What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled swelling caused by an infection inside your tooth or in the gums next to your tooth's root. An infection inside your tooth may be caused by tooth decay or a cracked tooth. An infection in your gums is caused by gum disease.

These can all let bacteria enter the tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the middle of a tooth) or inside your gums.

If you think you might have a tooth abscess, you should see your dentist or dental practitioner straight away.

What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess?

If you have a tooth abscess, you may have:

• pain (toothache)
• swelling
• red, swollen gums
• a bad taste in your mouth
• fever

What causes a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is caused by an infection due to:

• tooth decay
• a cracked tooth
• gum disease

When should I see a dentist or dental practitioner?

See your dentist or dental practitioner as soon as you can, if you think you have a tooth abscess.

A tooth abscess will not get better on its own. In fact, an untreated abscess might get worse. This can lead to life-threatening complications if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.

If you have chipped or broken teeth you should see a dentist or dental practitioner for a check-up.

How is a tooth abscess treated?

The treatment of a tooth abscess depends on the seriousness of your condition.

Treatments include:

• antibiotics to fight the infection and appropriate dental treatment
• draining the infection
• root canal treatment — if the abscess is caused by decay or a cracked tooth
• cleaning the space between the tooth and the gum — if the abscess is caused by gum disease

The aim of treatment is to cure the infection, prevent complications, and to save your tooth. If you have a severe infection, your tooth may need to be extracted (removed).

Generally, early treatment can cure the infection and save your tooth. Antibiotic treatment on its own will not cure the tooth abscess, it must be treated by a dentist or dental practitioner.

You may be treated by:

• a dentist
• a dental practitioner
• an endodontist (a dentist who specialises in the roots of teeth)

Can a tooth abscess be prevented?

Practising good dental care can reduce your risk of a tooth abscess. This includes:

• brushing your teeth 2 times a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• cleaning between your teeth using dental floss or an interdental brush (a small brush) every day
• avoiding too many sugary food and drinks
• wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports
• visiting your dentist or dental practitioner regularly for check-ups and cleaning

You should see your dentist or dental practitioner if you have a dental injury (your teeth become loose or chipped).

Complications from tooth abscesses

Abscesses can sometimes cause facial swelling or swollen glands in your neck.

Left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to a serious infection in your:

• jawbone
• teeth
• surrounding tissues

In rare cases, dental abscesses can become life threatening.

Serious infections must be treated immediately by antibiotics, followed by appropriate dental treatment.

Resources and support

You can find out more about dental care on Healthdirect's teeth cleaning page.

You can read more about how to care for your teeth at Teeth.org.au.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.