Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Pain & emergencies

Dental abscess

Urgent4 treatment options

A build-up of pus from an infection in a tooth or gum. It will not go away on its own and needs urgent dental treatment.

How urgent is it? Urgent

Ask for an urgent dentist appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think you have a dental abscess. Call 999 or go to A&E if you are finding it hard to breathe, speak, swallow or open your mouth, have a lot of swelling in your mouth, or have a swollen or painful eye or sudden problems with your eyesight.

When to call 999, NHS 111 or your dentist

What it is

A dental abscess is a collection of pus in a tooth or the gum caused by a bacterial infection. The NHS is clear that it will not clear up on its own - it needs urgent treatment from a dentist, even if the pain eases for a while.

Abscesses usually develop from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, an injury to a tooth, or a tooth that has not come through the gum properly. They can cause intense throbbing pain, swelling and a high temperature.

A dentist will drain the pus and then deal with the cause, usually with root canal treatment or by removing the tooth. Antibiotics may be given in some cases but are not a substitute for treating the tooth. Swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing, eye or vision is a medical emergency.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • Intense toothache or gum pain, often throbbing
  • Redness inside the mouth or on the face or jaw
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold in the affected area
  • A bad taste in the mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
  • A swollen face or jaw, or swollen glands in the neck
  • A high temperature

Usual causes

  • Tooth decay reaching the centre of the tooth
  • Gum disease
  • An impacted tooth that has not grown out of the gum properly
  • Injury to the teeth, gums or mouth
  • Radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Root canal treatment

    To remove the infection from inside the tooth and save it, where the tooth can be restored.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  2. Tooth extraction

    When the tooth cannot be saved or root canal treatment is not suitable.

    Available on the NHSSurgical

  3. Gum disease treatment

    When the abscess has come from gum disease rather than the tooth's nerve.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

  4. Crowns

    Often recommended afterwards to protect a badly damaged or root-treated tooth.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

What you can do now

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed - never take more than the recommended dose, and children under 16 should not take aspirin
  • Eat soft foods such as soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potato and yoghurt
  • Brush gently with a soft toothbrush
  • Avoid very hot or very cold food and drink

Preventing it

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day - spit, do not rinse
  • Clean between your teeth daily
  • Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
  • Have regular check-ups so decay and gum problems are caught early
  • Do not smoke, and do not use mouthwash straight after brushing

Common questions

Will antibiotics cure an abscess?

Not on their own. The NHS explains the dentist needs to drain the pus and treat the cause, usually with root canal treatment or by removing the tooth. You may also be given antibiotics and painkillers.

My abscess has stopped hurting. Do I still need to go?

Yes. The NHS says a dental abscess will not go away on its own, so it still needs dental treatment.

Should I see my GP about tooth pain?

No. The NHS advises that GPs cannot provide dental treatment. Contact a dentist, or NHS 111 if you cannot get a dental appointment.

How much is an urgent NHS dental appointment?

In England an urgent NHS course of treatment is charged at the Band 1 rate - £27.90 from 1 April 2026 - unless you qualify for free treatment. Further non-urgent treatment afterwards may cost more.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.