It’s not uncommon to find bumps on your body, and sometimes you may even find them on your gums or elsewhere inside your mouth. Some bumps can be more serious than others. If you notice anything strange in your mouth, such as a gum boil or a bump that looks like a pimple, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a dentist.
Types of Gum Boils or Dental Abscesses
When a fluid-filled bump or boil forms on your gums or around your teeth, it’s usually an attributed to an abscess. As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains, an abscess is the collection of pus in any part of the body. There are two categories of dental abscesses: gum abscesses and tooth abscesses. While gum abscesses develop in the periodontal tissue, a tooth abscess forms at the tip of a tooth’s root.
Causes and Symptoms
Both tooth and gum abscesses are commonly caused by bacterial infections in the mouth. Periodontal abscesses in particular often occur as a complication of untreated gum or periodontal disease, as the Government of Alberta explains. When a person has periodontal disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that allow for bacterial growth. Tartar and food can get stuck in these pockets, leading to the development of pus. If the pus can’t drain from these pockets, an abscess can form.
Often, an abscess is accompanied by inflammation, swelling and pain, according to the NIH. Left untreated, it’s possible for the infection to spread to other areas of the body, too.
Treating a Gum Boil or Abscess
Staying on top of your oral health by seeing your dentist for regular checkups will help you detect and treat any abscesses before they can cause complications. As the NIH notes, an untreated abscess can spread the infection to other parts of the oral cavity, like the jawbone, and can even lead to the loss of the nearby tooth.
When evaluating an abscess, your dentist will take note of your symptoms and will likely take an X-ray to determine the source of the infection, notes the BMJ.
Usually, the first step for treating an abscess involves eliminating the infection. Your dentist might give you a prescription for antibiotics, reports the Government of Alberta. They might also drain the abscess to remove the pus, which can help relieve any discomfort. In more serious cases, there is a chance that your dentist will need to remove the nearby tooth or perform surgery to restore any bone damaged by the abscess.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy
A strong oral care routine at home can help you manage the symptoms of gum disease, reduce the risk of cavities and prevent future abscesses from developing. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help you remove plaque and food bits from your gums and the surface of your teeth. Along with a good oral care routine, limiting sugary foods and drinks and avoiding tobacco will also help you keep your gums and teeth as healthy as possible. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to your oral health, remember that your dentist is an excellent source of advice on how to minimize your risk of dental infection.