You might encounter having gum boils or gum abscesses when your teeth are affected by a deep infection. These boils are filled with pus and are very painful when you touch them. You can opt for home remedies to treat them as long as you have the correct information. It is also advisable to get a dentist appointment if you are unsure of what to do or think it is a more severe situation.
Gum Boils and Their Types
Gum boils can be categorized into two main types: the periodontal abscess and periapical abscess. The main difference is that periodontal abscess forms in the gum tissue while periapical abscess forms within the tooth. A periapical abscess is typically worse, where you would need actual dental procedures to treat it.
The most common symptoms of gum boils are pain around the gum, gum tenderness, reddening and swelling of gums, bleeding, bad breath, earache, nausea, and fever. When coming to the dentist for treatment, the goal would be to stop the infection from spreading. If it has already gotten to multiple teeth, a root canal treatment may be necessary to solve your problem.
What to Do with Gum Boils
Dentists usually advise antibiotics to control or stop the spread of bacteria and infection. Immediate, simple treatments are also available to ease the pain temporarily. An example of a more complex dental procedure would be a deep cleaning where plaque removal is involved. This will improve gum healing and can be enhanced by using recommended oral care. As mentioned, pus will also be present from the abscesses in your gums, and dental draining is a procedure that would empty the pus.
Home Care and Remedies
There are many home care procedures that you can practice regularly to avoid gum boils. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will significantly help prevent gum abscesses and minimize plaque buildup. But if you already have gum abscesses, make sure to be very cautious when doing so. Be careful and avoid abscesses to prevent any bleeding.
If you use mouthwash, keep in mind that it is not that good to constantly use, even if it helps in bacterial control. Continuous use of mouthwash means your gums will experience dryness, inflammation, and irritation. What you can do as an alternative is a dental saltwater rinse. If you opt for hydrogen peroxide, be extra careful in mixing it. Hydrogen peroxide can control bacterial growth and minimize pain and gum tenderness if you do it right.
Conclusion
If you have a gum boil, make sure to take action immediately. These abscesses can lead to permanent teeth damage when left untreated and might result in more severe health complications. If you need an emergency dentist in North Carolina, turn to Dr. Mihirgir Bava at Gentle Smiles of Raleigh. We are committed to improving your oral health through superior dental care services. Call to make your appointment now!