Dental Abscess: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of a tooth’s root or in the gum beside a tooth. Abscesses don’t clear up on their own, and the infection can spread if it isn’t treated. If you’re in Doral and think you might have one, here’s what to watch for and what to do next.

What causes an abscess

Bacteria usually reach the inside of a tooth through deep decay, a crack or a damaged filling. Once the pulp inside the tooth is infected, the infection can travel to the bone around the root. Gum abscesses often develop from gum disease or from something trapped deep under the gumline. Untreated cavities and old injuries to a tooth are common starting points.

Common warning signs

• Severe, throbbing pain that may spread to the jaw, neck or ear
• Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
• A swollen, red or tender gum, sometimes with a pimple-like bump
• A bad taste or smell in the mouth, or pus draining from the bump
• Swelling in the cheek or jaw
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Fever or a general unwell feeling

Sometimes the pain suddenly eases. That can happen when an abscess drains or the nerve dies, but the infection is still there. Less pain doesn’t mean the problem is solved.

When an abscess is an emergency

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, a high fever, or you feel very ill. These can be signs of a spreading infection. Our guide on choosing the ER or an emergency dentist walks through these situations.

What you can do before treatment

• Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to ease swelling
• Avoid chewing on that side and skip very hot or cold foods
• Don’t squeeze or pop the bump on your gum

Many of the same comfort measures help with general tooth pain. See easing a toothache at home for more detail.

How dentists treat an abscess

A dentist will examine the area and usually take an X-ray to find the source. Treatment focuses on removing the infection and its cause. Depending on the tooth, that may involve draining the abscess, a root canal to clean out the inside of the tooth, or removing a tooth that can’t be saved. Antibiotics may be prescribed in some cases, but they aren’t a substitute for treating the tooth.

Who is more likely to get an abscess

Anyone can develop a dental abscess, but the risk is higher if you have untreated cavities, gum disease, a cracked or injured tooth, or large old fillings. A dry mouth, which can be a side effect of some medications, makes decay more likely. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system may find infections harder to fight, so it’s especially important for them to get dental symptoms checked quickly.

Why antibiotics alone aren’t enough

It’s tempting to hope a course of antibiotics will make the problem disappear. Antibiotics can help control an infection that’s spreading, but they can’t reach the source inside a tooth or remove the pocket of pus. Without dental treatment, the infection often comes back.

Preventing the next one

Regular checkups catch decay before it reaches the nerve. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth and fixing cracked or broken teeth promptly all lower your risk. A tooth that cracked weeks ago and was never treated is a common route for infection, which is why it’s worth knowing what to do when a tooth cracks.

Getting help in Doral

If you suspect an abscess but don’t have emergency-room symptoms, call to be connected with a participating dentist. Our emergency dentist Doral page explains how the referral line works.