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Tooth abscess

 
 

If you’re experiencing dental pain, especially accompanied by swelling and sensitivity around your gums and face, there’s a chance you have an abscess in your mouth.

As a common symptom of a bacterial infection, abscesses are painful and can lead to further complications if left untreated. If you suspect you have a dental abscess, the most important thing you can do is book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

 
 

What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that develops on or around a tooth. It is formed as the result of a bacterial infection.

There are three main types of dental abscess:

  • Periapical abscess
    This is an infection at the root of the tooth itself, where bacteria has entered through a hole in the enamel.

  • Periodontal abscess
    This type of abscess forms in a periodontal pocket (the space between your gum and tooth at the base of the tooth).

  • Gingival abscess
    A gingival abscess forms on the gum itself.

 

What is a tooth infection?

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria enters your teeth or gums, and your body sends white blood cells to fight the infection. The mixture of bacteria, white blood cells and dead tissue constitutes pus, which fills a cavity and produces swelling and sensitivity.

This pus-filled cavity is the abscess, which contains the infection and must be drained and treated by a dental professional. Simply put, the infection is the root of the problem and the abscess is the most visible symptom of the infection.

 

Symptoms of a tooth abscess

If you have a dental abscess, you may be suffering from some of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent and severe toothache

  • Pain radiating to your ear, jaw or neck

  • Increased pain when lying down

  • Swelling and sensitivity around a tooth or gums

  • Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth

  • Sensitivity to pressure from chewing

  • Sensitivity to hot and/or cold temperatures

  • Tender lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck

  • Fever and general unwellness

  • Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing or sleeping.

 

Common causes

An abscess is caused by a dental infection, usually bacterial. These infections typically occur as a result of poor dental hygiene.

When tooth decay develops, a hole in the enamel of your teeth (a cavity) can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and an abscess to form. Bacteria may also enter the tooth through a dental injury or prior dental work.

Similarly, if gingivitis (gum disease) is left untreated, bacteria may accumulate in periodontal pockets or abrasions on the surface of the gums.

Other factors that can contribute to dental infection include:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth

  • High sugar diet

  • Smoking

  • Dry mouth.

 

Don’t try to treat a tooth abscess at home

If you’re struggling with the pain of a tooth abscess, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist will safely drain and treat the abscess, and a root canal procedure may be necessary.

While waiting to see the dentist, you may find temporary pain relief at home, with some of the following methods:

  • Ibuprofen
    Over-the-counter ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and may help to reduce pain related to swelling.

  • Clove oil
    Clove oil has both anaesthetic and antibacterial properties. It can be gently applied to the abscess with a cloth or cotton swab.

  • Salt water rinse
    Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help to wash away bacteria and offer some short-term relief.

 

When to see a dentist

The longer you let pain go untreated, the more damage may be done. See a dentist as soon as possible if you suspect you’ve developed a dental abscess.

Signs you should see a dentist include:

Severe or intolerable pain.

Pain that lasts longer than a day.

Dental pain accompanied by fever, ear or jaw pain.

Swelling in or around the face.

Previous cases of dental infection.

The sooner you book an appointment with Kowhai Dental, the sooner we can treat your pain. Request an appointment online or call us on 09 430 0707.

 

What to expect

It’s normal to be anxious about seeing the dentist, but it can help to calm your nerves by knowing what to expect.

When you come to Kowhai Dental for a dental abscess or severe dental pain, we’ll start by asking you a few questions about your pain. Consider:

  • When did the pain start?

  • How do you think the abscess occurred?

  • What is your usual dental routine?

  • Have you made any changes recently?

We’ll then perform a full examination and may require an X-ray to see what’s going on under the hood. A dental X-ray is very simple and quick, and can be done in the same appointment.

Depending on the severity and type of infection, we may suggest a number of treatments including antibiotics, root canal or extraction of the infected tooth if the infection has proceeded too far.

 

Related treatments

Root canals →

Tooth extractions →

 
 
 

Got questions?

What is the difference between a tooth infection and a tooth abscess?

A dental infection is the presence and build-up of bacteria below the surface of your tooth or gums. Meanwhile, an abscess is specifically the pus-filled cavity where the infection is present. Think of the abscess as the core symptom of the infection.

Is a tooth infection always an abscess?

Almost always, yes. When an infection occurs, your body sends white blood cells to contain and fight the infection. This forms an abscess.

What does an abscessed or infected tooth feel like?

An abscessed tooth may feel like a severe toothache. It often radiates and refers pain to other areas around the face such as your jaw, ear and neck. As it is caused by an infection, it may also cause your nearby lymph nodes to swell.

What does a tooth abscess tooth look like?

Periodontal or gingival abscesses may look like pockets of pus, similar to a cyst or pimple on your gums. A periapical abscess may be less visible externally, however is often accompanied by decay (cavities) which can appear as discoloured or black marks on the teeth.

Can a tooth abscess or infection go away on its own?

No. A tooth abscess must be drained and treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If left to go away on its own, infection may spread beyond the mouth into the rest of the body.

How long does a tooth abscess or infection take to heal?

Recovery following treatment of a dental abscess can vary depending on the procedure required. Both root canal and extraction treatments will likely offer immediate relief from the pressure and pain of the abscess, however you may feel more mild pain for a few days afterwards as your mouth heals.

Will a tooth abscess go away with antibiotics?

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat a dental infection, however they often cannot penetrate the abscess alone. Your dentist will need to surgically drain the abscess to help the antibiotics get the job done.

Is a tooth abscess an emergency?

An abscess can be considered a dental emergency. If the pain is particularly severe, call Kowhai on 09 430 0707 as soon as possible, or visit your nearest A&E after hours.

Can I pop an abscess on my gum?

Do not try to pop or drain any abscess. Abscesses contain infection and if not drained properly, this infection may spread to other areas of your mouth.

What happens if a tooth abscess bursts?

You will likely feel immediate pain relief if the abscess bursts, as well as a foul taste in your mouth (pus). However, this does not mean the infection has gone away. You will still need to see a dentist as soon as possible to receive proper treatment.

What happens if a tooth infection is left untreated and spreads?

If you do not seek treatment for a tooth abscess, the infection may spread through your jaw to other areas of your head and neck. In especially severe cases, the spread of infection may lead to potentially life-threatening issues such as sepsis.

Will mouthwash kill infection?

No. Mouthwash may help to eliminate loose bacteria within your mouth as part of your regular oral health routine, however it cannot kill or treat an existing infection. You might enjoy some temporary pain relief by washing your mouth with salt water, but this will likewise not treat the infection itself.

What foods should I avoid when I have an infected tooth?

Certain foods are likely to make the pain of an abscess feel much worse. Try to avoid hard or chewy foods like boiled sweets, sharp foods like crackers, acidic foods like lemon and especially hot or cold foods.

How long before antibiotics work on an infected tooth?

You will be given a full round of antibiotics. The effect of antibiotics is cumulative and must be sustained for the full length of prescription to ensure the infection is properly killed. Continue taking your antibiotics as prescribed until you run out. Do not stop taking them early even if symptoms have subsided.

 
 
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