A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. Learn how to spot it, prevent it, and treat it.
A tooth abscess is a localised collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can develop inside the tooth, in the gum, or at the tip of the root.
Common symptoms include severe throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw or ear, facial swelling, fever, a bad taste in the mouth, and tenderness when chewing.
Left untreated, an abscess can spread to the jawbone, neck and — in rare cases — become life-threatening.
Treatment usually involves draining the abscess, followed by root canal therapy or extraction, plus antibiotics if the infection has spread. Prevention is simple: brush twice a day, floss daily, avoid excessive sugar, and see your dentist for regular check-ups.
