What does a tooth abscess look like?

A tooth abscess typically appears as a small, red bump or pimple on the gum near the affected tooth. If the abscess is located on the surface of the tooth, there may be a visible cavity or hole. The tooth may also appear discolored, turning gray or black. But tooth abscesses can vary in appearance depending on the severity and location of the infection. So, if you suspect you have a tooth abscess, don’t try to figure it out for yourself. It’s essential to see a dentist promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Will a tooth abscess go away with antibiotics?

The short answer is no. While antibiotics can help control infection and reduce swelling, they are not a permanent solution for a tooth abscess. That’s because they don't remove the source of the infection, such as the damaged tooth or infected pulp.

Abscessed Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, And Prevention

CAVITIES & TOOTH DECAY

Abscessed Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, And Prevention

Last updated 10/26

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key takeaways

An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.
Common causes include untreated cavities, gum disease, or dental trauma.
Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, fever, and bad taste or bad breath in the mouth.
Treatments often involve draining the abscess, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction.
Good dental hygiene and regular checkups can help prevent tooth abscesses.
If you suspect a tooth infection, see a dental professional immediately. It won’t go away on its own.

Close up of someone’s mouth showing an abscessed tooth

What Is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth happens when a bacterial infection creates a pocket of pus somewhere near a tooth. This pocket can form at the tip of the root (called a periapical abscess) or in the gums beside the root (a periodontal abscess). Common causes include untreated cavities, gum disease, or dental trauma.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth abscesses are primarily caused by bacterial infections that enter the tooth through decay, cracks, or gum disease. These infections can lead to the death of the tooth's pulp, causing pus to accumulate and form an abscess. The infection is serious and isn’t something you want to ignore. It can cause serious discomfort and spread to other areas if it is not treated quickly.

Causes

A variety of factors can cause an abscessed tooth. Despite the range of causes, most of them start the same way, with bacteria finding their way inside your tooth or gum:

Untreated Tooth Decay: When cavities go unchecked, the decay can reach the inner part of the tooth (the pulp), where nerves and blood vessels live. It’s an ideal breeding ground, and bacteria thrive here, leading to infection.
Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease (also called periodontitis) can cause deep pockets between your teeth and gums, giving bacteria an easy pathway to infect the roots of your teeth.
Cracked or Broken Teeth: If a tooth cracks or breaks, causing even just a hairline fracture, bacteria can slip in there. This often happens during sports injuries, falls, or even when chewing hard foods.
Dental Procedures Gone Wrong: Although rare, complications from dental work can sometimes create an entry point for infection. Regular follow-up visits with your dental professional are important for monitoring existing dental work and ensuring proper healing.
Weakened Immune System: People with health issues like diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy may be more prone to infections, which can include dental abscesses.

Person experiencing teeth pain after drinking a hot drink

Symptoms

So, you have a toothache. How can you tell if it’s just an ache or something more serious, like an abscess? It’s tricky because the symptoms of a tooth abscess can range from mild to severe. Some people might not feel much at all in the beginning, but the discomfort can often ramp up fast. Here are a few things you might want to consider:

Is there a throbbing or sharp tooth pain that gets worse over time or when you bite down?
Do you notice swelling in your face or cheek, especially around the affected tooth?
Can you see red, swollen gums or a visible bump near the tooth?
Do you notice a bad taste in your mouth or foul-smelling breath?
Do you have a fever or swollen lymph nodes?
Is there a sensitivity to hot or cold foods?
Do you have difficulty chewing or swallowing?

Any of these are worthy of seeking a professional opinion. If the pain suddenly goes away, don’t assume the infection is gone. It may just mean the nerve inside the tooth has died, but the infection could still be spreading. As with any tooth pain that lingers or ramps up, seeing your dentist is crucial. Knowing is the first step toward treatment.

Dental professional examining a patient’s abscessed tooth

Treatment

When it comes to abscess, seeing a dentist quickly is essential. Time is of the essence. Treatments usually focus on removing the infection and saving the tooth if possible. Here are the main options:

Draining the Abscess The dentist may drain the pus using a small cut and clean out the infection. This is often a temporary fix, a first step before further treatment.
Root Canal Treatment This is one of the most common treatments for an abscessed tooth. The dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the area, and seals it to prevent future infections. The American Association of Endodontists considers this a safe and effective way to save an abscessed tooth.
Tooth Extraction Unfortunately, if the tooth is too far gone to be saved, it most likely needs to be pulled. Your dentist will then discuss options with you, such as implants or bridges to replace it and keep your appearance and functionality intact.
Antibiotics These are sometimes prescribed to help clear up the infection, especially if it has spread. However, antibiotics alone won’t cure abscesses. They’re usually used alongside one of these other treatments.
Pain Management Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with the discomfort, but they won’t solve the problem. They provide short-term relief along the way to a permanent fix.

How to Prevent an Abscessed Tooth

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to tooth abscesses. Good oral hygiene and routine dental care go a long way. Here's how to protect yourself:

Brush and Floss Daily

Keep your teeth clean by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. This helps remove plaque and food particles that feed harmful bacteria, which leads to tooth decay.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride strengthens your enamel, which makes it harder for bacteria to break through and cause cavities.

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugar is a fuel for bacteria. So, try to reduce your intake of sugary foods such as soda, candy, and other sweets, especially sticky or chewy ones.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Among other benefits, routine checkups every six months can help catch problems early. Your dentist and dental hygienist can spot cavities or gum disease before they lead to abscesses.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted mouthguard can prevent cracks and other damage.

Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain

Even a slight toothache can be the start of something serious. If something feels off or if the pain doesn’t subside, make an appointment as soon as you can.

When to See a Dentist Immediately

An untreated abscess can spread to your jaw, neck, or even your brain. Prompt care can prevent complications and often save teeth. So don’t delay. Call a dentist right away if you have:

A persistent toothache
Swelling in your face or gums
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Fever along with dental pain

Summary

An abscessed tooth is more than just a toothache—it’s a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection deep inside your tooth or gums. Common causes include untreated cavities, gum disease, or dental trauma such as a cracked or broken tooth.

Symptoms may start as a toothache and progress to include severe pain, swelling, fever, bad taste in the mouth, or bad breath. If it turns out to be an abscess, treatments include draining the abscess, root canal therapy, or even tooth extraction, depending on the severity.

If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious health problems. Fortunately, treatment is highly effective, especially when caught early. So, if you suspect a tooth infection, it’s important to see a dental professional immediately.

The good news is that they’re often preventable if you practice daily oral hygiene, eat smartly, and never skip your dental checkups.

Maintain a Healthy Smile

Keep your teeth clean and help reduce the risk of oral health issues such as cavities, staining, and bad breath. Plaque forms on teeth as a sticky film. Additionally, plaque contains substances that feed on sugar from food and drinks. As these substances metabolize sugar, they release acids that can erode tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and other problems. But help is just a toothbrush away.

Here are a few suggestions to help establish a regular, effective routine.

By maintaining a complete oral care routine that consists of an electric toothbrush, targeted flossing, and fluoride toothpaste you can help support a clean, strong smile.

Shop this article

Oral-B iO3 Electric Toothbrush + Travel Case

Sold by THG Ingenuity

Oral-B iO Gentle Care Toothbrush Heads 4 Pack

Sold by THG Ingenuity

Oral-B Clinical Densify Decay Control Toothpaste 75ml

Sold by THG Ingenuity

FAQs

A tooth abscess typically appears as a small, red bump or pimple on the gum near the affected tooth. If the abscess is located on the surface of the tooth, there may be a visible cavity or hole. The tooth may also appear discolored, turning gray or black. But tooth abscesses can vary in appearance depending on the severity and location of the infection. So, if you suspect you have a tooth abscess, don’t try to figure it out for yourself. It’s essential to see a dentist promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
The short answer is no. While antibiotics can help control infection and reduce swelling, they are not a permanent solution for a tooth abscess. That’s because they don't remove the source of the infection, such as the damaged tooth or infected pulp.

Sources

About Oral-B

About the shop