Dental Abscess: Tooth Infection Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Updated: March 23, 2023

Are you experiencing continuous soreness in your mouth with difficulty locating where it originates from? Do you suspect that you may have developed a tooth abscess?

A mouth abscess is characterised by a pocket of pus due to bacteria. The accumulation of pus inside your mouth leaves an unpleasant aching sensation that sometimes extends to the ear or the jaw.

If you think a tooth abscess is likely to have developed, you should take this condition seriously and make an appointment with the dentist.

If neglected, a tooth abscess could put your life in jeopardy. So if your body is giving you a signal, no matter how mild or intense your pain feels, do not take it lightly: contact your practitioner as soon as possible.

Tooth abscess symptoms

When the following symptoms appear, there are great chances you may be suffering from a dental abscess:

  • An acute, pounding pain originating from your tooth or gum that keeps increasing perceptibly.
  • Irritation or discomfort that is disseminated to your jaw or to your ear.
  • Inflated, gleaming, red gums.
  • Increased pain and discomfort in a reclined position.
  • A dead tooth: a tooth that appears in a different colour such as yellow, light brown, grey or black should keep you alert. It is a clear sign the tooth is no longer irrigated and that the nerve is dying.
  • When the tooth is feeling frail or lax.
  • If the tooth hurts when you are drinking hot or cold beverages.
  • Halitosis (bad breath) or a strange taste inside your mouth is a red flag for tooth abscess.
  • Developing fever or diarrhoea.
  • Tremendous struggle to breathe properly or to speak, inability to swallow your meals.

Symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, or incapacity to swallow should always be taken very seriously when they come along with severe toothache. Your condition could be life-threatening. Get in touch with your registered practice rapidly. If it is out of hours, call the emergency line immediately.

Tooth abscess causes

tooth abscessThere are various causes of dental abscesses. One of them is the omission of daily tooth care.

When people neglect their teeth and do not brush them regularly while omitting to floss between the teeth, plaque appears. Plaque is composed of bacteria that are mainly responsible for tooth decay and gum illnesses.

If your tooth was damaged during a dental procedure, it could also lead to a dental abscess.

Another cause is bad eating habits like nutrition which has a high sugar rate.

A dry mouth can also increase the threat of developing a dental abscess. Therefore, you should watch your intake of fluids during the day.

A depleted immune system may also lead to tooth abscess. People under medication or with specific medical conditions such as diabetes are more likely to develop a dental abscess.

In case you underwent dental surgery and one of your teeth has been accidentally damaged or broken, bacteria can infect the open part of your tooth, proliferate and provoke an abscess.

Prophylaxis of tooth abscess

The best way not to be confronted with dental abscesses is prevention. So what can you do to avoid it?
For instance, buying a soft toothbrush can hinder abrasion and erosion issues with your teeth. Brushing them softly will help preserve your enamel.

Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and K2 and helps shield your teeth from decay. A coffee spoon of cold liver oil daily will strengthen your teeth and your bones.

Types of dental abscess

There are primarily three categories of dental abscesses, depending on their positioning:

Gum abscess (gingivitis)

This happens when bacteria penetrate into the gap between teeth and the gums. It is much more likely to occur when oral hygiene is neglected on a daily basis, but it can also be the consequence of food that has been lodged into your gums or if the gingival area has been accidentally damaged by a sharp object.

If diagnosed early, it is quite easy to heal. In the absence of a cure, it may lead to more dramatic consequences, such as a periodontal abscess.

Periodontal abscess

It is usually a consequence of pulpitis. Once the proliferating bacteria have attained the pulp, a pocket of pus appears and invades the tissues.

Wisdom tooth abscess

Wisdom teeth are harder to reach while cleaning your teeth. As a consequence, they are often affected. In addition, identifying a cavity or an abscess may be tougher for your dentist due to their location in your mouth.

Treatments for dental abscess

Depending on your tooth condition, various types of treatments may take place:

Gum abscess drainage

Depending on your tooth condition, and according to the X-ray results, the dentist may decide to cut the gum slightly in order to remove the pus. Then he will proceed with the irrigation.

Sometimes the pocket of pus is also removed by slightly compressing the infected zone. Before the removal of the pus, your dentist may apply some anaesthetic cream in order to soothe your pain.

Toot canal treatment

If you are suffering from a periapical abscess, the modus operandi may be a little more complex. Your dentist will have to access the root thanks to a drill.

The pus will then be removed and the cavity will be purged and irrigated. An inlay will be applied afterwards. If needed, a crown will be placed on top of your tooth. In case the infection has spread too far, tooth retrieval may be required.

This type of surgery is always undertaken by administrating the patient a local anaesthetic in order to hinder the pain.

Children will never undergo root canal treatment; if their milk teeth is strongly decayed, it will simply be removed.

After the different treatments, the dentist usually prescribes some painkillers to patients such as Ibuprofen or paracetamol. The posology varies in function of the composition of the medicine.

Tooth abscess FAQ

I am suffering from a dental abscess. My dentist is fully booked. Should I see my GP in the meantime?

No, because the GP will not be able to solve this specific health issue. Try to find another dentist or contact the NHS 111 if you are facing an emergency. You will be asked a few questions and a real dentist will investigate online the gravity of your symptoms.

Can I use natural remedies for a tooth abscess?

If you are in pain and you are unable to benefit from a treatment straight away, you can use natural remedies such as raw garlic or cloves as palliatives, but it is highly recommended to see your dentist in any case, because, otherwise, your condition may worsen very fast. The best way to use garlic, cloves and cold liver oil is when it is done as prophylaxis in order to prevent the disease.

How do I know that I probably have developed a tooth abscess?

Usually, tooth abscess causes intense, tingling, persistent pain. Bad breath should also keep you vigilant. In case you notice an unusual taste in your mouth, it is always better to make an appointment at your dental office. If your neck, teeth or gums are inflamed, you are likely to suffer from a tooth abscess. Breathing difficulty requires medical emergency treatment: do not wait and call your emergency service immediately.

What if I just suspect I may have a dental abscess?

As you know, “better safe than sorry”. Go see your dentist for advice.

Your teeth are your health capital. Therefore, you should always make sure to provide them with regular care. Watching your diet is also a useful tool to avoid tooth decay and its dramatic consequences such as pulpitis or dental abscess. Good mouth hygiene and prophylaxis are the key.

By including regular visits to your registered dentistry office, you will be able to notice a decayed tooth on time and get the adapted treatment.