What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is a swollen lump filled with pus near the root of your tooth. It happens when bacteria cause an infection inside your tooth or around your tooth's root.

A tooth abscess is also called a dental abscess.

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

What are the symptoms of a tooth abscess?

If you have a tooth abscess, you may notice:

• pain (toothache) — often sharp or throbbing and gets worse when you bite or chew
• tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold drinks
• swelling in your face, cheek or gums
• redness — the area around your tooth may look red and feel warm
• bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• fever
• a loose tooth — the infected tooth might feel wobbly or be pushed out

What causes a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess happens when bacteria get inside your tooth or around the root, causing an infection. This is more likely if you have:

• tooth decay
• a cracked or injured tooth
• a deep filling
• a failed root canal treatment
• partially grown or impacted (stuck) teeth (especially wisdom teeth)
• gum disease

These problems can let bacteria reach the soft middle part of your tooth, called the pulp. The bacteria can spread down to the root. Your body reacts by making pus, which builds up.

You're more likely to get a tooth abscess if you:

• don't brush or care for your teeth well
• use drugs or alcohol
• have some health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer
• are taking certain medicines

When should I see my dentist or doctor?

You should see your dentist or doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms of a tooth abscess.

Don't wait. A tooth abscess will not go away on its own. It is important to get treatment early to stop the infection from spreading and help you feel better faster. An untreated abscess might get worse and can lead to life-threatening complications.

If you have chipped or broken teeth, see a dentist for a check-up.

How is a tooth abscess diagnosed?

Your dentist or doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your mouth, face and neck. They may also refer you for tests to find out how severe the infection is and if it has spread.

Common tests include:

• x-rays
• CT scans
• blood tests
• tooth sensitivity test
• ultrasound
• taking a swab from the infected area — a sample of the pus may be collected and sent to the laboratory to find out which bacteria are causing the infection

How is a tooth abscess treated?

Treatment for a tooth abscess will depend on how serious the infection is. You may need:

• antibiotics to help fight the infection (although antibiotics alone are not enough to treat a tooth abscess)
• drainage of pus if there's swelling
• a root canal treatment or tooth removal if the abscess is caused by decay or a cracked tooth
• cleaning around the tooth and the gum if gum disease is the cause
• medicines for pain relief

Hospital care may be needed if your infection is serious.

You may be treated by a dentist, a doctor or an endodontist (a dentist who specialises in the roots of teeth).

You should start feeling better within 2 to 3 days after starting treatment. If you don't, you may need more tests or a different treatment.

What are the complications from a tooth abscess?

If a tooth abscess is not treated, the infection can spread beyond your tooth and jaw. This can lead to serious complications, such as:

• trouble breathing — swelling in your neck or mouth can block your airway
• sepsis — a serious infection that spreads through your whole body
• long-term problems — such as facial scarring, difficulty opening your jaw, vision loss or brain injury

Rarely, dental abscesses can become life-threatening.

Can a tooth abscess be prevented?

You can reduce your chance of developing a tooth abscess by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Here's what you can do:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth using dental floss or an interdental brush (a special small brush) every day.
• Avoid sugary food and fizzy drinks.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning.

Resources and support

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

Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for information about:

• public dental services in your state or territory
• Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
• how to care for your teeth

Teeth.org.au offers oral health information to help you keep your mouth healthy.

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

Languages other than English

• Teeth.org.au offers translated factsheets on different oral health topics in a range of community languages.
• Queensland Health offers translated factsheets on what to expect after dental surgery.
• NSW Health offers information about healthy mouths for people from culturally and linguistically diverse and non-English speaking backgrounds.
• The Victorian Government offers translated oral health resources.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Teeth.org.au offers information about a healthy smile for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• NSW Health has information about keeping a healthy mouth for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.