An abscess is another term for 'boil.' When these discomforting abscess bumps fill with fluid or pus on your gums, you need to get them treated. There are 3 types of gum abscesses that you could be experiencing:
All dental abscesses, both tooth, and gum are caused by the same culprit — bacterial infections. The National Health Portal explains that bacterial infection affecting gums and bone supporting the teeth leads to gum disease. It is caused by:
While abscesses are found within your oral cavity, their infection may spread to other areas of your body. Periodontal abscesses, the most prevalent, often occur due to untreated periodontal disease. A research study published in the IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences explains that symptoms of periodontal abscess may vary from slight discomfort to severe pain and swelling.
The last thing you want is for the infection to spread to your jawbone or teeth. Thus, quick and effective treatment is crucial to getting rid of a gum boil. The study further describes that in non-life threatening conditions, oral analgesics and antimicrobial chemotherapy may be sufficient.
Getting your gums as fit as possible will help reduce your chances of gum disease, cavities, bacteria infections, and ultimately prevent gum abscesses from forming. And that all comes down to proper oral hygiene, like:
Nobody wants the complications that come with a gum boil. What it boils down to, though, is strong oral health. Master at-home care and check in regularly with your dentist as recommended — and you should be able to keep gum abscesses absent from your mouth.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine