Understanding a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection. It can be very painful and always needs quick treatment. Find out what to expect and what to do.
Urgent help: who to contact
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you find it hard to breathe, speak, swallow or open your mouth, have a lot of swelling in your mouth or swelling spreading to your neck, have a swollen or painful eye or sudden problems with your eyesight, or feel very unwell with a high temperature.
If you think you have a dental abscess without these signs, ask for an urgent dentist appointment or get help from NHS 111.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus (infected fluid). It forms in or around a tooth, or in the gum.
It is caused by germs (bacteria).
There are two main types:
- At the tip of the root (periapical abscess). This is usually caused by tooth decay that has not been treated and has reached the nerve. It can also be caused by an injury to the tooth.
- In the gum (periodontal abscess). This forms in the gap between the tooth and the gum. It is often linked to gum disease.
An abscess will not go away on its own. It will not get better without treatment. It will keep getting worse over time.
Antibiotics alone do not cure an abscess. The cause of the infection must be treated.
Signs and symptoms
A dental abscess often causes:
- A very bad, throbbing toothache. You may also feel the pain in your jaw, ear or neck.
- Pain that gets worse when you lie down
- Pain with hot and cold (sensitivity)
- Swelling in your face, cheek, jaw or gum
- A sore, swollen gland (lymph node) under your jaw
- A bad taste in your mouth. This can happen if pus drains from the abscess.
- A high temperature (fever)
- A spot like a pimple on the gum near a tooth (a "dental sinus")
Ask for an urgent dentist appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think you have a dental abscess. If you find it hard to open your mouth, see the emergency signs below.
When this is a medical emergency
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you have:
- Difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- A lot of swelling in your mouth, or swelling that is spreading fast to your neck or the floor of your mouth
- A swollen or painful eye, swelling that has closed one eye, or sudden problems with your eyesight
- A high temperature (38°C or above) and you feel very unwell
- A feeling of being unwell all over with a fast heartbeat
A dental infection that spreads can be life-threatening if it reaches your airway. Do not wait to get emergency care if you have any of these signs.
You may think you have a dental abscess but have none of these signs. If so, ask for an urgent dentist appointment. If your dental practice is closed, get help from NHS 111. Do not go to a GP surgery. They cannot give dental treatment.
How is a dental abscess treated?
Treatment always deals with the cause of the infection. Your dental team will talk you through the best option for you:
- Draining the pus (incision and drainage). Your dentist makes a small cut in the swollen area to let the pus drain out. This eases the pressure and pain straight away.
- Root canal treatment. This is used if the tooth can be saved. It removes the infected nerve from inside the tooth. The root canals are cleaned and sealed. The tooth is then usually repaired with a filling or crown.
- Taking the tooth out (extraction). This is used if the tooth cannot be saved. Taking it out lets the infection drain and heal. Your dental team will talk about ways to replace the tooth if this is right for you.
- Antibiotics. You may be prescribed these if the infection has spread beyond the tooth (spreading swelling, fever). You may also get them if your immune system is weak. Antibiotics only support treatment. They are not a cure. The cause of the infection must still be treated.
Pain relief while you wait for treatment
While you wait for your appointment, these steps can help with the pain:
- Take painkillers you can buy (over the counter), such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions on the packet.
- You can take them in turns if one alone is not enough. Ask a pharmacist how to do this safely.
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, heart or blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease), stomach problems or kidney problems. Do not take it if you take blood thinners or are pregnant.
- Do not put heat or a hot water bottle on your face. Heat can help the infection spread.
- Try eating on the other side of your mouth.
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet food and drinks that make the pain worse.
- Do not delay. Contact your dental practice for an emergency appointment as soon as you can.
Preventing dental abscesses
Most dental abscesses can be prevented:
- Go for regular dental check-ups. Decay and gum disease found early are much less likely to turn into an abscess.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- If you hurt or crack a tooth, see your dental team soon, even if it does not hurt.
- Do not ignore toothache or sensitivity. Early treatment prevents problems.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. If you think you have a dental abscess, seek dental advice promptly. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
Sources
- Dental abscess. NHS website (nhs.uk), reviewed March 2026.
- Management of Acute Dental Problems, 2nd edition. Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), 2026.
- Drug Prescribing for Dentistry, 3rd edition; online version updated for BNF 91. Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), 2016, updated 2026.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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