Dental infection and abscess
Throbbing tooth pain, facial swelling or a bad taste can mean a dental abscess.
How long does a course usually last?
When antibiotics are used, usually up to 5 days — alongside dental treatment, not instead of it.
Your prescriber sets the exact length for you. Finish the course you're given unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
Never re-use antibiotics
- Do not re-use this treatment, or take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, unless a healthcare professional has expressly told you to.
- The right antibiotic, dose and length depend on your current infection, which can be different from last time.
- Re-using antibiotics can be ineffective, cause side effects, and drives antibiotic resistance. Return leftovers to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
What the guidance says
NICE is clear that the main treatment for a dental abscess is dental treatment — draining the infection or removing the tooth. Antibiotics are added when the infection is spreading, there is fever, or the person is unwell. Painkillers alone are not enough; see a dentist urgently.
Based on NICE guidance — always follow your own prescriber's advice.
Antibiotics sometimes prescribed
When to seek help
If you are getting worse, develop a high fever, feel confused or breathless, or your symptoms are not improving as expected, contact your doctor or call NHS 111. See the warning signs page.