Dental Emergencies
Dental abscess & facial swelling
A dental abscess is an infection that needs prompt treatment.
What it is
Infection
Signs
Pain, swelling
Clears alone
No
Emergency if
Spreading swelling
Overview
An abscess is a pocket of infection from a tooth or gum. It can cause throbbing pain, a bad taste, and swelling of the gum, cheek or jaw.
An abscess will not clear on its own and can spread. Prompt dental care is needed, and spreading facial swelling is an emergency.
What to know
- An infection that needs prompt treatment
- Common signs are throbbing pain and swelling
- It will not clear up on its own
- Spreading swelling is an emergency
Caring for it
- Rinse gently with warm, salty water a few times a day.
- Take simple pain relief as directed to ease discomfort.
- Use a cold pack on the cheek to help with swelling.
- Keep drinking fluids and try to eat soft foods.
- Do not try to burst or squeeze the swelling.
- Do not rely on leftover antibiotics to treat it yourself.
- See a dentist promptly, as the infection needs proper treatment.
Call your dentist if…
- Seek urgent or emergency care if swelling spreads to your eye or neck, you have a fever, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
Common questions
Can an abscess go away by itself?
No. Even if pain eases, the infection remains and can flare up or spread.
Are antibiotics enough?
They may help control spread, but the source still needs treating, such as drainage or a root canal.
Why is fast care so important?
Untreated infection can spread to the face and neck and become serious.
What if the swelling reaches my eye or neck?
Treat this as an emergency and seek urgent medical care straight away.
Related topics
Toothache
Toothache has many causes and should be checked to treat the source.
Root canal treatment
Treatment that saves a tooth by removing infected or damaged tissue inside it.
Adverse effects of antibiotics
Antibiotics treat some infections but can cause side effects and are not always needed.
Tooth extraction
The careful removal of a tooth that can't be saved.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026