Symptoms vary. Some people experience toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness when chewing, swelling, or an unpleasant taste. Others notice a gum bump before they experience much pain.
The absence of severe pain does not necessarily mean that an infection is minor. In some cases, an abscess drains through the gum, temporarily reducing pressure while the underlying infection remains.
Why professional treatment matters
A dental abscess generally needs treatment directed at the source of the infection. Depending on the cause, a dentist may recommend drainage, root canal treatment, treatment of the affected gum tissues, or removal of a tooth that cannot be saved.
Antibiotics may be appropriate in certain circumstances, especially when an infection is spreading or causing systemic symptoms, but they are not a substitute for treating the dental source when a procedure is needed.
Do not squeeze a gum bump or try to drain it with a needle. Contact a dentist promptly if you suspect an abscess.
Seek urgent medical or dental care if swelling spreads to the face or neck, or if you develop fever or feel significantly unwell. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly increasing swelling in the mouth or neck, requires emergency care.
3. Mouth Ulcers: Small Sores That Can Be Painful
Mouth ulcers are shallow sores that develop on the lining of the mouth. They may have a white, cream, or yellowish center surrounded by a red border.
Minor ulcers often occur on the inner lips, cheeks, or underside of the tongue. They can be painful when eating, drinking, brushing, or speaking, especially when exposed to acidic, spicy, or salty foods.
A common type is the minor aphthous ulcer, often called a canker sore. These ulcers are not the same as cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Canker sores generally occur inside the mouth, while cold sores commonly develop on or around the lips.
