What should I do with my gum boil?

[Lisa K]

Hiya

I have a great big gum boil thats come up next to my tooth on the side of my gum over the last week and I have noticed that over the last few days it has become even bigger and looking like its going to burst at some point.

I would like to know if you feel that I should burst the gum boil or let it burst by itself? I am worried that if I burst it I might damage my gum in some way and would like some advice as to what I should do with this problem.

Also would I need to take any antibiotics. I can see my own GP for that but I need to know what type of antibiotic will best deal with gum boils. Please advise.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Lisa,

Thank you for your post.

A gum boil is an acute infection and is regarded as a dental emergency. I suggest you see a dentist for assessment of the gum boil. A gum boil if untreated can cause irreversible damage to the underlying bone and also the gum area around it.

The cause of the gum infection will be determined by the dentist and antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. Following completion of the course of antibiotics, definitive treatment is needed to prevent recurrence of the gum infection.
Referral to the periodontist who is a gum specialist will be made if the problem is moderate to severe.

Gum infections are treated with metronidazole and amoxicillin antibiotics. If you are allergic to penicillin, erythromycin can be taken.