A tooth starts hurting when you bite down. Your gum looks a little different. Then, while brushing your teeth, you notice that one side of your mouth looks swollen. You may start wondering, “Could this be an abscess?”
A dental abscess can cause several noticeable changes around a tooth or gum. Some appear early, while others develop as the infection progresses. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and a dental abscess isn’t always intensely painful. Knowing the signs can help you recognise when a dental problem needs urgent attention.
What Are the Early Signs of an Abscess Tooth?
The early signs of an abscess in tooth aren’t always dramatic.
- You might first notice that one tooth feels different when you chew, or that it has suddenly become more sensitive. The gum around it may feel tender or look slightly swollen.
- For some people, the first early signs of abscess tooth are pain. For others, it may be a small swelling or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- The start of a tooth abscess can be quick, so a problem that seems minor in the morning may become much more noticeable later in the day.
A Tooth That Hurts When You Bite Can Be a Clue
One of the dental abscesses symptoms is localised pain around a particular tooth, especially when chewing or touching it. SDCEP notes that the affected tooth can become increasingly sensitive to pressure and contact.
You may find yourself chewing on the opposite side of your mouth because putting pressure on the affected tooth feels uncomfortable. The pain can vary considerably between people. A dentist can determine whether an abscess is responsible or whether another dental problem is causing the discomfort.
Your Gum May Become Swollen
Look closely at the gum around the affected tooth, and you may notice redness or swelling. Sometimes the tooth abscess swelling is confined to a small area beside one tooth. In other cases, it can become more pronounced and extend into the surrounding tissues. A swelling may also feel different from the surrounding gum. You might notice a raised area with your tongue before you can clearly see it in a mirror.
Can a Dental Abscess Make Your Face Swell?
Yes. As an infection progresses, swelling can extend beyond the gum and affect the cheek, jaw or face. Swelling of the face or jaw is listed among the symptoms of a dental abscess by the NHS.
Facial swelling is particularly important because it can indicate that the infection is spreading beyond the immediate area of the tooth. If swelling becomes significant or starts affecting your ability to breathe, speak or swallow, it requires emergency medical attention.
An Unpleasant Taste or Bad Breath Can Be Another Sign
Have you suddenly noticed a bad taste in your mouth that you can’t explain? An abscess can sometimes release pus into the mouth, producing an unpleasant taste or contributing to bad breath. You may notice the taste before you realise where it is coming from. If a swollen area suddenly releases fluid and the taste in your mouth changes, don’t assume that the problem has necessarily disappeared. The underlying dental infection may still need attention.
Can a Dental Abscess Cause a Fever?
Yes. A high temperature or fever can occur when a dental infection becomes more widespread. You may also feel generally unwell. A tooth abscess fever is particularly important when it occurs alongside dental swelling or significant tooth pain. It suggests that the problem may be affecting more than the immediate area around the tooth and should be assessed promptly.
Can Your Neck Glands Swell?
Sometimes. The lymph glands in your neck can become swollen when your body is responding to an infection. The NHS includes swollen glands on either side of the neck among the possible symptoms of a dental abscess. You may notice a tender lump beneath your jaw or along the side of your neck. If this occurs alongside a swollen abscess tooth or other signs of infection, seek urgent dental advice.
Can You Have an Abscess Without Severe Pain?
Yes. This can be confusing because most people associate an abscess with intense toothache. Dental abscesses are often painful, but they aren’t always. You may notice swelling, unpleasant taste or change around a tooth without experiencing severe pain. So “my tooth doesn’t hurt” doesn’t automatically rule out an abscess. If something looks or feels unusual and doesn’t settle, it is worth having it checked rather than waiting for pain to appear.
What Does a Tooth Abscess Look Like?
There isn’t one appearance that applies to every abscess. You may see:
- A swollen or red area of gum
- A small raised lump beside a tooth
- Swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- A spot on the gum that resembles a small pimple
- Swelling extending towards the cheek or jaw
An abscess can also develop deeper beneath the gum, meaning there may be nothing obvious to see. A visible lump therefore isn’t necessary for an abscess to be present.
When Do Dental Abscess Symptoms Become an Emergency?
Some symptoms need immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment. Go to A&E or call 999 if you have a dental infection and:
- You are struggling to breathe
- You are having difficulty swallowing or speaking
- There is significant swelling inside your mouth
- You have severe difficulty opening your mouth
- Your eye is swollen or painful, particularly if your vision is affected
These can indicate that the infection is spreading into areas where it can affect important structures or the airway. For less severe symptoms, contact your dentist for an urgent appointment. If you cannot access urgent dental care in England, NHS 111 can advise you where to seek help.
Could These Symptoms Be Something Other Than an Abscess?
Yes. Toothache, gum swelling, sensitivity and bad breath can occur with several different dental problems. Having one of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have an abscess. A dentist can examine the tooth and surrounding tissues and, where necessary, use further tests to determine what is causing the problem. If you have several symptoms together, particularly localised tooth pain with swelling or a fever, don’t try to diagnose yourself. Arrange an urgent dental assessment.
