If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, it is important to seek medical attention right away. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of a tooth or in the gums as a result of a bacterial infection. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can cause serious health complications, including spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
There are several signs and symptoms of a severe tooth abscess. The most common symptom is a throbbing toothache or a sharp, shooting pain in the affected area. You may also experience fever, facial swelling, a bitter taste in your mouth, or increased sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks.
If the infection has spread beyond the tooth, you may experience swelling and tenderness in the lymph nodes in your neck, jaw, or face, as well as fever, chills, and general malaise. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth and difficulty swallowing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor or dentist can diagnose a tooth abscess by examining your mouth and taking x-rays. They may also take a sample of the pus to test for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and, in more severe cases, surgery to remove the abscess.