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Dental pain and tooth care

A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form in the teeth or gums as a result of a bacterial infection. Bacteria are found in plaque (a byproduct of food, saliva and bacteria in the mouth), which damages the teeth and gums. The bacteria can eventually infect and spread within the soft tissues inside a tooth or gums, forming an abscess.

There are two types of dental abscess, periapical abscesses and periodontal abscesses. Dental abscesses can be very painful and tender, and can make a person feel quite unwell.

Without dental treatment, a dental abscess will continue to get worse, and may eventually lead to the destruction of the surrounding bone.  

Your GP will be able to prescribe treatment that is appropriate for your symptoms, but the only long-term solution for a dental abscess may involve treatment from a dentist.

Dental care tips  

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

  • Spend at least three minutes each time.

  • Always use a fluoride toothpaste.

  • Use a small toothbrush so you can reach the back teeth, applying no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adults.

  • Flossing is very important, as the toothbrush doesn't always reach the gaps between the teeth.

  • Don't brush too hard - this can damage gums.

Reproduced under the terms of Click-Use Licence number C2009000382. The content of this page has been published under a Click-Use Licence (link this to http://www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/index) which covers the use of core Crown copyright information. The original material can be found on NHS Choices.