If you think you have a dental abscess, ask a dentist for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111. Don't go to your GP, as they can't give dental treatment. If swelling is making it hard to breathe, speak or swallow, or is affecting your eye, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
Get urgent help if...
- You're finding it hard to breathe, speak or swallow. Call 999 or go to A&E.
- You have a swollen or painful eye, or suddenly start having problems with your eyesight. Call 999 or go to A&E.
- You have a lot of swelling in your mouth. Call 999 or go to A&E.
- You're finding it hard to open your mouth. Call 999 or go to A&E.
- You think you have a dental abscess but none of the above applies. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111.
Signs of a dental abscess
The NHS describes these symptoms of a dental abscess:
- Intense toothache or pain in your gums.
- Redness in your mouth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink.
- A bad taste in your mouth, or difficulty chewing or opening your mouth.
- Swelling in your face or jaw, and swollen glands in your neck.
- A high temperature.
The NHS toothache guidance also says swelling of the cheek or jaw is a reason to see a dentist.
Common causes
The NHS describes a dental abscess as a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. It can be linked to tooth decay, gum disease, an injury to the mouth, a tooth that hasn't come through properly (impacted), or treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
What you can do now
An abscess needs treatment from a dentist. While you wait, the NHS suggests you:
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, and don't take more than the recommended dose.
- Eat soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and yoghurt.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth.
- Avoid food or drink that is very hot or very cold.
The NHS says a dental abscess will not go away on its own. Painkillers can ease the pain while you wait, so keep your dental appointment even if it eases.
How to get seen quickly
Call your dentist first. If they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do.
If you don't have a dentist, or can't get an urgent appointment, call NHS 111 or use 111 online. You can also look for practices offering urgent appointments on our emergency dentist pages.
The NHS says you should be offered urgent dental treatment within 24 hours or 7 days, depending on your symptoms.
What a dentist may do
The NHS says a dentist will usually drain the pus and treat the cause of the abscess. This may involve:
- Root canal treatment.
- Taking the tooth out (extraction).
These are usually done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed. You may also be given painkillers or antibiotics. If a tooth has to come out, our guides to dental implants, bridges and dentures explain ways to replace it.
NHS or private
Urgent treatment for an abscess is available on the NHS. Root canal treatment and extractions fall under the NHS Band 2 charge, unless you qualify for free treatment. Our NHS dentist guide explains the bands.
A private dentist may be able to see you sooner if you can't get an NHS appointment. Ask for the cost before treatment starts, as private fees vary by practice.
Lowering your risk
The NHS advises brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes, replacing your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, not smoking, and going for regular dental check-ups.
Sources: NHS: Dental abscess, NHS: Toothache, NHS: How to find an NHS dentist in an emergency, NHS: Understanding NHS dental charges.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried, contact a dentist or NHS 111.