I Think I’ve Got an Abscess in My Mouth! What Do I Do Now?

02 Jun I Think I’ve Got an Abscess in My Mouth! What Do I Do Now?

Here at Hendford Dental Practice, one of the more alarming concerns we hear from patients is, “I think I’ve got an abscess in my mouth—what do I do now?” It’s a completely understandable worry. Dental abscesses can cause sudden, intense discomfort, and they often come with unsettling symptoms like swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, or even facial pain. If you suspect you might have a dental abscess, acting swiftly and calmly is essential. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what a dental abscess actually is, why it happens, what you should do next, and how we can help get you back to feeling yourself again.

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is essentially a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It can develop in different areas of the mouth but is most commonly found at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. When harmful bacteria invade the pulp of a tooth—often through deep decay, a crack, or an existing infection—the body responds by sending white blood cells to the area. This immune response results in the formation of pus, which is what we refer to as an abscess. There are generally two types of dental abscesses. A periapical abscess starts at the tip of a tooth’s root and is usually the result of untreated decay or trauma to the tooth. A periodontal abscess, on the other hand, forms in the gum tissue and is often linked to gum disease. While the two types originate in different areas, both are serious and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Signs You Might Have a Dental Abscess

Patients often come to us saying they just “know something isn’t right.” Trust your instincts—your body has a way of telling you when something is off. Some of the most common symptoms of a dental abscess include a severe, throbbing pain in the affected area that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck. Swelling in the cheek or face is also quite typical, and some people notice a fever or swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck. Another giveaway is a foul taste in the mouth or the presence of pus, which might drain into the mouth from a gum boil or pocket. In some cases, the pain may temporarily subside if the abscess bursts, but this is not a sign of healing. The infection is still present, and you’ll need professional care to resolve it fully. You might also notice that the affected tooth feels loose or especially sensitive to pressure or temperature. All of these are red flags that something is seriously wrong, and the sooner we can see you at Hendford Dental Practice, the better the outcome is likely to be.

What You Should Do Immediately

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, the most important thing to do is to contact us straight away. At Hendford Dental Practice, we always keep emergency appointments available for patients experiencing pain or swelling, and a suspected abscess qualifies as just that—an emergency. While you wait for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to manage the discomfort. Try rinsing your mouth gently with warm salty water to help reduce bacteria and soothe the area. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help control the pain, but make sure you follow the dosage instructions on the label and consult a pharmacist if you’re unsure. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums, as this can actually cause chemical burns to the tissue. Also, steer clear of very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, which can aggravate the pain. Stick to soft, bland foods if you need to eat, and try not to chew on the affected side of your mouth.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment

We often see patients who have tried to manage symptoms at home for days or even weeks before coming in. While it’s understandable—especially with busy schedules or nervousness about seeing the dentist—delaying treatment for a dental abscess can lead to far more serious complications. Untreated abscesses don’t go away on their own. In fact, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, including the jawbone, neck, and even other parts of the body. In rare but serious cases, this kind of spreading infection can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate hospital care. Even if your pain eases up after the abscess drains, this is only a temporary reprieve. The underlying cause of the infection remains, and without professional dental treatment, it’s almost guaranteed to return—often more painfully than before.

What to Expect at Your Appointment with Hendford Dental Practice

When you arrive at our practice with a suspected abscess, our priority is to relieve your discomfort and get to the root of the problem. We’ll begin by taking a full history of your symptoms and conducting a thorough examination. This may include digital X-rays to help us pinpoint the exact location of the infection and assess the extent of any damage. Depending on the cause and severity of the abscess, treatment options may vary. If the infection stems from deep decay or damage within the tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the best course of action. For periodontal abscesses caused by gum disease, we may recommend deep cleaning or drainage of the infected pocket, along with targeted antibiotic therapy. In some cases, we may refer you to a specialist for further treatment. Our aim is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible and to ensure your comfort throughout the process. We understand that dealing with an abscess can be stressful, but we’re here to guide you through each step with clarity and compassion.

Managing the Infection

Treating the infection is just as important as resolving the dental problem itself. You may be prescribed a course of antibiotics to help clear the infection, particularly if it has spread beyond the immediate area or if you have signs of systemic involvement such as fever or swollen glands. However, it’s important to understand that antibiotics alone won’t cure a dental abscess. They are a short-term measure to control the spread of infection and reduce inflammation, but the source of the problem—whether it’s a decayed tooth or gum infection—still needs to be addressed directly by your dentist. It’s also essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better after a few days. Stopping treatment early can allow the infection to return and may reduce the effectiveness of future antibiotics.

Aftercare and Recovery

Once we’ve treated the abscess, whether through drainage, root canal, or extraction, the focus shifts to healing and recovery. Most patients experience significant relief within a day or two of treatment, especially once the pressure from the infection has been relieved. You may be advised to continue rinsing with salt water to promote healing and reduce the risk of further infection. We’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure everything is healing properly. If you’ve had a tooth removed, we’ll discuss options for replacing it, such as a dental bridge, denture, or implant. If the abscess was caused by gum disease, we’ll work with you on a tailored oral hygiene routine and potentially ongoing periodontal care to prevent future issues.

Preventing Future Abscesses

Once you’ve experienced a dental abscess, it’s perfectly natural to want to avoid a repeat episode. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. First and foremost, maintain excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash if recommended. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are equally important. Here at Hendford Dental Practice, we typically recommend seeing us every six months, although this may vary depending on your individual needs. If you’ve been treated for gum disease or previously had a root canal, you may need more frequent monitoring. We’ll advise you on the best schedule for your specific circumstances. Diet also plays a role. Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks can help prevent decay, one of the leading causes of abscesses. Smoking is another major risk factor, especially for gum disease, so if you’re a smoker, consider speaking to us about ways to quit. Finally, don’t ignore dental pain, even if it seems minor. A small issue can quickly become a big one if left untreated. Early intervention is always less invasive and more affordable than emergency treatment down the line.

We’re Here to Help

At Hendford Dental Practice, we know how distressing a dental abscess can be. The pain, the uncertainty, and the disruption to your daily life can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to provide the care you need, when you need it, with expert knowledge and a friendly, reassuring approach. Whether this is your first dental emergency or you’ve been living with ongoing issues, we’re ready to help you find relief and restore your oral health. If you think you’ve got an abscess, don’t wait—contact us today and let us take the worry out of the equation. Get in touch with the dental experts at Hendford Dental Practice to find out more.