A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in or around a tooth or the surrounding gum due to a bacterial infection. It typically occurs when bacteria infects the dental pulp (inside the tooth) or deep gum tissue.

A dental abscess will not go away on its own and requires prompt dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.

A tooth abscess infection can cause a range of symptoms that may worsen without treatment.

Common signs may include:
– Severe, throbbing toothache
– Painful, diffuse swelling
– Fever or feeling unwell
– Bad taste or discharge from the abscess
– Swollen glands in the neck or jaw

Antibiotics for a tooth infection are usually required if there are systemic signs or signs of spreading infection, such as fever, aching muscles, diffuse swelling, swollen glands, or if your immune system is weakened.

Antibiotics are not a standalone cure but are used alongside dental treatment such as drainage or operative care.

Amoxicillin is recommended as first line treatment for those who have no penicillin allergy. For patients with a penicillin allergy, metronidazole is the recommended first line treatment.

According to NICE guidance, a five-day course of antibiotics for a tooth infection is usually sufficient. Longer courses do not improve outcomes and may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

No, antibiotics alone will not cure a dental abscess. They help control the infection and reduce the risk of complications, but urgent dental treatment is still required to drain the abscess and remove the source of infection.

If you develop any of the following signs of a serious or emergency dental abscess, seek urgent medical attention immediately:

– Difficulty breathing or airway obstruction
– Difficulty swallowing or speaking
– Rapidly spreading swelling to the neck or eye
– Severe dizziness or signs of sepsis

Most patients with a tooth abscess begin to feel relief within 24–48 hours of starting antibiotics. It is essential to complete the full course even if symptoms improve.

If there is no improvement after 48–72 hours, get back in touch with a dentist for reassessment.

Pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol should be taken regularly (within recommended doses).

Additional measures include rinsing with warm salt water, avoiding extreme temperatures, eating soft foods, and sleeping with your head elevated. These are temporary measures and do not replace dental treatment.

To prevent dental abscesses and tooth infections, brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, reduce sugar intake, avoid tobacco, and attend regular dental check-ups. Treating dental problems early significantly lowers your risk of future infections.