If your child has an abscess and you are looking for tips on how to drain a gum abscess at home, unfortunately, the short answer is do not. Without the medical knowledge and the right tools, you could do more damage than good; however, there are some things you can do to treat a gum abscess without a dentist until you can get an appointment. Read on for some natural remedies for a gum abscess and tips on soothing gum abscess pain.
Table of Contents
Gum Abscess Causes and Symptoms
A gum abscess is a condition in which a pocket of pus forms around a tooth. A bacterial infection usually causes it, but it may also occur due to a tooth injury, bruxism, damaged fillings, or other dental work.
Symptoms of a gum abscess include:
- Redness
- Gum and jaw swelling
- Pain
- A bad taste in the mouth
- A fever
Practicing good dental hygiene and minimizing the likelihood of tooth and mouth injuries is an effective way of preventing infection in the form of a gum abscess.
Gum Abscess Treatments
Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics for gum abscess treatment. They may also need to clear the infection manually. Some options may include the following:
- Professionally draining the abscess.
- Scaling and root planning.
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction.
When to See a Dentist for a Gum Abscess
The complications of an untreated gum abscess can be severe, so you should always consult with a dental professional if your child has one. The more severe the abscess infection, the more intensive the treatment will need to be. Contact your dentist as early as possible to prevent root canal or tooth extraction. Your pediatric dentist will ensure your child gets the best treatment for their needs.
Why You Shouldn’t Drain a Gum Abscess Yourself
Tampering with a tooth abscess can make it worse and create a problem. The primary dangers of home draining a tooth abscess include:
- Damage to tissues
- Infection spread to the nasal cavity or jawbone
- Secondary infection to other healthy tissues
- Sepsis
- Delaying expert treatment
If you have been researching things like “Should you drain a gum abscess?” “How to pop a gum abscess?” or “Safe ways to drain a dental abscess,” it’s best to put Dr. Google away and contact your family dentist.
Home Remedies for a Gum Abscess
While it is not advised to drain a gum abscess at home, several home remedies can soothe it until you can get your child in to see a healthcare professional. Try a few of the following:
- Applying a cold compress is the best way to reduce gum abscess swelling. The cold may also help to numb the pain.
- You can use a saltwater rinse to help a gum abscess infection.
- Give your child over-the-counter treatments for gum abscess pain relief at home.
- Herbal teas and diluted essential oils applied to the area with a swab can also help.
You may be concerned about causing discomfort if you help your child clean their teeth while they have an abscess, but it’s essential to do so. To clean an abscessed gum, do what you usually do—brushing and flossing—but be very gentle, especially around the affected tooth.
Get Professional Pediatric Gum Abscess Treatment Today
Now that you know the risks of draining a gum abscess at home, you know to keep your child comfortable until you can get a dental appointment. Get in contact with our team for gum abscess support.
