A gum abscess popping is painful, but does it kill you? This scenario is no joke because the situation may turn fatal at any minute. An abscess looks like a pimple on the gums filled with pus due to a tooth infection. Let’s delve deeper and learn why this happens and what to do when the gum abscess pops, at home and at the dentist.
Causes of Dental Abscess and Ways It Can Burst
Your gum abscess is susceptible to bursting on even the slightest touch since it is just a ball of pus under thin, stretched-out gum tissues.
If you can spot a raised bubble or a sort of unnatural pocket in or around your tooth, it can be an abscess. When you eat too much sugar and do not clean your teeth, the bacteria feed on it and form an acid that erodes the enamel leading to cavities.
Cavities and poor oral hygiene pave the pathway to dental abscesses. Other than that, injuries to your gum tissues via anything as simple as scratching the gum line can lead to an infection and an abscess.
Also, brushing can pop open the surface layer because the bristle rubs against the abscess-filled pimple on the gums.
What To Do If Your Gum Abscess Bursts Suddenly?
You may sometimes not get the dental appointment at that exact moment of your gum abscess pop; therefore, knowing how to deal with the situation on your own is necessary. Here’s what you can do to make the situation better.
- Salt Water Swirl – a saltwater solution is an antimicrobial agent that prevents your infection from spreading further. It may not be a permanent solution; however, it can temporarily slow down the progression of the infection.
- Hydrogen Peroxide in Water DIY Mouthwash – Do not ingest hydrogen peroxide because it may turn the situation fatal. However, diluting it in half a cup of water and then rinsing your mouth slows down bacterial growth, just like salt. Swish, swirl, and SPIT!
- Cold Pack – Putting ice externally temporarily relieves significant discomfort.
Dental Treatments For Gum Abscess
A dental abscess usually originates from your tooth. Therefore, If you do not take care of your oral hygiene regime, decay results in an infection. No need to panic; your dentist can often save your tooth by treating the infected pulp and sealing the root canal.
However, under some circumstances, your tooth may be beyond saving and need to be plucked out to prevent further problems. But do not let it get to that point! Your dentist might offer the following treatments:
- Root Canal: If your tooth is salvageable, root canal treatment is the way to go. Your endodontist will start off by draining the pus on your gum first. Once done, they extract the infected pulp.
- Tooth Extraction: If your tooth abscess is quite big and has burst out, tooth extraction after draining the abscess is the best option.
Closing Note
Get in touch with the skilled professional team from Pearlshine Dental for your oral health care needs. We offer a wide range of services; dial (281) 477-7200 for more information right away.