An abscess on the gum: causes, how to treat

Late or illiterate treatment of an abscess on the gum can lead to tooth loss, periostitis, osteomyelitis, and other complications. The article exclusively for informational and warning purposes describes why periodontal suppuration is formed and how it is treated. If an abscess requires emergency dental consultation. Only a specialist can determine why an abscess formed on the gum, and inform what needs to be done to avoid relapse.

Symptoms of purulent inflammation in the mouth

A periodontal abscess is similar to the pathogenesis of a boil or boil. The first symptoms of pathology are expressed in red color infiltration and edema of surrounding tissues. There is pain when you click on the location of the infection. After a while, a white ball appears, inside of which pus is contained. The well-being of a person worsens, there are signs of a cold: hemicrania, general fatigue, chills.

Photo: gum looks like an abscess

Pus on the gum appears above the tooth or between the tooth and gum depending on the location of the infection. Further formation of the abscess can be recognized by the following signs:

• bad taste and bad breath;
• speech disorder;
• discomfort during chewing and swallowing;
• blue tooth enamel.

Etiology of periodontal suppuration

The main source of the origin of the abscess include inflammation of the gums or periodontal. Swelling and bleeding of the gums is observed at the initial stage of periodontitis called gingivitis. The disease is also characterized by hypersensitivity of the teeth and the absence of pain.

Photo: external signs of an abscess on the gum with periodontitis

If the inflammatory process is ignored, the disease progresses, periodontal pockets are formed, inside which food debris, plaque, and stone accumulate. These deposits provoke an increase in the activity of gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria, the gums begin to fester.

The accumulation of pus in periodontitis is limited to the area of ​​one or two teeth within the infected periodontium. Gums digs strictly at the apex of the tooth root. With progressive periodontitis, pain symptoms are typical during palpation of the tooth and biting of food, loss of appetite, fever.

The sources of an abscess at the root of the tooth can be:

• caries;
• pulpitis;
• illiterate dental operations, including dental implants;
• tooth damage.

The reasons for which the gum abscesses may also be disturbances in the functioning of the digestive organs, decreased immunity, mechanical injuries, colds and infectious processes in the oral cavity.

Contraindications for suppuration

A favorable environment for the life of pathogenic microflora contributes to the rapid spread of infection. Among these factors is heat, in it harmful bacteria form and develop faster. therefore warming an infected area is extremely dangerous - the cavity will become stronger and festering, and in the absence of proper treatment, intoxication may begin.

It is forbidden to open the incision yourself.Before the procedure, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the oral cavity is mandatory. Most often, the abscess is opened under local anesthesia.

Undesirable procedures also include the use of aspirin, squeezing pus, the use of drugs without a specialist's prescription, and the use of hot or cold food.

Treatment of abscess (abscess on the gum)

Like a boil, a periodontal abscess in the mouth, if it is not cured on time, causes complications such as:

• meningitis;
• brain abscess
• sepsis;
• inflammation of the veins.

If a purulent abscess is found on the gum, you should consult a dentist to quickly identify the source of periodontal tissue abscess, completely eliminate the festering cavity and develop a competent therapy strategy.

Surgical treatment of an abscess on the gum

To begin to treat an abscess on the gum, they begin with the procedure for removing the purulent sac, that is, opening the gum in the place where it appeared. The outflow of pus prevents the spread of infection into the body through the root canal of the tooth. After opening the bag, the doctor rinses the oral cavity and prescribes treatment, which is based on antibiotics.

Treatment of gum abscess is carried out taking into account the features of the manifestation and source of the disease. With periodontitis, an important procedure is the removal of dental plaque. Suppuration due to poor implantation requires cleaning the implant. With an exacerbated form of flux, tooth resection is possible.

Treatment of an abscess on the gum at home

If a visit to dentistry is temporarily impossible, the treatment of an abscess on the gum can be done at home. but it is impossible to completely cure an educated abscess with traditional medicine, since they stop only symptoms, the causes of pathogenesis are not eliminated.

You can treat an abscess on the gums with both painkillers and traditional methods. To improve the general condition, it is recommended to rinse the oral cavity with a solution of potassium permanganate, Chlorhexedine, Furacelin, and also use a large amount of water.

To relieve pain, you can make compresses from vodka and collecting herbs. Mustard, eringium and sage must be infused in an alcohol solution for about two hours. In the infused liquid, a bandage or gauze is moistened and applied to a festering cavity.

Among effective home remedies, rinse with herbal preparations from:

• Pine needles. It helps strengthen soft tissues and disinfect the focus of inflammation.
• Daisies and hypericum. Herbs have an antiseptic effect.
• Plant repesa. Helps relieve pain.
• Sage and oak bark. They have anti-inflammatory properties.

It helps to eliminate suppuration and relieve pain from ground pepper. You can do it within half an hour. For cooking, mix salt, sugar, a few drops of vinegar and pepper with a little water. The mixture must be brought to a boil and cooled. The resulting mass should be applied to the site of inflammation.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of an abscess is considered only as ancillary measures, therefore, even with the outflow of pus from the bag and the elimination of pain should be treated under the supervision of a doctor.

Features of the treatment of abscesses on the gums in children

If a white ball appears in the baby's mouth, the use of alternative medicine is highly not recommended. In a child, the inflammatory process progresses more rapidly than in an adult. Late and incorrect treatment can provoke blood poisoning and other dangerous diseases.

In an adult and a child, the signs of an abscess are identical, the pus in the gum looks like in the photo.

Therapy of the inflammatory process in a child depends on the focus of infection. In case of damage to the milk tooth, its complete resection is required. Treatment of suppuration on the molar is similar to eliminating an abscess in adults: an opening of the sac is performed and antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

What to do after treatment

After medical intervention, it is advisable for the patient to avoid stressful situations, follow a diet and take medications aimed at combating the infection. Remediation of the oral cavity allows you to reduce the risk of an abscess. A set of preventive measures includes:

• Oral hygiene. Hygiene procedures should be performed 2 times a day: in the morning before eating and in the evening after eating. Experts also advise scrupulous approach to the choice of a toothbrush and use additional means to care for the oral cavity.
• Rinse and clean the mouth of stuck pieces of food after each meal and snack.
• Regular visits to the dental office in order to timely detect the disease.
• Refusal to use tobacco products.
• Eating solid foods.

The formation of abscesses affects people of all age categories, so it is imperative to instill in the child basic oral care skills. Neglect of hygiene procedures and adults, especially if they have dentures or braces, is unacceptable.