A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the tooth, gum or jaw due to a bacterial infection.
Dental abscesses are often painful, but not always. You may feel an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum.
If you have a dental abscess, a dentist can remove the cause of the infection and drain the pus. Painkillers can ease the pain until your appointment.
A dental abscess is caused by tooth decay, which can allow bacteria to get into your teeth or gums.
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.