Gum boil is inflammation of the gums, which is painful and causes concern as it is found on your gums. It happens occasionally, and while perfectly normal, when one is not aware of it, it may cause some panic. Knowledge of the signs and causes of gum boils and how to deal with them will enable someone suffering from the condition to live comfortably. This blog is all about gum boils, their causes, symptoms, and all that you could wish to know regarding treating them.
What Is a Gum Boil?
A gum boil, also called a dental abscess or a periapical abscess, is a puffy growth pouch filled with pus on the gum line. It is caused by an infection of bacteria at the root of the concerned tooth or the adjacent tissues. A gum boil may present as a minor, raised, red, tender swelling similar to another gum boil. However, this can be a significant problem if not correctly taken care of because gum boils are likely to have various major oral health complications.
Gum boils are usually the expression of an untreated dental problem, such as caries or infection, resulting from previous dental treatment. Even though they may look like a mere problem, they can lead to a lot of pain, swelling, and even the loss of some teeth if not treated on time.
Symptoms of Gum Boils
Some of the common symptoms of gum boils include:
- Pain and Discomfort: A characteristic feature of all forms of gum boils is that the pain is long-lasting. The discomfort can be sudden, stinging or dull most prominently when chewing or if touch is applied on the affected area.
- Swelling: Symptoms may include inflammation and bright red coloration in the gums affected by the disease. The size of the swelling may further enlarge as the inflammation advances to the next level.
- Pus Discharge: The other distinguishing feature of gum boils is that such swellings are usually filled with yellow or white pus that may occasionally gently ooze from the injury. This discharge means that the infection is out, and it is likely to increase since the sources of virus are being fed.
- Bad Breath: If a gum boil has developed due to an infection, there may be a bad smell or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Fever: Sometimes, it intensifies to complicate its symptoms, and you may even begin to experience a fever, which is the body’s reaction to the invasion of a pathogen.
Causes of Gum Boils
Gum boils result from bacterial infection; nonetheless, they may be caused by other factors. Some of the most common causes of gum boils include:
- Tooth Decay: The causes of gum boils: These are diseases that develop from an untreated gum boils or cavity. If the cavity is not filled, the bacteria get into the pulp of the tooth and start to form gum boils.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: The improper brushing and rinsage also creates microbes on the surfaces of the teeth and gum, causing inflammation.
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Pretend diseases, as gingivitis or periodontitis weaken the environment around your teeth and make the teeth susceptible to infections.
- Dental Procedures: Sometimes, gum boils appear after fillings, root canal work or tooth extraction because that area becomes infected as it heals.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is an infection that begins at the pulp of a tooth and is never converted to gum boil.
- Trauma: Gentility of the gums or the teeth must never be injured for any reason at all. Probably even a small cut can lead to inflammation of the gum and bacteria are able to enter the area.
How to Treat a Gum Boil
If you notice symptoms of a gum boil, see a dentist immediately for proper treatment. Options include:
1. Drainage and Antibiotics
The dentist will drain the pus to eliminate the infection. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the bacteria and prevent further infection. Always complete the full course of antibiotics.
2. Root Canal Treatment
If the gum boil is caused by an infected tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection from the tooth’s pulp.
3. Tooth Extraction
In severe cases, if the infection cannot be controlled or if the tooth is severely damaged, extraction may be required.
4. Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, may be recommended to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
5. Good Oral Hygiene
To prevent recurrence, maintain proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, and attend routine dental check-ups.
Preventing Gum Boils
Gum boils are sometimes hard to prevent, but a person can reduce the chances of getting this disease through the following ways. Here are some tips to help avoid gum boils:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to gum infection.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce the risk of gum infection.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch dental issues early and provide necessary treatments before they become severe infections.
- Treat cavities promptly: If you have a cavity, treat it immediately to prevent it from progressing to an infection.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco can increase your risk of gum disease and oral infections.
Conclusion
Gum boils are inflammatory, usually bacterial lesions with very sore and tender nature that can be best addressed after medical examination. They may need to be drained, on antibiotics, or need surgery such as root canals or extractions. Gum boils can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene by brushing often, flossing and visiting the dentist for a check up. If you feel a lot of discomfort or see that your face has become swollen, it is recommended that you go see your dentist before it gets worse. Call us today and schedule an appointment and get the help you need.