Gum Boil: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is a Gum Boil? 

A gum boil is a type of dental abscess that presents as a swollen bump on the gums. Gum boils can occur anywhere along the gumline, but are most commonly found near the root of a tooth. Not all dental abscesses appear as gum boils or indicate an abscessed tooth. 

The three main types of dental abscesses are gingival, periapical, and periodontal abscesses. Here’s a quick look at each one: 

• Gingival Abscess: A boil that happens as a result of a gum infection and affects your gums, not the surrounding teeth. 

• Periapical Abscess: A pocket of infection near the tip or apex of a tooth root. 

• Periodontal Abscess: Forms in the gum tissue next to a tooth root. It differs from a gingival abscess because it can spread to the surrounding periodontal ligament and bone if left untreated. 

Gum boils can develop quickly or can take several months to develop, depending on the cause of the infection. Once formed, a gum boil can progress and spread to other tissues over the span of a few weeks to a few months, leading to serious health concerns. 

Regardless of the type of gum boil, you should address it promptly to prevent further complications. 

Causes of Gum Boils

Gum boils are most often the result of bacteria that enter through an opening in your gums or a cavity in your teeth. When this happens, your body produces white blood cells to fight the infection, which results in swelling and pus. 

Common causes of gum boils include: 

Poor Oral Hygiene 

Neglecting proper oral care can lead to plaque buildup, which allows tooth decay to develop and can cause an abscess, especially a periapical abscess. 

Gum Disease 

Advanced stages of periodontal disease can cause gum pockets to form, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection. 

Food Particles 

If food particles get lodged underneath your gums, they create a breeding ground for bacteria. Popcorn hulls, seeds, and other small bits of food are common culprits. 

Mouth Trauma 

Injuries to the mouth, such as a chipped tooth or a cut in your gum tissue, can create an entry point for bacteria. 

Irritation from Dentures 

If you wear dentures that don’t fit quite right, the friction can cause a gum boil. Adjusting and refitting them can help stop rubbing and irritation. 

Underlying Health Conditions 

Gum boils can also sometimes indicate an underlying health condition, such as malnutrition, a weakened immune system, or cancer. However, these are rare cases that are typically accompanied by other symptoms. 

Symptoms of Gum Boils

Gum boils may appear as small, red bumps on your gums. You may also experience a sharp or throbbing pain and tenderness in the area and pain when biting or chewing. 

As the infection progresses, you might have other symptoms as well, such as: 

• Swelling of the gums or face 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

• Redness on your gums 

• Difficulty opening your mouth 

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth 

• Fever or chills (with advanced infections that have spread into deeper tissues) 

Now that you understand gum boils and what symptoms might accompany them, let’s take a look at your treatment options. 

Gum Boil Treatment Options

Gum boils are considered a dental emergency. If left untreated, a gum boil can burst and release pus into the mouth.  

Common potential complications of untreated gum boils include damage to your oral tissues, jawbone loss, and tooth loss. In extreme cases, sepsis, pneumonia, brain abscess, heart issues, and even death could occur if the infection spreads to other parts of your body. 

This is why it’s important to see your dentist right away if you notice a gum boil. You may need one or more of the following treatments: 

• Drainage: If your gum boil hasn’t burst, your dentist may create an incision to drain the pus out of it. 

• Deep cleaning: Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning your gums and teeth to help remove the plaque and bacteria. 

• Root Canal: If the infection has reached the tooth pulp, you may need a root canal to save the tooth. 

• Antibiotics: In some cases, especially if you have a fever or swollen lymph nodes, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to help clear up the infection. It’s important to take this medication as prescribed. 

• Extraction: In severe cases, your dentist may need to remove your tooth. This may be necessary if the tooth has an ongoing infection or damage that cannot be repaired. 

Home Remedies for Gum Boils 

Home remedies can’t cure gum boils and should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment. However, while you’re waiting for an appointment with your dentist, these solutions may provide temporary relief: 

• Cold compress: Holding a cold compress on the affected area may temporarily reduce inflammation and swelling and relieve pain. Keep it on for 10-15 minutes at a time. 

• Over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may help with mild discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label. 

In addition to the above home remedies for managing gum boil pain at home, there are some things you can do to prevent them from forming in the first place. 

Preventing Gum Boils

Preventing gum boils requires a two-pronged approach: good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist. Let’s look at each one more closely. 

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene 

Taking care of your teeth and keeping your mouth clean is the first line of defense to keep your mouth healthy. Use these tips to establish good oral hygiene practices: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush 

• Use a dentist-recommended toothpaste with stannous fluoride 

• Floss daily with traditional floss 

• For deeper clean use a water flosser 

• Rinse with mouthwash to get rid of bacteria in your mouth 

• Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary foods 

Visit the Dentist Regularly 

Even if you're taking care of your teeth well at home, regular dental checkups are essential for preventing gum boils. 

Your dentist can spot any possible issues early and provide treatment before the issues become more serious. They can also give you personalized recommendations for your oral care routine. 

Keep Your Mouth Clean with Oral-B 

Gum boils might seem like nothing more than a small bump, but they can cause significant problems if left untreated. Since they’re considered a dental emergency, you’ll want to call your dentist immediately if you suspect you have a gum boil. 

Oral-B is here to help you keep your mouth healthy. Remember to brush twice daily and visit your dentist twice a year to keep your teeth clean and healthy. 

To experience a professional clean feeling at home, try the Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush Series. With iO Magnetic technology, micro-vibrating bristles, and Oral-B’s dentist-inspired round brush head, these powerful toothbrushes can help you achieve a thorough clean every time you brush.

Sources 

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589664/ 

• https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/dental-health/ 

• https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/3,40498