time
- avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash right after brushing, since this washes away the protective toothpaste
- cut down on sugary food and drinks, particularly between meals or shortly before bed
- visit your dentist regularly; your dentist can tell you how often you need a check-up, based on your oral health
Read more on how to keep your teeth clean and about dental check-ups.