Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
• Fever
• Swelling in your face or cheek
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
• Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

When to see a doctor

See your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess.

If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of your body.