Gum Abscess

An abscess can be simply described as a pocket of infected liquid, commonly known as pus, that collects in a small area within the body. In mouth, abscesses are found in the space between the teeth and gums or at the end of the tooth's root, around the apex (periapical infections). A dental abscess can extend into the gums or to the cheek and the throat. It can spread to the area beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. If left untreated, the infection can spread into the surrounding bones and tissues or it can even spread throughout the body, affecting the heart and lungs. A gum abscess can lead to reddening and swelling of the surrounding area, which can be very painful too. According to their locations, abscesses on the gums are classified as gingival, periodontal, peri-coronal or periapical.

Types

• Abscesses occurring only in the gums are called gingival.
• Abscesses involving the periodontal membranes, gum and bone are called periodontal abscesses.
• Abscesses found around the crowns of the teeth are known as peri-coronal abscesses.

In adults, periodontal abscesses most commonly affect the wisdom teeth. A periapical abscess that originates in the dental pulp is common in children.

Causes

• Tooth Decay: Tooth decay or severe injury affects the nerves and blood vessels which become infected and die. Pus consists of the dead tissues decomposed. Pus can then spread outside the tooth or down the roots, to infect the bone at the end of the root, creating an abscess or a cyst. The common cause of tooth decay and gum abscess is the food wedged between a tooth and gum.
• Periodontal diseases: Periodontal diseases make the gums pull away from the teeth. Gum disease and infection can lead to deep pockets of space between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria can easily settle down in the food particles stuck in these pockets and an abscess can develop in the gums.
• Unrepaired Restorations: Bacteria are allowed an easy access to the weakened dental fillings which might have broken down over time. This can lead to an infection and abscess.
• Cracked Tooth: Fractures or cracks in the enamel and dentin can allow bacteria into the pulp, which may lead to infection and abscess.
• Hormonal changes: Sometimes hormonal changes may lead to gum abscesses.
• Reactions to medicines: Reactions to some strong medicines can lead to dental abscesses in the jaw.
• Heredity: Genetic factors do influence in case of teeth and gum diseases.
• Illness: Some illnesses like cancer may lead to dental abscesses.
• Excessive smoking: Excessive use of tobacco or smoking can lead to tooth decay and gum/tooth abscess.

Symptoms

• Severe and throbbing pain around the infected gum or infected tooth
• Difficulty or pain while opening the mouth or while swallowing and chewing
• Sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold liquids or foods
• Tooth X-ray shows a dark area at the apex of the root
• Swelling and redness of the mouth and face
• Gum inflammation, redness, tenderness
• Damage to bones and fibers holding the tooth
• Bleeding while brushing or eating food
• Loose tooth, losing a tooth
• Increased sensitivity in the tooth
• Gum sores or sores in the mouth
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck
• Tenderness with touch
• Chills and fever
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Pus drainage from the gums
• Cavities, raised tooth
• Bad breath
• Bad taste in the mouth

Chronic abscesses may or may not have painful symptoms. Let us now take a look at the treatment of an abscess on the gum.

Treatment

• Most periapical infections are treated by root canal treatment which is aimed at complete removal of the infection. Sometimes, tooth extraction or even periapical surgery is needed. For a dental abscess after root canal and for an infection persisting after root canal, additional treatment (may be surgical removal of the diseased tissue) by a specialist (an oral surgeon) is necessary.
• Tooth abscess home treatment includes maintenance of proper dental hygiene. An abscess may rupture by itself. Rinsing with warm salty water (1/8 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) helps cleanse the mouth. If the abscess does not rupture on its own and if the infection spreads to the deeper areas, then the doctor cuts open the abscess and allows it to drain in the operation theater, under anesthesia.
• Proper dental care includes regular brushing, flossing, cleaning and regular dental checkups.
• Ice pack outside the cheek may help reduce facial inflammation and pain.
• Applying clove oil around the affected area is one of the most common home remedies for a gingival/periodontal abscess.
• Six months after the treatment of an abscess, follow-up x-rays may help confirm healthy growth of the bone and tissues in the treated area.

A balanced and healthy diet, that is packed with all types of vitamins, minerals and other required nutrients is necessary to maintain dental health. Along with the advent of age, more care should be taken to avoid tooth decay, abscessed tooth and gum infection.