Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Dental abscess
A collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth, causing severe pain and swelling — it needs dental treatment, as it will not clear on its own.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, either at the tip of a tooth's root (usually from untreated decay or a cracked tooth reaching the tooth's nerve) or in the gum. It typically causes an intense, throbbing toothache that can spread to the jaw, ear or neck, sensitivity to hot and cold, pain on biting, a bad taste, and often swelling of the face or gum.
- How it is treated: Treatment involves draining the pus and removing the source of infection, carried out by a dentist.
- Self-care: Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups prevent the decay and gum disease that lead to abscesses.
- When to seek help: See a dentist urgently for a suspected dental abscess.
What it is
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, either at the tip of a tooth's root (usually from untreated decay or a cracked tooth reaching the tooth's nerve) or in the gum. It typically causes an intense, throbbing toothache that can spread to the jaw, ear or neck, sensitivity to hot and cold, pain on biting, a bad taste, and often swelling of the face or gum. The pain can be severe and disturb sleep. A dental abscess will not get better on its own and needs treatment; importantly, antibiotics alone do not cure it — the source of infection must be dealt with by a dentist. Rarely, the infection can spread and become serious.
How it is treated
Treatment involves draining the pus and removing the source of infection, carried out by a dentist. Depending on the tooth, this may mean root canal treatment to save the tooth, or removing the tooth; the abscess is drained as part of this. Antibiotics may be used in addition when there is spreading infection or the person is unwell, but they are not a substitute for dental treatment. Pain relief helps in the meantime. Because a dental abscess reflects underlying decay or gum disease, addressing these and improving oral care prevents recurrence. Prompt treatment relieves the severe pain and prevents complications.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Dental abscess
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
By active ingredient
Specific medicines used for Dental abscess
Dose-free guides to individual active ingredients used in dental abscess — what each is, how it works, how to take it, and its advantages and disadvantages:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups prevent the decay and gum disease that lead to abscesses. While awaiting treatment, pain relief and avoiding very hot, cold or hard foods can help, but dental treatment is essential.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a dentist urgently for a suspected dental abscess. Seek emergency care (999/A&E) if there is spreading facial swelling, swelling affecting the eye or reaching towards the throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever — these can indicate a dangerous spreading infection.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Dental abscess: frequently asked questions
Will a dental abscess go away with antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics may help control spreading infection but do not cure an abscess — the source must be treated by a dentist, usually with root canal treatment or removing the tooth, and draining the pus.
When is a dental abscess an emergency?
Seek emergency care if facial swelling is spreading, affects the eye or throat, or there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever — these suggest the infection is spreading and needs urgent treatment.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Dental abscess
- NICE CKS — Dental abscess
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