Have you ever experienced a condition of swollen gums, even to the point of forming like eye ulcers? This condition is known as a gum boil or abscess.
Gum boils are lumps that result from channeling pus from a tooth infection or inflammation of the gums.
This situation can occur in a variety of dental conditions, for example in teeth that have deep cavities or porous teeth that are left by the roots of the teeth. In addition, it can also occur in teeth affected by impact trauma.
In some cases, the symptoms of a gum boil can burst and ooze pus and sometimes cause pain.
Swollen and festering gums, beware of gum boils
The occurrence of gum boil begins with cavities. The cavity of the tooth that has reached the nerve, makes the root canal open so that it will provide an entrance for bacteria to accumulate at the tip of the tooth root.
The buildup of these bacteria will result in inflammation or abscess at the tip of the root. Abscesses that are left without treatment can enlarge, and over time will find a way out so as to create a channel towards the gums.
After the abscess reaches the gums, new inflammation occurs in the gums. This will then trigger the appearance of swelling filled with pus and the formation of the gum boil.
If the symptoms of a gum boil are not treated promptly, it can spread and result in tooth loss. In fact, it can be life-threatening if the bacteria enter the large blood circulation.
Signs of swollen and festering gums due to gum boil
The signs and symptoms of a gum boil are as follows:
- The appearance of pain, swelling and tender lumps in the mouth
- Bleeding due to a broken gum boil
- Bad breath due to bleeding or poor mouth cleaning
- Nauseous
- Fever
- Ear pain
Because this gum boil is classified as a fairly severe infection, the patient is advised to immediately go to the dentist to prevent the spread of infection to the oral cavity area or to other body parts.
The type of treatment that the dentist will provide can be in the form of drainage or a way out so that the pus in the abscess can come out.
After confirming that the pus is clear, treatment will be continued with the administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve and eliminate inflammation.
The next treatment depends on the case experienced by the patient. If the condition is still possible, the patient will receive root canal treatment.
If the gum infection is severe enough to cause damage to the surrounding bone, then surgery may be needed to remove and clean the damaged area. Or, perform tooth extraction to avoid further problems.
In addition, do not forget to eliminate the causative factor. If it is caused by dentures that are too fixed, it needs to be repaired.
Then if it turns out that gum boils are caused by periodontitis due to diabetes, it is necessary to be given an understanding of the relationship between these diseases.