Gum boil: causes, symptoms and what to do

What is a gum boil?

A gum boil, sometimes called a pimple on the gum, is a bump on the gum that is usually linked to infection. Cleveland Clinic says a tooth abscess usually looks like a red, swollen bump, boil or pimple, and lists an open, draining sore on the side of the gums among the symptoms. The NHS describes a dental abscess as a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by infection. Not every gum bump is an abscess, but a painful or draining one should be treated as one until a dentist says otherwise.

What causes a gum boil?

Cleveland Clinic says bacteria enter the tooth or surrounding tissue through openings such as severe cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, gum disease or a tooth injury. Risk factors include smoking, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene and a weakened immune system. It also describes a gum infection that develops in the gums themselves and does not usually affect the tooth. So the bump may come from the tooth root or from the gum, and a dentist works out which with an examination and usually an X-ray.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS lists intense toothache or gum pain, redness inside or outside the mouth, sensitivity to hot or cold, a bad taste, trouble opening your mouth or chewing, a swollen face or jaw, swollen glands in the neck and a high temperature. Cleveland Clinic says pain may stop when the tooth's pulp dies, but the infection continues to spread, so a bump that no longer hurts is not proof it is gone.

Will a gum boil go away on its own?

No. Cleveland Clinic says a tooth abscess will not go away on its own and needs dental treatment, and the NHS says the same of a dental abscess. A bump can seem to settle if it drains, but the source of infection remains. Our guide on whether a gum abscess can kill you covers why a drained abscess still needs care.

Should you pop a gum boil?

Neither source recommends it. Cleveland Clinic does not address popping and says drainage is done by a dentist. Our guide on popping a gum abscess explains the risks in more detail, and that squeezing can push infection deeper is general reasoning and flagged. Leave it alone and get it seen.

How is a gum boil treated?

Cleveland Clinic lists incision and drainage, in which a dentist makes a small cut to drain the pus and may place a small rubber drain, a root canal to remove infected pulp and save the tooth, extraction if the tooth is beyond repair, and antibiotics for remaining bacteria, which it says do not remove the source. The NHS says a dentist drains the pus under local anesthetic, and you may need a root canal or tooth removal and may be given painkillers or antibiotics.

What can you do until you are seen?

The NHS says to ask your dentist for an urgent appointment, and if you cannot get one, to call its 111 service, and not to go to a GP surgery because they cannot give dental treatment. That advice is specific to the UK. It also says to eat soft foods, use a soft toothbrush and avoid very hot or cold food and drink, and that ibuprofen or paracetamol can ease pain, following the packet directions. Our page gives no doses.

When is it an emergency?

Cleveland Clinic says to seek emergency care if the infection comes with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, confusion, difficulty swallowing, an elevated heart rate or facial swelling. The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E for trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, a swollen or painful eye or sudden vision changes, a lot of mouth swelling or difficulty opening your mouth, and not to drive yourself.

Is every gum bump a boil?

No. Other lumps, such as sores, fluid-filled bumps from a blocked salivary gland, or firm painless lumps, exist, but the medical sources we read do not describe them. Dental practice pages do, and we have not cited them. Our guide on why there is a bump on your gums says what we can and cannot source. A painless bump that does not go after about two weeks, or keeps growing, is a reason to see a dentist, which is general advice and flagged.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is this bump an abscess, and which tooth is it from?
• Do I need an X-ray?
• Can the tooth be saved with a root canal?
• Do I need antibiotics, and for how long?
• What should I watch for after treatment?

Frequently asked questions