Dental abscesses develop when bacteria gain access to vulnerable areas of the mouth. Here are the most common causes:

Common symptoms include sharp, throbbing pain that may spread to the jaw or ear, swelling in your gums or face, a bad taste from pus, fever, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. You might also notice a small bump on your gums or feel a loose tooth. These signs suggest a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, could spread to your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions. According to a 2019 study, over 60,000 people in the U.S. were hospitalized for dental infections, showing how risky delaying treatment can be. If left untreated, an abscess can affect vital organs, so quick treatment is necessary.

Diet impacts dental health significantly. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they feed bacteria that erode enamel, leading to cavities. Consume calcium-rich foods like yogurt and cheese to help keep your teeth strong, and rinse your mouth with water after meals to wash away leftover food and bacteria. If you have a history of dental issues, consider sealants or fluoride treatments for added protection.

Call your regular dentist first. They might be able to help after hours or tell you where to go for emergency care, If they’re unavailable, feel free to reach our office if the tooth is causing so much pain that you cannot sleep or function properly. If you are travelling then we would recommend any local ADA approved dentist, which you could find on a google search.

Symptoms include intense, throbbing pain that may spread to your jaw or ear, swelling in the gums or face, a bad taste from pus, fever, and sometimes difficulty swallowing or breathing. You might see a pimple-like bump on your gums or feel a loose tooth. These signs indicate a bacterial infection that, if untreated, can spread to the jaw, neck, or bloodstream, potentially causing sepsis. A 2019 study noted over 60,000 U.S. hospitalizations for dental infections, highlighting the risks of delay. Left unchecked, an abscess can even affect vital organs, making prompt treatment critical.

A dental emergency is when you have a mouth problem that needs quick care to stop pain, bleeding, or more damage. Common examples include a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth, which has a 60-minute window for successful reimplantation, or a severe toothache that disrupts sleep or eating, often signaling an abscess or deep decay. Other emergencies include a broken jaw, significant swelling in the gums or face, or uncontrolled bleeding after an injury or procedure. For instance, if you crack a tooth while biting into hard candy and feel sharp pain or sensitivity, that’s a red flag for exposed nerves, requiring prompt care. In contrast, a small chip with no pain might not be urgent but should still be evaluated within a few days to prevent decay.