Tooth infection guide

What a tooth infection is

The NHS describes a dental abscess as a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by infection. Healthline says bacteria enter the tooth's pulp, often through decay, injury or past dental work, and can form a pus-filled abscess. Cleveland Clinic lists severe cavities, broken, chipped or cracked teeth, gum disease and tooth injury as causes, and the NHS adds an impacted tooth and radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Symptoms

The NHS lists intense toothache or gum pain, redness inside or outside the mouth, sensitivity to hot or cold, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth or chewing, a swollen face or jaw, swollen glands in the neck and a high temperature. Cleveland Clinic adds pain that is shooting or throbbing and may radiate to the ear, jaw or neck, bad breath, gum redness and swelling, a loose tooth, an open draining sore on the gum and fever. Healthline lists pain when chewing or lying down.

Can a tooth infection make you sick?

Yes. Fever, swollen glands, headache and feeling unwell are common as the infection spreads, and Healthline lists serious complications if it is left untreated. Our guide on how long until a tooth infection becomes dangerous covers the warning signs in detail.

Will a tooth abscess go away on its own?

No. The NHS, Healthline and Cleveland Clinic all say it will not heal on its own. Healthline says pain often eases when an abscess ruptures and pus drains, but you should still see a dentist to make sure the infection does not spread, and Cleveland Clinic says pain may fade if the pulp dies while infection keeps spreading.

How it is treated

Cleveland Clinic and Healthline list incision and drainage, a root canal, and extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. The NHS says a dentist drains the pus under local anesthetic. Antibiotics help with remaining bacteria but do not remove the source of the infection, according to Cleveland Clinic. Healthline says with treatment an abscess should clear up within a few days.

Who is at higher risk

Healthline lists older age, diabetes, a weakened immune system and malnutrition as risk factors for a serious infection, and Cleveland Clinic lists smoking, which about doubles the risk of an abscess, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene and a weakened immune system. If you are in one of these groups, treat any toothache with swelling or fever as urgent, and tell your dentist about your health conditions.

Antibiotics and mouthwash

Only a clinician can decide whether you need antibiotics and which, so do not use leftovers. We found no source on whether mouthwash such as Listerine can kill a tooth infection, and the sources say rinses such as warm salt water give temporary relief only and do not treat the cause.

Home care while you wait

The NHS says to take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed without exceeding the dose, eat soft foods, brush gently, and avoid very hot or cold food and drink. Cleveland Clinic and Healthline add warm salt water rinses and cold compresses as temporary relief. The NHS says to contact a dentist urgently, or NHS 111 if you cannot get an emergency appointment.

Preventing tooth infections

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily, replace your toothbrush every two to three months, attend regular check-ups and avoid smoking, which the NHS lists. Treat cavities early: our cavity guide explains how decay progresses to the pulp.

Questions to ask your dentist

If you have had a tooth infection, these questions help you avoid another.

• What caused the infection: decay, a crack, gum disease or injury?
• Can the tooth be saved with a root canal, or does it need to come out?
• What should I do if swelling or fever returns?
• Do I need a crown or other restoration afterwards?
• What can I do to prevent another?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions