Dental abscessOverview
overview
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the tooth, gum or jaw due to a bacterial infection.
symptoms
Dental abscesses are often painful, but not always. You may feel an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum.
treatments_overview
A dentist can remove the cause of the infection and drain the pus. Painkillers can help ease the pain until your appointment.
causes
A dental abscess is caused by tooth decay, which can allow bacteria to get into your teeth or gums.
prevention
You can help prevent a dental abscess by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and using an interdental brush once a day.
Page last reviewed: 05/02/2019
Next review due: 05/02/2022