# What is a dental abscess and what should I do about it?

Source: https://thelocaldentist.co.uk/answers/what-is-a-dental-abscess-and-what-should-i-do/
Updated: 2026-07-13

## Quick answer

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth, and it needs urgent dental treatment to drain and treat the source — antibiotics alone do not fix it. Contact your dentist for an emergency appointment, or NHS 111 if you have none. Go to A&E or call 999 if facial swelling affects your breathing or swallowing.

## Key facts

- An abscess is a bacterial infection that needs draining and dental treatment, not antibiotics alone
- Common signs: throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste, fever, or a visible gum boil
- Contact your dental practice for an emergency appointment as soon as possible
- No dentist available? Call NHS 111 for urgent dental access
- A&E / 999: swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or spreading rapidly toward the eye or neck
- Untreated abscesses can spread infection to the jaw, neck, or bloodstream in serious cases

Editorial content from The Local Dentist — not clinical advice.