What Are the Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth on the Upper Jaw?

An abscess in your tooth is caused by bacterial infections of your mouth that result in a buildup of fluid or pus around the root of your tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth require medical treatment by a dentist or oral surgeon, and without treatment you may develop life-threatening complications. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, symptoms of an abscessed tooth on your upper jaw include pain and sensitivity to certain foods.

Aches

• An abscessed tooth on the upper jaw may cause you to have toothaches that persist even if you take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

Fever

• The bacteria causing the abscess in your tooth may cause you to develop symptoms, such as a fever of 101 degrees F or greater--along with chills and sweating.

Fluid

• If the abscess in your tooth bursts, you may experience a sudden mouthful of fluid that tastes and smells bad and may make you gag or vomit.

Pain

• You may experience pain along your upper jaw and palate as well as into your cheeks, ears and temples due to having an abscessed tooth in your upper jaw.

Sensitivity

• An abscessed tooth in your upper jaw may cause sensitivity when you eat very hot foods, cold beverages or foods that are firm or difficult to chew.

Swelling

• You may notice swelling of your face, especially around your cheeks and the area near where the abscessed tooth is located, as well as in the lymph nodes of your neck.