Gum boils or gum abscesses are major signs that your teeth are suffering from a deep infection. These unsightly boils are filled with pus and painful once touched or bumped. If you have gum abscesses, you will have a difficult time eating your favourite foods.

But don’t worry – gum abscesses are manageable. You just need to know their real nature and how to manage them effectively. It’s also important to listen to your dentist’s advice.

The Types of Gum Boils

Gum boils are divided into two main types – periodontal abscess and periapical abscess. Your dentist can easily figure out what type of gum boil you have. Basically, periodontal abscess forms in the gum tissue, while periapical abscess forms within the tooth itself. A periapical abscess is usually more serious and can be resolved by root canal treatments and other advanced dental procedures.

Here are some of the common symptoms of gum boils:

  • gum pain and gum tenderness
  • reddening and swelling gums
  • abscess bleeding
  • bad breath
  • earache, nausea, and fever

Your dentist’s goal is to prevent the spread of the infection caused by abscesses. A root canal treatment is advisable if the gum infection has already affected multiple teeth. The procedure is also useful if there’s deeper tooth damage in your upper or lower jaw.

How to Deal With Gum Boils Properly

There are diverse ways to deal with gum infection and to prevent the appearance of other abscesses. Practically, dentists will advise the use of antibiotics to control bacterial growth and stop the infection. Topical treatments are only used to alleviate the pain and sensitivity caused by the abscesses.

A deep cleaning procedure is another direct solution that deals with plaque removal. This procedure can also promote continuous gum healing and can be boosted by effective oral care. Dental draining is a follow-up procedure meant to drain the pus from the abscesses in your gums.

How to Manage Gum Abscesses At Home

Home care plays a vital factor in terms of pain management. The first thing that you have to improve your brushing and flossing habits. You need to brush and floss at least twice a day to prevent the formation of gum abscesses and reduce plaque buildup. However, if you already have gum abscesses, you need to be extra careful. Be gentle, and avoid bumping the abscesses so they won’t bleed.

Nutrition is crucial to gum boil management. You must avoid sugary drinks (like sodas and fruit juices) and processed foods as much as possible. This is not easy, especially if you’re used to consuming large amounts of sugar. Let go of sodas – they can only make your gum infection worse. Smoking is also a big risk factor. Keep in mind that a stick of cigarette can affect your immune system and decrease the potency of gum treatment medicines.

Mouthwash can help in bacterial control though you shouldn’t rely on it all the time. If you constantly use mouthwash, your gums will be exposed to dryness, inflammation, and irritation. This defeats the purpose of the mouthwash. A safer alternative is a dental saltwater rinse. Just mix a teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water. Then you can swish it all over your mouth for at least 40 seconds. Repeat the procedure for up to 3 times per day to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular choice among dentists, but you need to be careful in mixing it. If you do the mixture correctly, hydrogen peroxide can control bacterial growth and reduce most instances of pain and gum tenderness. You should also check out natural dental rinses featured online. Remember, these dental rinses are better than commercial mouthwash and they won’t cause mouth dryness or gum irritation.

Conclusion

Gum boils require immediate attention. Don’t wait for too long because gum boils can lead to long-term teeth damage and other health complications.

Here at KW Dental Emergency – Fairway Dental Urgent Care Clinic, we will help you deal with gum abscesses and other dental problems.

Contact us today if you need a gum abscess consultation or treatment!