Dental abscesses can be really painful, especially if they develop out of the blue. Plus, seeing a lump growing on the inside of your mouth is nothing short of scary. However, beneath the glaring red layer of tissues, all that lies is a ball of pus. That, too, with a thin gum lining to cover it. That is why a gum abscess that gets popped by itself is not a big deal. In fact, it can considerably lower the pain.
But just because there’s no more pain doesn’t mean you’ve dodged a bullet. It is best to visit a dentist for further evaluation to avoid risking your oral health.
If you want to know more about dental abscesses and what steps to take when it bursts, keep on reading this blog.
What Is A Dental Abscess?
A dental or tooth abscess is an oral infection that involves a pus pocket and tender gums. Typically, the abscess grows on your gums. But it’s where exactly it pops up that really matters. For instance, if an abscess grows at the bottom of your teeth, it is known as a periapical abscess. However, if it develops on the bottom of your gum, it is known as a periodontal abscess. Depending on the symptoms and placement, your dentist will help diagnose the sore bump.
It is important to keep in mind that a dental abscess mainly forms due to poor oral health. This is why brushing your teeth and flossing should be a major part of your daily oral routine.
Reasons Why A Gum Abscess Pops
The thing with gum abscesses is that due to the thin layer of tissue covering it, there is a good chance it might burst. Although there is no legitimate reason why this happens, mentioned below are a few activities that might disrupt the abscess and accidentally cause it to rupture.
- Aggressively brushing your teeth.
- Poking around the mouth with a toothpick.
- Accidentally scratching the area.
- Biting down on in the wrong manner.
What To Do If A Gum Abscess Popped By Itself?
If your gum abscess popped by itself, there’s nothing to worry about. Rather than panicking, try following the simple steps below before heading over to your dentist for proper treatment:
- Use a saltwater solution to rinse out your mouth. This helps to sterilize your mouth and gets rid of the bacteria surrounding the abscess. Just mix together a tablespoon of salt into a cup of water, and you’re good to go.
- Sanitize your hands by washing them. Before you touch your mouth, it is crucial to clean your hands. Do this by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
- Drain the abscess by using your index finger to nudge the bump. Even if the abscess has popped, draining it is important, or the bacteria might spread to other parts of your mouth. Keep rubbing your finger back and forth to empty out the abscess. However, you should only do this if there is no pain involved.
- Rinse your mouth one more time. Once the abscess is completely drained, swish around some mouthwash or a disinfectant rinse to clean out your mouth.
- Spit it out. Do not swallow the rinse, and avoid touching the affected area.
Closing Word
A gum abscess that has popped by itself can result in treatment options like tooth extraction, root canal, and gum disease control. Nevertheless, for more information, contact SIMA Dental at (281) 457-6444. You can also visit our dental office at 14815 Woodforest Blvd, TX 77530, located beside Subway.