The presence of pus in the gums is usually characterized by pain when the gums are pressed. This condition can be caused by various things and requires medical treatment to overcome it. In addition, proper treatment is also important to prevent complications that can occur.
Pus is a thick fluid that contains dead tissue, cells, and bacteria. This yellowish-white or yellow-brown liquid usually has a foul smell. Pus appears as a natural reaction of the body when experiencing inflammation due to infection.
Pus on the gums is closely related to a condition called a tooth abscess. This condition does not go away on its own and if not treated properly, the pus can burst and spread to other parts of the mouth and cause serious complications.
Causes of Pus on the Gums
The appearance of pus in the gums can be caused by various things. The following are some of the causes:
1. Tooth abscess
Tooth abscess is usually caused by a bacterial infection, either due to poor oral hygiene or lack of dental care. This condition can cause pain and throbbing in the infected tooth.
This bacterial infection can spread to the area around the gums and cause the formation of pus in the gums.
2. Infection of the roots of teeth and bones
In addition to a tooth abscess, the appearance of pus on the gums can also be caused by inflammation of the roots and bones of the tooth due to a bacterial infection. If left untreated, not only pus can appear, but also cause the tooth to fall out or fall out.
3. Periodontal abscess
Infection or inflammation of the tissue around the teeth that causes gum disease can also be the cause of the appearance of pus on the gums. Gum disease can lead to the formation of pockets filled with bacteria and develop into a gum abscess or periodontal abscess.
Periodontal abscesses can also develop as a complication of injury to the gums or the tissues surrounding the teeth that cause sores. These sores on the gums are prone to infection due to food or dirt stuck in the gums, making it easier for germs to breed.
People with weakened immune systems, diabetics, or cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment, are more prone to developing tooth abscesses and the appearance of pus in the gums.
How to get rid of pus on the gums
If the pain in the gums is unbearable, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol. However, some people need pain relievers that are stronger and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Pus on the gums can also be treated by a dentist by piercing the abscess or making a small hole in the tooth so that the pus can drain out. Wounds caused by pus that have dried up can relieve the pain you are experiencing.
In addition to eliminating and treating the infection, the dentist can also prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics work to kill bacteria and drain the abscess if the abscess cannot be drained completely. Antibiotics can also be prescribed by a doctor if there has been swelling of the face.
In addition to taking pain relievers and undergoing the above treatment, you can also relieve symptoms by doing the following tips:
- Avoid consuming hot or cold food and drinks
- Consume soft-textured food and chew food using the side of the mouth that is not infected
- Use a soft toothbrush and avoid doing dental floss in the area of the teeth and gums that are infected or have pus
However, if the abscess bursts before you have time to go to the dentist, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately to clean your mouth and push the pus out completely.
Risk Complications That Can Happen
Pus on the gums that are not treated properly can lead to several complications, such as the formation of a channel at the site of infection that can drain pus continuously.
In addition, pus on the gums that are not handled properly can also trigger sinusitis, dental cysts, and infection of the bone near the infected gums.
It is important to immediately see a dentist if there is pus on the gums or if you find an abscess around the mouth. In addition to treating, the examination also aims to prevent complications.
Tips for Preventing Pus on the Gums
Pus on the gums can be avoided by maintaining good oral hygiene. Well, there are some tips that you can do, namely:
- Get in the habit of brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day on a regular basis.
- Also clean the gap between the teeth using dental floss or dental floss.
- Limit consumption of drinks or foods that contain high sugar.
- Stop smoking.
You are also advised to regularly clean your teeth to the dentist every 6 months. Not only cleaning, dental examination is also important to prevent and detect early on the possibility of other problems with the teeth and mouth.
If you experience health problems with your gums and teeth or the pus on your gums doesn't heal after a few days, you should immediately consult a doctor so that an appropriate examination and treatment can be carried out according to your complaint.