Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog

5 Symptoms of an Oral Abscess

17 October 2019

Duane Kelly

When you have an oral abscess, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent infection from setting in. Learn to recognize these five symptoms so you will know when it is appropriate to seek help.

1. Oral Pain

Abscesses are usually painful, particularly if an infection is starting to develop. You might notice a toothache that gets worse when you eat. In addition, it is likely that the tooth closest to the abscess will feel more sensitive than usual to extreme temperatures, which makes that drinking hot tea or iced water very uncomfortable. The worse the pain is, the more likely the abscess is to be infected, so do not ignore pain or try to cover it up with medications.

2. Swollen Gums

Abscesses that form inside the gum, close to the root of a tooth, typically cause visible swelling. Take a look in the mirror to see whether you can detect any inflammation in the part of your mouth that hurts. Sometimes, the abscess looks like a blister. You should avoid popping or lancing the abscess, as opening it up makes infection more likely. Instead, rinse the abscess with salt water to reduce the growth of bacteria and try to avoid touching it with your fingers, toothbrush or food until you can see a dentist.

3. Pus

Abscesses that break open leak pus into the oral cavity. Typically, pus tastes bitter and salty, so it is easy to recognize. A burst abscess presents a very high risk of infection, so it is important to contact a dental practice that offers emergency dentistry as soon as possible.

4. High Temperature

If an infection develops, it can affect all parts of your body. One of the most obvious signs of infection is a high temperature. You might even feel feverish. If you develop a fever as a result of an oral abscess, it is very important to see an emergency dentist right away so you can get antibiotics to control the infection.

5. Swelling in the Neck

On each side of your neck are lymph nodes, which swell up in response to infection. Sometimes, swelling in the neck is the first sign that an infection is starting to develop. If you have swelling in the neck in combination with other symptoms of an oral abscess, it is a good idea to go to an emergency dentistry clinic as soon as possible.

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