A dental abscess is a painful infection that fills the tooth or gums with pus, usually caused by untreated tooth decay, injury, or gum disease. It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s an emergency because the infection can spread quickly and lead to serious health problems. In this post, we explain why an abscess needs immediate care, how to recognize it, and what to do before seeing a dentist.
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.
Before you see a dentist, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1 tsp in 8 oz of water) every few hours to reduce bacteria and help with pain. You can take ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling, but avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding. Don’t try to squeeze or pop the abscess yourself—it could make the infection worse.These steps are temporary; a dentist will need to drain the abscess, possibly prescribe antibiotics, or perform a root canal. In serious cases, the dentist may need to remove the tooth
If the swelling spreads to your face or neck, or if you have a high fever or trouble breathing, get emergency help right away. These might mean the infection is getting more serious. Even if your symptoms are not severe, it’s important to contact your local emergency department.
