An abscess forms when bacteria infect the center of your tooth (the pulp) or the gums. This creates a painful pocket of pus. The infection will not go away on its own.
Without treatment, the infection can spread to your jawbone, surrounding tissues, and even your bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
The infection may be blocking your airway. Go to the ER now.
Severe Facial or Neck Swelling
Swelling that spreads beyond your mouth is a sign of a dangerous infection.
Fever and Chills
A high fever indicates the infection has entered your system.
Rapid Heart Rate or Confusion
These are warning signs of sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.
Foul Taste or Sudden Pain Relief
The abscess may have ruptured. You still need immediate dental care to clean the area.
Follow these steps immediately. Time matters.
You need professional treatment to drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics. Call right away.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Rinse gently to help draw out pus and soothe the area.
Use over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the pain.
If your face is swollen, hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
Prop your head up with pillows when resting to reduce pressure and throbbing pain.
Do not try to pop or drain the abscess yourself. This can push the infection deeper.
Call a dentist immediately
Rinse with warm salt water
Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Use a cold compress for swelling
Eat soft foods on the opposite side
Do not try to pop or drain the abscess
Do not put aspirin directly on your gums
Do not ignore the pain or swelling
Do not eat hard, crunchy, or hot foods
Do not stop taking prescribed antibiotics early
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A dental abscess is always an emergency. Knowing where to go can save your life.
Go to the ER if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Go to the ER if swelling spreads to your neck or eye.
Go to the ER if you have a high fever or feel confused.
See an emergency dentist today for severe, throbbing tooth pain.
See a dentist even if the abscess ruptures and the pain stops.