The abscess usually originates from a bacterial infection and is mostly caused by a dental
infection. The common presenting complaints are severe toothache, breath odour,
fever, pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of gums, swollen glands etc. It can be diagnosed with the help of clinical examination, dental x-rays and other tests. Antibiotics are given for the infection. Warm salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers may relieve the toothache and fever.