Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include: Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting. Fever. Swelling in your face or cheek. Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck. What is an abscess in your mouth? A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It's caused by a bacterial infection. ... An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess.