How to get an abscessed tooth to stop hurting

Pain can ease temporarily if pressure drains, but that does not mean the infection has cleared.

An abscess is a pocket of infected material caused by bacteria entering the pulp or tissues around a tooth. Inflammation can create throbbing pain, tenderness when biting, gum swelling, or a bad taste.

The infection may begin with deep decay, a crack, or injury that damages the pulp, the living tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.

Rinse gently with warm salt water, keep the area clean, and place a wrapped cold pack against the cheek for short intervals. Take only a pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow its package directions.

A dentist may drain the infection, remove infected pulp with root canal treatment, or remove the tooth when it cannot be restored. Antibiotics may be prescribed when infection has spread or systemic symptoms are present, but they do not replace treatment of the source.

Arrange urgent dental assessment for persistent tooth pain, facial or gum swelling, pus, fever, or pain when biting. Seek emergency medical care if swelling makes breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth difficult.

Do not place aspirin or concentrated chemicals on the gum, because they can injure the oral lining.

Ask whether the tooth can be restored, whether the infection has reached the pulp or supporting bone, and which imaging is needed to map it.

Ask how drainage, root canal treatment, extraction, and any replacement option would address the source of pain.