Gum boils, also known as dental abscesses, are painful swellings of the gum. They can cause discomfort and problems while conducting daily oral activities. Most often caused by infections, gum boils can lead to severe dental issues if not treated early enough. Early detection of the issue by considering oral examinations near you becomes important to prevent further complications.
What is a Gum Boil?
A gum boil is a swelling on the gum that may resemble a pimple, generally filled with pus. This thick fluid is made up of live and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria. A gum boil may become very painful, especially if pressed or touched—for example, while chewing food.
Causes of Gum Boils
Several factors can cause gum boils. Some of the common causes include:
- Bacterial Infection: One of the popular reasons for this issue is bacterial infection. The bacteria enter into gum tissues through cavities or if there is any crack in the tooth.
- Poor oral hygiene: In the absence of regular brushing and flossing, plaque may form, leading to infections and, hence, gum boils. Plaque refers to a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Failure to remove it causes it to harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and leads to infection.
- Gum diseases: Gingivitis and periodontitis are diseases that allow infection to take place in the gum tissue and then progress into abscesses. Gum disease is a serious matter, and if not treated appropriately, there is a chance that you may lose the tooth.
- Gum injuries: When cuts or scrapes take place on the gums, they could get infected and lead to a gum boil. Moreover, tiny injuries because of sharp foods and dental appliances may be of concern.
- Tooth decay: Cavities or tooth decay can reach the inner part of the tooth, causing an infection. This infection can then spread to the gums, leading to a gum boil near the affected tooth.
- Weakened immune system: Due to certain medications, lifestyles, and more, people with a weak immune system are more likely to develop gum boils.
Treatment for Gum Boils
The treatment of a gum boil usually involves professional dental care. The following are the available treatment options that your dentist would recommend:
- Drainage: The dentist drains the pus from the gum by making a small incision.
- Antibiotics: In case the infection is severe, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clean up the infection.
- Root canal treatment: When an infection is related to tooth decay or damage to the tooth pulp, root canal treatment is necessary. Root canals include removing the infected pulp inside the tooth, cleaning areas, and sealing it to prevent infection.
- Gum surgery: This process involves surgery and is done to remove infected tissue and thereby allow healing. It is usually done in severe cases of infection that have not responded to other forms of treatment. In some cases, abscesses could be linked to gum boil cancer; your dentist further recommends tests and specialized care.
- Extracting teeth: If your tooth is severely decayed or damaged and cannot be treated, your dentist could recommend extracting it. By removing the tooth, the infection will not spread to other areas of the mouth.
Home Remedies for Gum Boils
Though gum boils usually require to be treated professionally, one can reduce and treat the symptoms by performing a few home remedies, which include:
- Saltwater solution: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is beneficial; it helps to reduce swelling and eliminate germs. Mix a teaspoon of regular salt into a glass of warm water. Tilt your head back and swish the solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do this several times a day for the best results.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water to clean the area and help reduce infection. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with plain water to make sure no hydrogen peroxide is left behind.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. You can use a cold pack or just wrap some ice cubes in a soft cloth and apply it over your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Turmeric paste: Turmeric is composed of natural antibacterial properties and is anti-inflammatory. Create a paste from turmeric powder and water, and apply it to the area; leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse the area with water.
- Tea tree oil: Use a small amount of tea tree oil diluted in a cup of water as a mouthwash. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help combat infection. Do not swallow the rinse, as tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested.
- Clove oil: This oil has pain-relieving ingredients that should be placed on a cotton swab and then applied to the affected areas to relieve pain.
How to Prevent Gum Abscess?
Good oral hygiene and routine care of the teeth and gums are essential to prevent gum boils. The following points will aid in gum abscess prevention:
- Brush regularly: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush at least twice a day to remove plaque and thereby prevent cavities. Clean all surfaces with gentle, circular motions, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps remove the food particles that get stuck between the teeth and on the gums. Flossing once a day helps to keep gums and teeth in optimal condition.
- Use mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash aids in eliminating bacteria and reducing plaque. After brushing and flossing your teeth, you could use a mouthwash to ensure that your mouth is fresh and clean before going to bed.
- Have a healthy diet: A diet high in vitamins and minerals is important for your gums and teeth health. Avoid sugary foods and acidic elements as they are likely to cause tooth decay and gum diseases.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help clean food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Water also helps keep your mouth moist and maintain adequate saliva production.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Visiting a dentist regularly helps to identify dental issues at an early stage as we treat them. They also recommend some tips for adequately taking care of gums and teeth.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products can increase the risk of developing gum diseases and other oral health problems. Quitting tobacco will improve your overall health and reduce the risk of gum abscesses.
How Can I Stop Boils from Coming Back?
To prevent gum boils from recurring, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and using antibacterial mouthwash. Drink plenty of water and have a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients, minerals, calcium, and more. Tobacco products should be avoided, and you should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings as well; it helps spot any dental issues early on.
Key Takeaway
Knowing about gum boils and how to prevent or treat them will help protect your dental health from such painful issues. Keep in mind having good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular visits to your dentist to ensure that teeth and gums are healthy. If you think you have some of the symptoms of a gum boil, do not hesitate to get dental care for your problem to avoid further complications.
Contact Us Today to Protect Your Gum Health!
Majestic Dentistry is a leading dental clinic committed to offering quality care for each patient. At our clinic, we have a team of dentist in Livonia who utilize modern technology to give you a complete range of dental services. Reasons to choose our services are quality dentistry, patient-centric, and pocket-friendly plans. Book your appointment today to achieve a healthier and brighter smile.