Abscess on Gums Home Treatment – 9 Top Best Tips

A gum abscess forms from a pocket under the gumline or between teeth, sharing symptoms and treatments with dental abscesses. While natural remedies can help relieve symptoms, prompt treatment by a dentist is essential to prevent complications.

An abscess of the gums is a little different from the classic dental abscess because it arises from a pocket located under the gumline or in the space between the teeth.

But the symptoms and treatment remain the same as for a dental abscess.

Some natural remedies can help relieve symptoms, but be aware that appropriate treatment should be undertaken by a dentist as soon as possible.

Are you suffering from a tooth abscess at the moment?

In this post, you will find everything you need to know to manage the condition and the steps you will need to take to treat it.

You will be able to guess the potential cause of the abscess based on its location, the care you need to consider as well as the home remedies you can apply to relieve your pain and discomfort.

How does a dental abscess form?

We don’t realize it, but the very fact of having a pimple is already having an abscess.

It forms when normal tissue is damaged and the wound is attacked by bacteria.

Of course, the oral flora is present but does not cause any infection, it is rather protective.

But all it takes is a simple cut for bacteria to seep in and start growing.

The immediate immune response causes the production of pus which is a mixture of bacteria, immune cells, and necrotic tissue.

But even though this purulent fluid contains mostly destroyed material, some bacteria are still present, which can spread the abscess.

Different kinds of abscesses in the mouth

• Periapical Abscess

This abscess is located in the dental apex or apical foramen of the tooth.

Bacteria find an entrance through the dental pulp, most often in the presence of a cavity or following a traumatic accident.

The inflammation spreads rapidly and causes necrosis of the entire pulp of the tooth.

Without proper treatment such as root canal treatment, the abscess manages to infect the apical foramen, causing apical periodontitis, inflammation of the tissues that hold the tooth.

The infection develops into a purulent abscess which may also affect the adjacent bone or teeth.

Sometimes this type of abscess is sneaky, developing little, but bacteria remain active in its cavity.

This is called chronic inflammation.

• Periodontal abscess

This form of abscess involves both the gingiva and the periodontium structure.

As a rule, it forms in a place already affected by a periodontal pocket caused by a proliferation of dental plaque or following dental intervention.

Bacteria lodge in the periodontal pocket and proliferate until the abscess forms.

• Gingival Abscess

In this case, the abscess only affects the gum tissue near the bone, sparing the periodontal structure.

Most of the time it is caused by dental plaque, food stuffing, or a foreign body stuck in the gum.

• Pericoronal Abscess

Very specific, this abscess occurs when a tooth has not completely erupted and is still partially covered by the gum.

It develops when food debris or a foreign object gets stuck between the gum line and the exposed tooth portion.

What’s in an abscess?

An abscess is essentially made up of a mixture of bacteria.

Most are anaerobic bacteria already present in the oral flora that use oxygen to survive.

Others are from the obligate anaerobic group, which means bacteria thrive only when oxygen is absent.

What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

The abscess is mainly manifested by localized pain and swelling of the affected area associated with a deterioration in the general condition causing fever and feeling of discomfort.

A dental abscess can lead to the loosening of the affected tooth or the formation of a fistula that allows it to be drained.

It can form inside the mouth as well as on the cheeks.

Near a sinus, it can also trigger sinus infection, erode the palate, and cause pain in the neck.

Abscess Diagnosis

An abscess is usually assessed by the presence of a more flexible and fluctuating area.

It can also be located through medical imaging (x-ray) or CT-scan to estimate its size.

How to cure a dental abscess?

All infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but for them to be effective they must reach the bloodstream.

Because an abscess is a hollow cavity that contains no blood vessels, an antibiotic for dental infection cannot really treat it.

For this reason, the best treatment for abscess remains incision and drainage.

Once opened and emptied, it should be regularly rinsed with saline solution.

A dental pain reliever may also be prescribed.

In the case of a periapical abscess, devitalization of the tooth or its extraction should be considered because it is impossible to reach it to perform its drainage.

Antibiotics are sometimes used after drainage to ensure that the infection is permanently eradicated.

Gum abscess home treatment

It is possible to relieve the pain of an abscess somewhat at home, although it is still more reasonable to seek medical assistance.

In an emergency, you can try to pierce it with a sterilized needle to relieve the pressure and thus the pain.

But remember that even if you manage to drain it, you don’t know the cause and should consider a consultation to determine its origin to avoid any recurrence.

Cold compresses 3 to 4 times a day are important to reduce swelling and you should avoid any source of heat which can further increase the pain felt.

Home remedies for gum infection

• Salt Water Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an effective and easy way to relieve an abscess.

Just pour half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water to get an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Be sure to keep the solution in your mouth for at least 2 minutes before spitting it out.

Do this 3 times a day.

• Baking Soda Mouthwash

Like salt water, baking soda is antibacterial and is great for relieving abscess pain while treating plaque.

Make a homemade mouthwash by mixing 1 pinch of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water.

Keep the solution in your mouth for 5 minutes then spit it out.

Do this twice a day.

• Coconut Oil Pulling

Pulling with vegetable oil is an ancestral method for ensuring perfect oral hygiene and treating certain oral conditions.

The oil is believed to help destroy toxins from the gums and teeth although few studies have been conducted on this subject.

However, research seems to show that it has interesting antibacterial properties and is effective in the treatment of bleeding gums and bad breath.

Recommended oils for this mouthwash are coconut oil and sesame oil.

Pour the equivalent of a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil (#ad) and wash your mouth thoroughly, swirling the oil around your teeth and gums.

For maximum effectiveness, you should hold it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out.

• Hydrogen peroxide 3 per cent
  

Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for fighting any bacterial infection.

It is also very effective in fighting bleeding gums and reducing dental plaque.

Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, gargle, and spit out the mixture, being careful not to swallow anything.

You can use this solution multiple times a day at your convenience.

• The power of garlic

Garlic has long been a natural remedy used for its many therapeutic properties.

Here it is an excellent antimicrobial while giving you the benefit of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Make a paste by crushing fresh garlic and laying it on the affected area.

You can repeat this procedure throughout the day at your convenience.

Essential oils to treat gum abscess

• Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano oil (#ad) has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help reduce the swelling and pain of an abscess.

However, it should always be diluted in vegetable oil before use as it is very corrosive.

Pour about ten drops into 1 ounce of oil of your choice and stir the mixture.

After laying it on a cotton pad, apply it to the affected area for 2-3 minutes.

Remove the cotton and wait about ten minutes before rinsing your mouth.

Do this two to three times a day.

• Thyme essential oil

Thyme has the power to destroy parasites, fight bacteria, and fight swelling.

Thyme essential oil (#ad) must nevertheless be diluted in vegetable oil.

After depositing about ten drops in 1 ounce of vegetable oil, you can apply it to the inflamed area or pour a few drops of the mixture into a glass of water to make a mouthwash.

Do this 2-3 times a day.

• Clove essential oil

Clove is the best natural remedy for dental pain.

It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Here too, it is important to dilute the Clove essential oil (#ad) before using it by adding 5-10 drops in 1 ounce of vegetable oil.

Then you can use it in two different ways:

– apply it directly to the infected area using a cotton ball or a cotton swab

– make a mouthwash by pouring a few drops of oil into a glass of water

Do this 3 times a day.

How do you get rid of an abscess?

A dental abscess is not a trivial condition.

It is necessary to deal with it quickly so that it does not spread to other areas.

To treat it in the safest conditions, remember to consult your doctor quickly and consider an appointment with your dentist.

It is wise to use home remedies while waiting for medical attention or as a complementary treatment.

A dental abscess reveals a sometimes deep infection of one or more teeth that requires the diagnosis and intervention of a specialist.

Read also:

How to relieve a toothache naturally?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

The healing of a gum abscess is linked to its treatment.
Once incised and emptied, a few days will be enough for a return to normal.
Untreated, the abscess can continue and especially spread to other areas.

How to cure gingival abscess?

Applying a thin slice of fresh lemon directly to the abscess greatly helps ripen it.
You can also use magnesium chloride diluted in water as a compress applied to the affected area.
Note that a hot compress also helps to ripen an abscess but may increase dental pain.

How to pop an abscess with a needle?

It is difficult to drill a dental abscess because its walls must be broken to release the pus.
If ripe, a simple sterilized needle will suffice for drainage.
If it’s not matured yet, it’s best not to touch it.