Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Tooth abscess (tooth infection)

Also called: Tooth abscess, dental abscess, tooth infection

A pocket of pus from a tooth infection, causing throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. It needs a dentist soon.

NeedsDentist within a day or two
DangerSwelling of face or neck

Overview

Infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or blood.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Throbbing tooth pain
  • Swollen gum or face
  • Swollen gum, cheek, or jaw near a tooth
  • Toothache or tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets

Less common

  • Fever
  • Bad taste

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreading to the neck or eye.
Get care todayFever with face swelling.
See a doctor soonAny tooth abscess.

Causes

Cavities, cracked teeth, gum disease.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't caught from someone else. It's caused by germs that already live on or in the body.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Poor dental care

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A dentist examines.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Dental X-ray:

Treatment

See a dentist.

Self-care

  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • Use pain relievers

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Pain and swellingAsk first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems.
Antibiotics
InfectionPrescription.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Drainage, root canal, or extraction.

Prevention

To prevent:

  • Brush and floss
  • Dental checkups

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your dentist. Go to the ER for face swelling, fever, or trouble breathing.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can go back to school or work the same day or the next day.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tooth abscess (tooth infection)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.