Patient education: Dental abscess (The Basics)

What is a dental abscess? — A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the mouth (figure 1). It is caused by an infection. It is also called a "tooth abscess" or "abscessed tooth." Dental abscesses can form in the gums, next to a tooth, or in the end of the root of a tooth.

A dental abscess can be caused by bacteria that is found in plaque. Plaque is a sticky material that forms on the teeth and is made of germs and bits of food. Plaque is all throughout the mouth.

Regular brushing and flossing helps you get rid of plaque. If you don't do this, plaque can turn into a hard deposit called "tartar." The bacteria can also spread into the soft tissue of your teeth and gums.

What causes a dental abscess? — The most common causes are tooth decay and gum disease. Other possible causes include an injury to a tooth, or food or something else getting trapped under the gums.

What are the symptoms of a dental abscess? — Pain is a common problem with a dental abscess. The pain is often throbbing and is near a tooth. The pain might spread into your jaw, neck, or ear. Lying down, chewing, or biting can make pain worse. If the abscess ruptures or breaks open, you might have relief from the pain along with a bad taste in your mouth.

A dental abscess can cause other symptoms besides pain. These might include:

●Fever

●Sensitive teeth (to hot or cold)

●Bleeding, red, or swollen gums

●Swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck, jaw, or face

●Trouble opening your mouth all of the way

●Bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth

Will I need tests? — Most problems with the teeth and mouth are treated by a dentist. The dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth. They will gently touch and tap on the teeth to check them. The dentist might ask about problems with heat or cold or if the pain is worse when you lie down.

Sometimes, the dentist might do other tests, like an X-ray, to check your teeth.

How is a dental abscess treated? — Treatment is based on what is causing the problem. Some of the treatments include:

●Antibiotics to treat the infection

●Making a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus, and then cleaning the area around it

●Removing any irritant from under the gums or between the teeth, and deep cleaning the area with special dental tools and by rinsing it

●Root canal – For this procedure, the dentist drills into the tooth to remove any pus and the infected pulp. Then, they seal the tooth to prevent another infection.

●Pulling a tooth if it cannot be repaired

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Ask the dentist what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

Your dentist might tell you to:

●Take any antibiotics as prescribed. It is important to take all of your antibiotics even if you start to feel better.

●Take medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Avoid very cold or very hot food or drinks if they bother your tooth. Soft foods such as scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes might cause less pain with chewing.

●Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This can help drain the abscess. You can make salt water by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 to 3 grams) of salt into 8 ounces (240 mL) of warm water.

Can I do anything to prevent another dental abscess?

●Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride.

●Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.

●See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups. The dentist might put fluoride or a sealant on your teeth.

●Eat a healthy diet. Try to avoid or limit foods and drinks that are high in acid, sugar, and starch. These include things like chocolate, sweets, cakes, and fizzy or sugary drinks.

●Wear a mouth guard or headgear when playing sports. This can help to avoid tooth injury.

●Stop smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor, dentist, or nurse can help you. Smoking can make some dental problems worse.

When should I call the doctor or dentist? — Call for advice if:

●You continue to have signs of infection, such as:

•Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

•Swelling of the gums, neck, or face

•Discharge or pus around a tooth

●The pain is getting worse or keeps you from sleeping.

●You have trouble swallowing, breathing, chewing, or opening your mouth all of the way.

●You have jaw pain with ear, chest, shoulder, or arm pain.

More on this topic

Patient education: Toothache (The Basics)