We like to think of our mouths as fairly clean places, and after babyhood (when everything must be tasted to be fully experienced) generally that’s true. In some cases, though, lingering bacteria in the mouth can cause problems, including gum abscesses. Here are eight gum abscess symptoms you should know and watch for.
What is a gum abscess?
Our mouths are filled with bacteria – most of it healthy, but some of it harmful. When there is an opening in the gums and unhealthy bacteria gets inside, an abscess can form. A gum abscess is a bacterial infection that occurs when harmful bacteria is allowed to remain in the mouth and penetrates the gums. When this happens, there is an infection and a build-up of pus inside the gum.
Other than a gum abscess (also referred to as a gingival abscess), there are two other types of dental abscess. A periodontal abscess begins in the bone structures of the mouth and jaw, and a periapical abscess begins in the soft dental pulp inside the tooth.
What does a gum abscess look like?
What does a gum abscess look like? It may start as a shiny, reddened area of your gum tissue. As the abscess progresses, a tiny white or yellow dot may appear on your gums, gradually getting larger as the abscess fills with pus. Eventually, the abscess will resemble a pimple on the gum.
The body will attempt to drain the abscess. When this happens, bacteria begin to bore a small hole in the bone, creating a tunnel for abscess drainage. This appears as a small hole in the gums.
Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of a gum abscess. If you have a compromised immune system, even the smallest scrape on the gum can create a warm place for bacteria to grow. Trauma that breaks teeth or injures gums can also open the door for a gum abscess.
A gum abscess is usually visible from the moment it begins. The reddening of the gums and pain are your very first indicators that something is happening in the gum tissue. If you ignore it, your gum abscess symptoms will progress.
Eight gum abscess symptoms
Starting with redness and pain, gum abscess symptoms quickly progress.
Look for the following eight gum abscess symptoms afterwards.
1. Pain when you lie down
Pain when you lie down is common with a gum abscess, especially on the side where the abscess is located.
The pressure of gravity (and just the pressure of the cheek on the gum) can aggravate the already-irritated nerves.
2. Increased sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink
Some people find their teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks when they have a gum abscess.
This could be due to the already-heightened nerve activity, or it could indicate that the abscess also involves the teeth.
3. Foul-tasting liquid when you bite down, followed by a temporary decrease in pain
The foul-tasting liquid is the pus inside the abscess as it bursts. The burst can be incredibly painful, but afterwards the pain of the abscess may disappear completely until pus begins to gather again. This cycle of relief and pain is common.
People with gum abscess may not seek treatment when they feel this relief, but if other treatments are not completed, the abscess will most likely come back.
4. Bad breath
Bacteria is what creates an abscess, and bacteria does not generally smell good. They are essentially feasting on gum tissues and creating waste.
This can result in bad breath that is unrelieved by toothbrushing, mouthwash, or mints.
5. Difficulty swallowing
Lymph nodes in the neck begin to produce extra white blood cells to fight the infection in your gums.
The nodes themselves will be tender, and you may have difficulty swallowing due to a corresponding sore throat.
6. General feeling of malaise, or just feeling “off” or unwell
When your body fights infection, it is natural that you will feel “off” or unwell. You may also experience nausea, fatigue, and slight depression.
7. Fever
Fever occurs when your body is fighting an infection. Since a gum abscess is an infection in the mouth, fever may occur.
8. Radiating pain that spreads to the ear, jaw, or neck
Gum abscess pain can be sharp and stabbing initially, or it may be a dull, constant ache.
In some severe cases, pain can radiate down the neck, across the shoulders, and sometimes into the upper back.
How can I treat a gum abscess?
Treatment of what seems like a minor gum abscess is important, as untreated gum abscess can lead to other health complications (even death). Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, you may want to connect with an emergency dentist.
If you need to wait a day or two for an appointment, you can control pain and swelling by applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Rinsing with Epsom salts and water can help keep the area as clean as possible.
Once you get to the dentist, the first step in gum abscess treatments is incising and draining. This experience is unpleasant but quick, and it removes the infection-causing bacteria.
The infected area must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent further infection. Your dentist will use anti-bacterial flushes and water to gently clean the drained abscess.
If an ongoing infection is suspected, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics as well as topical treatments to ensure the infection is gone. Most dentists use caution when prescribing oral antibiotics. Talk to your doctor to see if they are necessary.
Finally, the best of all gum abscess treatments is prevention. You can prevent gum abscess by properly brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once, and using a non-alcoholic mouthwash once a day (or as directed by your dentist). Twice yearly cleanings can also help you closely monitor your oral health.
If you know you have risk factors that make gum abscess more likely, it is especially important to practice good oral hygiene and get regular check-ups.
At AZ Dentist, we can help treat your gum abscess. If you have any gum abscess symptoms, we are here for emergencies and regular dental care when you need us at one of our Phoenix area dental clinics. Give us a call!
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