Dental Abscess on the Gum: What It Is, Causes and Symptoms

The gum is swollen, the cheek has gotten bigger, and it hurts so much that talking is out of the question. Your first thoughts: what is this, is it a dental abscess, how will it end. We break it down step by step, without scare tactics — but also without fairy tales that it will go away on its own.

Dental abscess: what it is

Dental abscess is a colloquial term commonly used to describe a swollen gum and cheek. It has a medical name: periostitis, inflammation of the periosteum of the jaw. The mechanism is the same as with a dental abscess: accumulation of pus in the tooth or gum due to a bacterial infection.

A dental abscess does not resolve on its own. An abscess does not go away without treatment; the infection remains active and continues to spread. Sometimes a fistula tract appears through which pus drains out. The inflammatory process subsides, but the likelihood of a chronic form increases.

What causes a dental abscess: causes

A dental abscess can develop with caries: bacteria enter the pulp through a hole in the enamel, the infection travels from the root into the bone that holds the tooth. Then comes pus and swelling.

Other causes: gum inflammation, a tooth that erupted incorrectly, trauma to the tooth, gum or mouth — a chip, crack, or blow. Less commonly, periostitis occurs after open jaw fractures and soft tissue wounds, and infection can also arrive via blood or lymph from another inflammatory focus. A separate group is people undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Timely treatment of caries reduces the risk of abscess, and a chipped or cracked tooth should be shown to a dentist immediately.

Symptoms of a dental abscess on the gum and cheek

The main symptom is severe continuous pain. It does not subside; it is described as aching, sharp, shooting, or throbbing. Biting down is painful, chewing is difficult.

• the gum above the affected tooth is red and swollen, sometimes with a bump resembling a pimple;
• swelling spreads to the cheek or jaw: with upper teeth — under the eye, with lower teeth — under the jaw;
• increased sensitivity to hot and cold in this area;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth and bad breath, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
• temperature around 38 °C, malaise, pain radiating to the ear, eye, or temple.

Why a dental abscess is dangerous and what complications can occur

A dental abscess is dangerous not because of the size of the cheek, but because of where the infection spreads. Without treatment, possible outcomes include tooth loss, spread to soft tissues and the jawbone, and blood poisoning. Beyond that — brain abscess, heart inflammation, pneumonia. Swelling of the upper or lower jaw is a very serious sign, not a cosmetic nuisance. A fistula is also not good news: the process subsides, but the risk of a chronic form increases.

How a doctor makes the diagnosis and when urgent help is needed

The doctor examines the teeth, gums, and mucous membrane. They will tap on the tooth — with a dental abscess this is painful, and the pain intensifies when clenching the jaw and biting down. The gum may be swollen, red, with thick discharge. Next — X-rays and other examinations to determine which tooth caused the picture.

With a dental abscess, you go to the dentist, and quickly.

A dental abscess by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 — if it is difficult to breathe, speak, or swallow; if there is swelling or pain in the eye, or vision has sharply deteriorated; if the swelling in the mouth is very severe; if it is difficult to open the mouth.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: your situation is assessed by a dentist during an examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer