Can popping a gum abscess kill you?

Can popping a gum abscess kill you?

The sources we read do not say that popping one kills people, and none describes what happens if you try. What they do say is that the abscess is an infection that can spread. Healthline says if untreated the infection can extend deeper into the gums, affect nearby teeth and bone, and spread to other parts of the face and body, and in rare cases reach the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Cleveland Clinic says untreated infections can spread to the jawbone, face and neck and in rare cases to the heart or brain. Squeezing at an abscess can force bacteria deeper, which is general reasoning and not stated in these pages, so we flag it.

Should you pop a gum abscess?

No. Healthline does not endorse popping or draining at home. It describes draining as a dental procedure in which the dentist makes an incision, sometimes after applying numbing cream, and says there is no way to treat the abscess at home. Cleveland Clinic says a dentist treats abscesses by making a small cut to drain the pus, sometimes with a small rubber drain. The NHS says a dentist will drain the pus, usually under local anesthetic.

Can a gum abscess heal on its own?

No. Healthline says a gum abscess will not completely heal on its own, and that symptoms may ease somewhat over time without the infection being gone. Cleveland Clinic says the abscess will not clear up on its own and that pain can fade if the tooth's pulp dies, but the infection continues to damage tissue, so you should get care even if the pain stops. The NHS says a dental abscess needs prompt treatment from a dentist and will not clear up on its own.

What happens if a gum abscess bursts?

Healthline says even after an abscess ruptures and drains, you should still see a dentist to treat the infection. Cleveland Clinic lists an open, draining sore on the side of the gums as a symptom. A burst abscess may feel like relief because the pressure falls, but the cause is still there. Rinse gently with warm salt water, which both Healthline and Cleveland Clinic suggest, and book a dentist the same day.

How do dentists treat it?

Healthline lists draining the abscess and removing debris from the periodontal pocket, scaling and root planing, antibiotics especially if the abscess cannot be fully drained, pain medication if needed, and possibly tooth extraction, bone or gum regeneration or a root canal if the tooth's pulp is affected. The NHS says if a tooth is causing the problem you may need root canal treatment or the tooth may be removed, with painkillers for a few days and sometimes antibiotics.

What can you do until you see a dentist?

Healthline suggests rinsing with warm salt water or taking over-the-counter ibuprofen to ease pain and inflammation until you see a dentist. Cleveland Clinic lists warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen, brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and notes that no home remedy permanently fixes the problem.

When is it an emergency?

Healthline lists sepsis symptoms as a temperature above 101°F (38°C), difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and a high heart rate. Cleveland Clinic says to go to the emergency room with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, confusion, trouble swallowing, a fast heart rate or facial swelling. The NHS says to call emergency services or go to A&E for difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, a swollen or painful eye or sudden vision problems, significant swelling inside the mouth, or if you cannot open your mouth. The fever thresholds differ slightly, so treat any fever with a gum abscess as a reason to seek care.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is this a gum abscess or a tooth abscess?
• Does it need draining, and can it be done today?
• Do I need antibiotics, and which signs mean I need to return?
• Will I need scaling and root planing, a root canal or an extraction?
• What should I watch for tonight?

Frequently asked questions