Gum boils are annoying, pus-filled bumps that can appear periodically in your gums. If bacteria build up and cause infection within a gum area, the boils will form. Since they’re painful and tender, you may have a hard time chewing or enjoying your favourite foods. A real bummer!

If you have lingering gum disease, you’re more prone to gum boils. If you’ve also had dental surgery, you can get these boils anytime. Bacteria and plaque can also enter gum pockets and make everything worse.

Types of Gum Boils

There are two known types of gum boils. The first one is a periodontal abscess, and it forms within the gum tissue. This type of gum boil is the most common and practically manageable. You can even notice this boil as it forms and develops. Pain and tenderness are common symptoms of a periodontal abscess.

The second type is called a periapical abscess. This abscess develops within the tooth and is considered more serious because it can spread all over your body. Also, it can cause long-term teeth damage. At this rate, you may need a root canal procedure.

These are some of the common symptoms of gum boils:

  • pain and gum tenderness
  • swelling of gum
  • bleeding of boil and affected gum area
  • bad breath
  • nausea and fever
  • earache

Once the infection has begun spreading, your tooth will be at risk. In some cases, the infection can be life-threatening. To get rid of the infection, you need to follow the medication advice of your dentist. Natural home remedies, on the other hand, can be used for pain management.

Dealing With Gum Boils

To treat gum infection and prevent the appearance of more boils, a dentist will recommend different types of remedies and procedures.

Antibiotics are dedicated bacteria killers and can deliver excellent results within a few days. Topical treatments can only reach the boils but antiobiotics go deeper.

A deep cleaning procedure is utilized to remove plaque and tartar buildup and ensure continuous gum healing. Following that is dental draining wherein the dentist attempts to remove the pus from any gum boil. Both procedures can reduce pain and gum tenderness.

Sometimes, dentures can cause irritation especially if they are improperly fitted. To resolve this, you may need a denture adjustment procedure.

Gum Boil Home Care

Home care plays an important factor in managing the pain and progression of dental abscess. The first thing that you have to do is assess your brushing and flossing methods. You need to brush and floss at least twice a day to prevent the formation of gum boils. But if you already have gum abscesses, you need to adjust your brushing and flossing habits. Try to be as gentle as possible so that you won’t irritate the abscesses.

Nutrition is also important. You must avoid sugary drinks and processed foods as much as you can. By doing so, you can limit the chance of infection and you also get to improve your overall health. If you’re a smoker, then it’s time to let go of the habit. Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease and dental abscesses.  It can also reduce the effectiveness of gum disease treatment.

Mouthwash can help in bacterial control but it’s not always reliable. If you constantly use mouthwash, your mouth will become dry – thus worsening your gum irritation and infection. One great alternative is a saltwater mouthwash or a natural dental rinse. All you have to do is mix one teaspoon of salt and one cup of warm water. Swish it in your mouth for up to 30 seconds. You can repeat this method 2-3 times per day.

Other dental rinses that you can use are hydrogen peroxide (great for bacterial control) and essential oil mixtures. You can order these essential oils online and mix them accordingly. Based on numerous studies, essential oils can control symptoms better than commercial mouthwashes. You just need to prepare ahead of time because these types of dental rinses must be mixed accurately for greater effectiveness.

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to see the dentist if you have a gum boil. If you wait for too long, the infection will spread and put your life in eventual danger. Aside from consistent dental visits, you should also improve your oral hygiene significantly.

Here at Kitchener Dentist Lancaster Dental, we truly care about your oral health. Contact us today if you need a dental abscess treatment or an appointment!