Abscess or swollen face?

• swelling in your face, eye or neck makes it hard to see, breathe, swallow or speak
• your mouth is so swollen you can't open it properly

This can mean the infection is spreading, and that needs a hospital straight away. Don't drive yourself.

Get urgent help the same day, or call 111, if you have a high temperature and feel unwell.

The NHS lists these signs:

• intense, throbbing pain in a tooth or gum that can spread to your ear, jaw and neck
• pain that is worse when you lie down
• pain or sensitivity when you eat or drink something hot or cold, or when you bite
• redness and swelling in your face
• a tooth that is loose or has changed colour
• red, swollen gums, or a bad taste or smell in your mouth

An abscess doesn't go away on its own. Even if the pain stops, the infection can still be there, so it needs a dentist.

An abscess is a build-up of pus caused by bacteria. The most common causes are:

• tooth decay that has reached the soft centre of the tooth
• gum disease
• an injury to a tooth, such as a crack or a knock
• a wisdom tooth that is stuck or has only partly come through

Some cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can also make an abscess more likely. Tell your dentist if you're having either.

Call us on 01205 337 000. Our phone line is open 24/7, and we offer same-day emergency appointments every day of the year, weekends and bank holidays included. You can also book online.

A GP can't give dental treatment, so a dentist is the right place to go.

• Ask a pharmacist about painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Children under 16 shouldn't take aspirin.
• Don't take more than the dose on the packet.
• Avoid food and drink that is very hot or very cold.
• Eat soft food and chew on the other side.
• Don't try to burst the swelling yourself.
• Bring a list of any medicines you take.

Your dentist numbs the area with a local anaesthetic, then treats the cause of the infection, usually by draining it. Depending on the tooth, that may then mean root canal treatment to try to save it, or taking the tooth out. Antibiotics alone don't cure an abscess, but your dentist may prescribe them if the infection has spread.

You'll get your options and the price of each before anything starts.

• Your mouth may feel numb for a few hours, so take care not to bite your lip or tongue.
• The area may be sore for a few days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
• If you're given antibiotics, take the full course as your dentist tells you.
• Keep brushing gently, including around the treated tooth.
• Call us if the swelling grows, the pain gets worse, or you feel unwell.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and spit rather than rinse.
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or small brushes.
• Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
• Keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes.
• Don't smoke.
• Keep up your check-ups, so decay and gum problems are found early.

The £25 covers your emergency appointment, where your dentist finds the cause and eases the pain where they can. If you need more treatment, we'll tell you the cost before we start. “From” prices start at that amount and depend on your treatment. Your dentist will give you a written plan and price before any work starts. See all our prices.