What is abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has a pocket of pus in the tissues around it. Pus forms when the body tries to fight an infection caused by bacteria. If the pus cannot drain, it forms an abscess. An abscessed tooth can cause red, swollen gums and throbbing pain, especially when you chew. You may have a bad taste in your mouth and a fever, and your jaw may swell.

Damage to the tooth, untreated tooth decay, or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth.

An abscessed tooth needs to be treated by a dental professional right away. If it is not treated, the infection could spread to other parts of your body. Your dentist will give you antibiotics to stop the infection. If antibiotics don't stop the infection, you may need other treatments.

When you have an abscessed tooth, you may have:

• Throbbing pain, especially when you chew.
• Red, swollen gums.
• A bad taste in your mouth.
• Swelling in your jaw or face.
• A fever.
• A red, swollen bump in your mouth. It may have blood or pus oozing from it.
• A tooth that is very tender or sore to the touch.

Over time as the infection spreads, the bone in your jaw may start to dissolve. When this happens, you may feel less pain, but the infection will still be there. If you lose too much bone, your tooth will become loose and may have to be removed.

An abscessed tooth needs treatment right away. You and your dentist will decide what's right for you. Your dentist may:

• Give you antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
• Make a hole in the tooth to drain the infection and relieve the pain.
• Do a root canal to remove the infected pulp in the tooth.
• Remove the tooth. This may be needed if you don't want a root canal, or if you have one and it doesn't work.

The best way to prevent an abscessed tooth is to take good care of your teeth and gums:

• Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night. Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.
• See your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups.
• Eat a healthy diet, avoid sugary foods and drinks, and limit between-meal snacks.
• Avoid having a dry mouth. It can put you at risk for cavities and infections.

Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and look for swelling and other signs of infection in your mouth. Your dentist may tap on the tooth and apply heat or cold to the tooth. Your dentist may also take dental X-rays.

• Brush and floss gently.
• Reduce pain and swelling in your face and jaw by putting ice or a cold pack on the outside of your cheek. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Avoid using tobacco products. Tobacco and nicotine slow your ability to heal.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Take antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

Damage to the tooth, an untreated cavity (tooth decay), or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth.

An abscess forms around a tooth when pus can't drain. A pocket of pus forms around a tooth when the body tries to fight an infection caused by bacteria.