Swelling of the face or in the mouth may be a sign of infection, particularly if there is warmth and redness in the area.

Attend your local Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E) if you develop a facial swelling that is:

• making it difficult to breathe or swallow
• extending towards your eye
• stopping you from opening your mouth fully

Anyone with an infection can get sepsis. Sepsis is life threatening reaction and can be hard to spot. If you are concerned about sepsis follow the advice on this page sepsis.

For other facial swellings, call your dental practice. If you do not have a regular dentist, call the dental helpline number for your area.

Dental abscess

A swelling inside your mouth may indicate a dental abscess, which is caused by infection from a tooth or gum. You may also have one or more of the following symptoms:

• intense throbbing pain that may come on suddenly and worsens
• pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck
• pain that's worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
• redness and swelling in your face
• a tender, discoloured or loose tooth
• shiny, red and swollen gums
• sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
• bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

If the infection from a dental abscess spreads, you might see or feel it swelling on your face and/or neck. You may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell.

For a facial swelling which is causing concern (but not affecting your ability to breathe, swallow or eye), call your dental practice. If it's outside of normal opening hours, there should be a message with details of how to access out-of-hours dental treatment.

If you do not have a regular dentist, call the dental helpline number for your Health Board area.

While you are waiting

While you're waiting for advice or to see a dentist, painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can help control any pain. Follow dosage instructions on the packet.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old.

It may also help to:

• avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse
• eat cool, soft foods using the opposite side of your mouth
• use a soft toothbrush

Treatment for a dental abscess

Dental abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection.

Antibiotics are not routinely given for dental abscesses, but may be given if there is any sign of a spreading infection.

Depending on the location of the abscess and how severe the infection is, the options your dental professional may offer you are:

• removing the affected tooth (extraction)
• incision and drainage - a small cut (incision) is made in the gum to drain the abscess. This is usually only a temporary solution and further treatment is needed
• root canal treatment

Local anaesthetic will usually be used to numb your mouth for these procedures.