An abscess is a concerning occurrence in the human body. It can be uncomfortable or even excruciating. If you have a gum abscess, you may be wondering if it’s possible to treat it at home. In this post, we’ll explore whether gum abscess home treatment is possible. We’ll also look into why an abscess can develop, the possible complications, and what you can do about it.
This Is What Causes A Gum Abscess
Generally, a gum abscess occurs when bacteria can penetrate the space between the teeth and the surrounding gums. Your mouth is home to countless bacteria that feed on minuscule food particles lodged in your teeth.
But these bacteria are just as content settling into any crevice available, taking up unwanted residence and causing infection. This space is more readily available if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene or gum deterioration has allowed a periodontal pocket to form. A periodontal pocket is a region around the teeth where the gums have receded, allowing food and plaque to accumulate and bacteria to thrive.
After the bacteria settle in, your body’s immune response fights the perceived threat, and pus accumulates at the infection site.
Is Gum Abscess Home Treatment Possible?
The accumulation of pus inside the abscess can cause terrible pain in the area and make it challenging to eat regular foods without pain or sensitivity. Since your body’s immune system responds to the infection, you may also experience fatigue, fever, or chills.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to safely perform a gum abscess home treatment. You must see a dentist as soon as possible, as the pus needs to be drained, the area cleaned and prepared for healing, and the oral cavity preventatively cleaned. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to suppress and prevent the spread of the infection. They may also prescribe pain medication.
If necessary, your dentist can perform x-rays to determine how far the infection has spread and may opt to perform a root canal for a damaged tooth.
And gum abscesses cannot heal on their own. Left untreated, the infection inside a gum abscess can spread much deeper into the gums, affecting the teeth or even other parts of your face. Any pain you’re experiencing may become more severe. It is also possible for the infection to cause sepsis, turning into a life-threatening medical emergency.
The Bottom Line: See A Dentist As Soon As You Can
Ultimately, there is no safe way of treating a gum abscess at home. Due to its seriousness and potential for complications, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist can drain the abscess and remove the infection, allowing you to recover quickly. They can then perform deep cleaning procedures to remove built-up plaque and tartar and prepare you with the medication and knowledge you need to prevent future complications.
At Vintage Oral Surgery, we offer excellent surgical care using state-of-the-art procedures. Our dental team is equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to your oral surgery needs. So, to request an appointment, give us a call at (281) 800-8852, and we’ll be happy to see you.