A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It can develop at the tip of your tooth root or in the gum tissue next to a tooth. Either way, it means trouble is brewing inside your mouth and it needs attention fast.

Abscesses do not go away on their own. They require treatment from a dentist. Ignoring one can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of your body.

Most dental abscesses start with untreated tooth decay. When a cavity reaches the inner pulp of your tooth, bacteria can get inside and cause an infection. The immune system tries to fight it off, but a pocket of pus forms as a side effect.

Other causes include gum disease, a cracked tooth that lets bacteria in, or a failed root canal treatment. Sometimes a severe blow to the tooth can also trigger an abscess even if there is no visible crack.

The most common symptoms are a persistent, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jaw, ear, or neck. The affected area is usually swollen and tender. You might also run a fever, have trouble sleeping, and feel generally unwell.

Some people notice a bitter taste in their mouth or a foul smell. If the abscess bursts, you will likely feel a sudden rush of salty fluid in your mouth along with some relief from the pain.

Left untreated, the infection from an abscess can spread to your jawbone, soft tissues in your face, or even into your bloodstream. In rare cases, this can become life threatening. That is why you should never wait to see a dentist if you suspect an abscess.

Treatment depends on the type and severity. Your dentist may drain the abscess, perform a root canal to save the tooth, or extract the tooth if it cannot be saved. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to help clear the infection, especially if it has started to spread.

The important thing is to act quickly. The sooner you see a dentist, the simpler and less invasive the treatment tends to be.

If you think you have a dental abscess, do not wait. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.