What to Do When You Have a Dental Abscess
Posted on September 02, 2025
That tender, sore spot in your mouth could be a dental abscess (painful pus pocket) from a bacterial infection. Abscesses can develop at the tooth root or in the nearby gum area or tissues. Unfortunately, they can quickly progress to excruciating infections that can extend down to your jaw and face. A severe, untreated abscess can even cause infection to infiltrate into your bloodstream! Recognizing tooth abscess signs and early professional care from a qualified emergency dentist in Vaughan is the only recourse to keep your smile and oral health intact. Contact Mackenzie Dental Centre's dentist in Vaughan today for treatment!
Spotting Abscess Signs
Recognizing early signs of a dental abscess paves the way for fast treatment and relief. Abscess symptoms can include:
- A visible bump on the gums that can be red, pink, or white in colour.
- A throbbing toothache that radiates down to your jaw and ear.
- Swelling and puffiness in the gums, face, or jaw near the abscessed tooth.
- Pain biting or chewing from the abscessed side.
- Sensitivity in affected teeth while eating or drinking hot and cold food.
- Pus can be behind the foul taste in your mouth. This is mostly accompanied by bad breath.
- Accompanying fever indicates that the infection has spread beyond the tooth.
A dental abscess requires professional treatment, so don’t wait for the pain to pass. If you have one or more of the above symptoms, see a qualified dentist in Vaughan immediately!
Why Seek Immediate Dental Care
You must get the abscess treated by an expert dentist in Vaughan to stem the infection. Untreated abscesses can damage the nearby tissue or bone with infection. Severe cases may entail tooth extraction and other systemic oral health issues. Get an emergency dentist in Vaughan to evaluate the abscess. He may give antibiotics to stem the infection and drain the abscess to remove pus. Or do a root canal to save the afflicted tooth. So, see a trusted Vaughan dentist for timely treatment to avoid complications and preserve your smile!
Dealing with Pain
Use the following to ease pain while awaiting your appointment:
- Consult your dentist in Vaughan for prescribing pain medication like Advil or ibuprofen.
- Warm salt water rinses several times a day to control bacteria and reduce swelling.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods that can trigger abscess sensitivity and worsen pain.
- Chew from the opposite side of the abscess area.
- Follow a gentle oral hygiene routine by soft brushing and flossing carefully.
Preventing Future Abscesses
Good oral habits reduce your risk of developing an abscess. Prevention means following consistent oral hygiene of brushing, flossing, and regular mouthwash. Routine checkups by your dentist in Vaughan can catch cavities and gum issues early. Immediate treatment of such minor oral problems can prevent them from forming abscesses or serious infections.
The Abscess Bottom Line
A tooth abscess is an agonizing infection that requires immediate treatment from an expert emergency dentist in Vaughan. Ignoring the signs or masking the pain with medication only delays proper treatment that can prevent complications. Suspect a tooth abscess? Connect with an expert Vaughan dentist at Mackenzie Dental Centre for timely treatment to save your tooth and avoid a whole lot of discomfort! We’ll ensure comfort and effective treatment to preserve your smile. Call now!