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Whether or not the Keflex will do any good would depend on whether (a) your assertion that you have what feels like a dental abscess is accurate, (b) that you are taking it in a sufficient dosage (for the typical adult, 500 milligrams four times a day), and (c) if the infection is caused by bacteria that fall within the spectrum of activity of Keflex, which is usually the case. Interestingly, Keflex will do nothing to help with your presumed viral infection for which the antibiotic was prescribed.

Your best course of action would be to encourage drainage of exudate: hot saline rinses are helpful in relieving pain and hastening drainage of pus: dissolve ½-teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water as hot as you can safely tolerate, and rinse vigorously for about 2 minutes at least every 2-3 hours.

Until you can arrange for professional attention, an effective pain relief regimen utilizes alternating every 3-4 hours between 1000 milligrams of paracetamol (2 Extra-Strength Tylenol tablets) and 400 milligrams of ibuprofen (2 tabs of Advil). This combination has been shown to provide pain relief equivalent to prescription strength opiate medication. Keep in mind that this regimen is not appropriate if you have a history of liver or peptic ulcer disease; do not exceed 4000 milligrams paracetamol (8 Extra Strength Tylenol tablets) per day.

Hope this helps...