A gum abscess is a localized pocket of pus in the gum tissue, typically resulting from a bacterial infection extending from a tooth root or surrounding structures. This condition causes intense, throbbing pain due to pressure buildup. When the pocket ruptures, it releases accumulated pus, often resulting in a sudden rush of salty, foul-tasting fluid in the mouth. While a burst abscess provides immediate relief from acute pain, this is temporary and does not eliminate the underlying bacterial infection.
Immediate Steps Following the Burst
Immediate action following a burst abscess should focus on gently cleansing the area to remove expelled pus and bacteria. Prepare a warm salt water rinse by mixing one-half to one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water until dissolved. Gently swish this saline solution around the affected area for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out, repeating this several times daily. This rinse cleans the wound and makes the oral environment less favorable for bacterial growth.
If the area is still tender or swollen, you can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce both pain and inflammation. It is important to strictly follow the dosing instructions on the package and consult a medical professional if you have any pre-existing conditions.
Do not attempt to squeeze or aggressively probe the site of the burst abscess, even if some pus appears to remain. Touching the area introduces new bacteria and can irritate the inflamed tissues, potentially forcing the existing infection deeper into the surrounding structures. Maintaining gentle oral hygiene, like soft brushing around the site, is necessary, but avoid hard, crunchy, or sugary foods that could irritate the open wound.
Understanding the Temporary Relief
The sudden, dramatic reduction in pain after the abscess bursts is due to the mechanical relief of pressure. The pus, a collection of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, had been pressing against the sensitive nerve endings in the surrounding gum and bone. Once this fluid is released, the pressure immediately drops, causing the throbbing sensation to subside. This physiological change is often mistaken for the infection being cured, which is a dangerous assumption.
However, the bacteria responsible for the infection, often deep-seated in the periodontal tissue or tooth’s root canal system, remain present. The bursting created only a temporary drainage pathway; the source of the bacterial colony is still active. You may notice persistent, mild drainage or a lingering foul taste, indicating the infection has not been eliminated. Without professional intervention, this temporary relief is fleeting, and the infection will likely continue to spread, potentially leading to the re-formation of the abscess.
Necessary Professional Follow-Up
Scheduling an immediate appointment with a dental professional is mandatory, even if all pain has vanished. The dentist will perform a thorough examination, often including X-rays, to determine the precise origin of the infection. The underlying problem, whether it is deep tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or advanced gum disease, must be definitively treated to prevent the infection from returning or spreading.
The definitive treatment required to eliminate the infection typically involves professional drainage and cleaning. If the infection originated from the tooth’s pulp, root canal therapy is often performed to remove the infected tissue, saving the tooth structure. For infections rooted in the gum tissue, deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing may be necessary to remove bacteria from below the gum line. In cases where the tooth is severely damaged or the infection has destroyed too much surrounding bone, a tooth extraction may be the only viable option.
Antibiotics may be prescribed as an adjunct therapy to control widespread bacteria, but they are not a standalone cure for the abscess. The physical source of the infection, such as a dead nerve or a deep pocket of bacteria, must be physically removed by the dentist. Relying on antibiotics alone is insufficient because the medication cannot penetrate the core of the abscess or remove the necrotic tissue.
Recognizing Signs of Serious Complications
While a burst abscess relieves pressure, it may also indicate the infection is spreading beyond the localized area. It is imperative to monitor for signs that the bacterial infection has become systemic, requiring immediate emergency medical attention, not just a routine dental visit. A high fever (100.4°F or higher) is a significant sign that the infection is advancing throughout the body.
Watch closely for severe facial swelling that extends beyond the immediate tooth area, especially involving the eye socket, the floor of the mouth, or the neck. Difficulty swallowing or pain when opening the mouth (trismus) suggests the infection is affecting deeper tissues and muscle groups. If you experience signs of a life-threatening, widespread inflammatory response, such as sepsis, seek an emergency room immediately. These signs include:
- Rapid heart rate.
- Dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty breathing.