If you have a gum abscess, it’s important to drain it as soon as possible, so the infection doesn’t spread. You can do this at home, using either a needle, syringe, or toothbrush. Follow the steps outlined in this blog post, and you’ll be on your way to recovery in no time!
What causes an abscess on your gums?
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when bacteria gets trapped in your gums. The bacteria can come from plaque, food, or other sources. Once the bacteria are trapped, they multiply and cause an infection. The infection causes the tissue around the abscess to die and the abscess itself to fill with pus. The infection can spread to other body parts if the abscess isn’t drained.
How do you know if you have a gum abscess?
The most common symptom of a gum abscess is pain.
You might also notice swelling in your gums, redness, or bleeding. If the infection has spread to other parts of your body, you might experience fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
How to drain a gum abscess at home safely
If you have a gum abscess, it’s important to drain it as soon as possible, so the infection doesn’t spread. You can do this at home, using either a needle, syringe, or toothbrush.
1. With a needle
- If you’re using a needle and syringe, sterilize it by boiling it for five minutes or soaking it in alcohol for five minutes.
- Then, use a mirror to locate the abscess.
- Clean the area around the abscess with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
- Pierce the abscess with the needle and gently squeeze out the pus.
2. With a toothbrush
- If you’re using a toothbrush, sterilize it by boiling it for five minutes or soaking it in alcohol for five minutes.
- Gently brush the toothbrush’s bristles around the abscess until the pus begins to flow out. Dispose of the toothbrush and needle after use.
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any pain or swelling after draining the abscess.
How to treat gum abscess at home after draining it
1. Saline rinse
Once the pus has been drained, rinse your mouth with a saline solution. This will help kill any bacteria left in your mouth and speed up the healing process.
2. Ice packs
If you experience any pain or swelling after draining the abscess, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 minutes.
3. Antibiotics
If the infection isn’t clearing up, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. Take them as directed and finish the entire course of treatment.
4. Pain medication
Over-the-counter pain medication can help to ease any discomfort you’re experiencing. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your mouth and promote healing. You can find them in supplement form or yogurt and other fermented foods.
6. Use garlic on the affected spot
Garlic has natural antibiotic properties that can help to fight the infection. Just place a clove of garlic on the affected spot for 30 minutes at a time.
7. Baking soda rinse
Baking soda can help to neutralize the acids in your mouth and promote healing. Just mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help to fight infection. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area.
9. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to boost your immune system and promote healing. You can find it in supplement form or foods like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli.
10. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Hydrogen peroxide can help to kill bacteria and promote healing. Mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds.
Following these home treatment methods, your gum abscess should improve within a week. However, if it doesn’t, or if you experience any severe symptoms, be sure to see your dentist immediately.
How do you know when an abscess is healing?
Generally, you will know an abscess is healing when the pain begins to subside, and the lump starts to go down. However, if the abscess doesn’t improve within a week or your symptoms worsen, be sure to see your dentist immediately.
What happens if an abscess pops in your mouth?
If an abscess pops in your mouth, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. The infection can spread quickly and cause severe complications if not treated.
Your dentist will likely drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics. Sometimes, they may also recommend surgery to remove the infected tissue.
Abscesses are usually caused by bacteria that enter your body through a cut or break in your skin. Once the bacteria are inside, they can multiply quickly and cause an infection. If the infection isn’t treated, it can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious complications.
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Pus
- Fever
- Chills
- Trouble swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away. They will likely drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, they may also recommend surgery to remove the infected tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drain my gum abscess?
You can drain your gum abscess home using a needle, syringe, or toothbrush. Just be sure to sterilize the instruments beforehand and clean the area around the abscess with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
How long does it take for a gum abscess to heal?
If you follow home treatment methods, your gum abscess should improve within a week. However, if it doesn’t, or if you experience any severe symptoms, be sure to see your dentist right away.
How do you drain a tooth abscess yourself?
You can drain a tooth abscess yourself by piercing the abscess with a needle and gently squeezing out the pus. You can also use a toothbrush to brush the bristles around the abscess until the pus begins to flow out. Just be sure to sterilize the instruments beforehand and clean the area around the abscess with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
How do you draw out a gum abscess?
You can draw out a gum abscess by placing a warm, wet compress on the affected area for 10-15 minutes. This will help to soften the pus and make it easier to drain.
Will the er drain an abscessed tooth?
The ER will drain an abscessed tooth if it’s causing severe pain or swelling. They will likely give you local anesthesia to numb the area and then make a minor incision to drain the pus. In some cases, they may also prescribe antibiotics.
How do I know if my tooth abscess is spreading?
If your tooth abscess spreads, you may experience fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. You may also notice that the pain gets worse or that the abscess becomes larger. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away. They will likely drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics. Sometimes, they may also recommend surgery to remove the infected tissue.
