Gum Boils – How Do You Get Them And What Can You Do?

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

A gum boil is an abscess on the gums, often caused by an infection that reaches the root of the tooth. The bacteria and infection build up and push out against the gums in a way that cause a lump on the side of the gums which is often painful. Without treatment it can begin to leak into the mouth or the infection can spread into the blood stream and cause illness throughout the body.

Infection can cause gum boils

There are a few things that can cause a gum boil. They include an infection in the root of a tooth, plaque build-up around the tooth causing inflammation and swelling in the gums, and small particles of food that get between the gums and the teeth causing irritation and puss or fluid that builds up around it.

Many of these will require treatment from a dentist including antibiotics, draining of the boil, or even a root canal or extraction of a damaged tooth.

Gum boil signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a gum boil include not only the abscess itself but also bad breath, pain at the site as well as sensitivity in the entire mouth. There may be increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as pain in the area when it is touched by food or by regular brushing or other activities.

These may also present themselves with pain in the jaw area or ear pain, nausea, some possible bleeding, or the skin may break allowing puss to seep into the mouth. There may also be a fever present due to the body fighting the infection.

In any of these instances it is important to seek dental care for the concern to solve it before it becomes worse or the infection spreads.

Rinse to heal gum boils

While waiting for dental care it may be recommended to gargle or rinse the mouth with warm salt water. The salt helps remove the infection build-up from the area and decreases the likelihood of it spreading into the blood, but for a build-up of infection antibiotics will be required.

Some may choose to rinse the mouth with hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptic, such as clove oil, to help reduce the infection and kill the bacteria causing it. As with many infections and dental concerns the easiest solution is to avoid it in the first place.

This is done with careful dental hygiene including regular brushing and flossing, and dental visits when problems occur and for deep cleaning as needed.

A gum boil is a lump on the side of the gums that is formed when an infection of some kind occurs or bacteria multiplies and forms a bump in one spot as the infection gathers. These can come with a fever, pain, swelling, nausea, sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, and other signs of infection.

Treatment can begin with a warm salt water rinse but will often require antibiotics or even draining by the dentist.

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Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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