A gum boil, also known as a dental abscess, is a painful, pus-filled swelling on the gums. It signals an underlying bacterial infection, often appearing as a pimple-like bump near a tooth.
Do Gum Boils Disappear Naturally?
Gum boils do not go away on their own because they are symptoms of a bacterial infection. While the swelling might temporarily subside if the pus drains, the underlying infection remains present. Without professional intervention, the bacteria can continue to spread, potentially leading to more serious health issues beyond the mouth. Relying on self-resolution can worsen the condition, making future treatment more complex and increasing the risk of complications.
What Causes Gum Boils?
Gum boils primarily stem from bacterial infections. A common origin is a periodontal abscess, which results from an infection within the gum tissue. This frequently occurs in individuals with severe gum disease (periodontitis), where bacteria accumulate in deep pockets that form between the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque and food particles to build up, significantly increases this risk.
Another cause is a periapical abscess, which originates from the pulp inside a tooth and spreads to the bone around the tooth’s root. This type of infection develops from an untreated cavity, a cracked tooth, or dental trauma that allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner nerve tissue. As the infection progresses, the dying cells form pus, and this collection can eventually create a drainage point on the gums.
How Dentists Treat Gum Boils
Dentists begin by diagnosing the source of the infection, using a clinical examination and X-rays to pinpoint the affected tooth or area. This diagnostic step helps differentiate between periodontal and periapical abscesses, guiding the appropriate treatment approach. The initial phase of treatment involves draining the pus from the gum boil to relieve pressure. This drainage may involve a small incision into the abscess, sometimes with a rubber drain inserted to ensure continuous drainage as swelling reduces.
After drainage, addressing the root cause is important to prevent recurrence. For a periodontal abscess, deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing remove bacteria and plaque from the gum pockets. If the infection is periapical, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the tooth’s interior, and then seal it. In severe cases where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the bacterial infection, but they are not a standalone solution and must be combined with a dental procedure.
When to See a Dentist
Seeing a dentist promptly for a gum boil is important, as it indicates a bacterial infection requiring professional attention. Delaying treatment allows the infection to spread, potentially leading to more severe complications. The infection can extend to other parts of the body, including the jawbone, neck, or in rare but serious cases, even the brain or heart. Untreated infections can result in tooth loss, bone destruction, or systemic conditions like sepsis.
Seek dental care as soon as symptoms such as swelling, pain, pus, or fever appear. Ignoring these signs can lead to more complex, painful, and costly procedures later on.