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Symptoms Your Dental Abscess is Spreading
Posted on 8/15/2025 by Lakewood Dental Arts
A throbbing toothache that just won't quit? Swollen gums that feel hot to the touch? These could be signs of a dental abscess, a painful infection that needs prompt attention. While most dental problems aren't considered emergencies, an abscess left untreated can spread, causing serious complications.
This guide will help you recognize the warning signs that your dental abscess is spreading and what to do next.
What is a Dental Abscess?
Imagine a tiny volcano erupting inside your tooth. That's essentially what a dental abscess is – a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The infection can begin in the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, and spread to the surrounding bone and gums.
How Can I Tell if My Abscess is Spreading?
Here are some telltale signs that your dental abscess is spreading:
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Intensifying pain: The throbbing pain in your tooth may become constant and unbearable, even radiating to your ear, jaw, or neck.
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Swelling: The swelling in your gums may spread to your face, making it difficult to open your mouth or swallow.
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Fever: As your body fights the infection, you may experience a fever, chills, and fatigue.
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Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes in your neck may become swollen and tender.
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Difficulty breathing: In severe cases, the swelling can obstruct your airway, making it difficult to breathe.
What Should I Do if I Suspect My Abscess is Spreading?
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't delay! Seek immediate medical attention. An untreated abscess can lead to serious complications, including:
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Bone loss: The infection can destroy the bone surrounding your tooth, leading to tooth loss.
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Sepsis: The infection can spread to your bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
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Ludwig's angina: This rare but serious infection can affect the floor of your mouth and make it difficult to breathe.
Seeking Treatment for Your Abscess
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications. Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and perform a procedure to drain the abscess. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may also need a root canal or tooth extraction.
Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with a dental abscess is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene:
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Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
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Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
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Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
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Wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
By following these tips and addressing any dental problems promptly, you can keep your smile healthy and avoid the pain and complications of a dental abscess.
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A throbbing toothache that just won't quit? Swollen gums that feel hot to the touch? These could be signs of a dental abscess, a painful infection that needs prompt attention. While most dental problems aren't considered emergencies, an abscess left untreated can spread, causing serious complications.