17/10/2025
Dr. Jędrzej Gącienica-Ciułacz

Pus in the gum - causes and treatment

Pus in the gum, also known as a gum abscess, is a serious warning signal that must not be ignored. This is a clear information from the body that inflammation develops in the mouth. Symptoms are characteristic: stabbing pain, pronounced swelling and a throbbing sensation in the area of the tooth. Although it may sound surprising, an abscess is a defense mechanism of the body. It creates a barrier around the infection, trying to stop it before it spreads. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary safeguard — it does not remove the cause of the problem. Unfortunately, there is no need to count on the fact that the abscess will disappear by itself. Neglected can lead to serious complications such as bone infection, soft tissue damage, or sepsis — a life-threatening condition. What causes pus to appear in the gum? How to treat pus in the gum?

Where does pus in the gum come from?

There can be many reasons, they are often combined with each other. Among the most common are:

• mechanical injuries (e.g., blows, cuts),

• bacterial infections developing in the gum pockets,

• complications after root canal treatment, especially when inaccurately carried out.

Types of abscesses in the mouth differ in localization and require a different therapeutic approach:

Periapical abscess - at the apex of the tooth root, most often associated with pulp necrosis.

Subosseous abscess - under the periosteum, causes severe, diffuse pain

Submucosal abscess - just below the mucous membrane, visible as a distinct bulge in the mouth

The common denominator of all types of abscesses is bacteria. Most often, they appear where oral hygiene is insufficient. When plaque and tartar are not removed regularly, bacteria have ideal conditions for development. They penetrate deep into the tissues, provoking inflammation, which can develop into an abscess.

Pus in the gum in a child - what does it testify to?

Pus in the gum in a child is a clear signal that serious inflammation develops in the mouth, most often the result of advanced caries. This problem can affect both milk teeth and permanent ones.

Common symptoms that accompany pus in the gum in a child, even when it is not yet visible, are:

• Pulsating pain in the area of the tooth or gum,

• Redness and swelling of the gums,

• Unpleasant smell from the mouth,

• Visible bubble filled with pus.

If a purulent vesicle has already appeared on the gum, it means that the infection is spreading. Do not delay - immediate dental intervention is necessary before the inflammation covers the adjacent tissues.

It is worth remembering that pus in the gum is not only a health problem, but also a source of severe discomfort. The child may have difficulty sleeping, lose appetite, be irritable and weak, and feel pain when eating and talking.

Prevention is the best protection against pain, stress, and expensive treatment. By taking care of the health of the baby's oral cavity, you protect them from suffering and serious health complications. How to prevent such situations?

1. Regular check-ups at the dentist — preferably every 6 months,

2. Daily oral hygiene — thorough brushing of teeth in the morning and evening

3. Using dental floss — especially in hard-to-reach places

4. Use of rinses — if recommended by a dentist.

Pus in the gum near the tooth in an adult - what can it mean?

Have you noticed pus in the gum next to the tooth? This is an alarming signal that can indicate a serious inflammation - an abscess. The most common causes of pus in the gums are advanced periodontal inflammation — resulting from long-term neglect of oral hygiene, and untreated dental pulpitis — often derived from untreated caries. Such a bacterial infection develops when microbes enter the pulp of the tooth or periodontal tissues. The organism reacts defensively, creating a reservoir of oil. Symptoms are pronounced and difficult to ignore. Among the most common are:

• intense, throbbing pain that can radiate to the entire jaw,

• swelling of the gum in the area of the diseased tooth,

• unpleasant smell from the mouth, resulting from the presence of pus.

Such ailments can effectively make everyday functioning worse. Eating becomes painful, conversations tiring, and sleep is interrupted by pain. This is a signal that you can't delay any longer. What to do in such a situation? Immediate dental intervention is required. Depending on the severity of the infection, the dentist may suggest different methods of treatment:

• cleaning of root canals — in case of infection of the tooth pulp,

• incision of the abscess and removal of secretions — to reduce pressure and pain

• antibiotic therapy — when the inflammation covers a larger area or is accompanied by fever.

Downplaying the problem can lead to serious consequences. If left untreated, the abscess can spread to neighboring tissues and, in extreme cases, be life-threatening.

Pus in the gum at the eighth - is it necessary to remove the tooth?

Swollen gums in the occipital region and throbbing pain can be evidence of an abscess — a buildup of pus near the wisdom tooth. This is a serious inflammation that often occurs when the tooth does not have enough space to erupt properly. Eighths, or third molars, grow last — usually only in adulthood. Unfortunately, they often grow at the wrong angle or stop partially in the gum, which favors infections. Under such conditions, bacteria have an ideal environment for reproduction, which leads to inflammation and the formation of an abscess.

An abscess at eight is not only pain and discomfort - it is a real threat to health. Do not delay - an immediate visit to the dentist is necessary. Treatment usually proceeds according to the following scheme:

• Step 1: Incision of the gum and removal of pus — the first step to relieve inflammation.

• Step 2: Assessment of tooth position — the dentist checks whether the tooth has a chance to erupt properly.

• Step 3. Decision on Extraction — If the infection is advanced or the tooth does not have a good prognosis, it may need to be removed.

However, it is not always necessary to remove the eight. It all depends on the individual situation of the patient - the degree of infection, the position of the tooth and the possibility of its correct excision without further complications. The final decision is made by the dentist after an accurate diagnosis.

Pus in the gum after root canal treatment - what can it testify to?

The appearance of pus in the gum after root canal treatment is a serious warning signal. It can testify to complications that require immediate dental intervention. The most common cause is inaccurate cleaning of canals from dead pulp. The tissue residues left behind become an ideal environment for the development of bacteria, which leads to inflammation.

Certainly, do not underestimate symptoms such as throbbing pain — increasing with pressure, swelling visible in the area of the treated tooth, and, of course, pus — leaking from the gum or appearing in the mouth. These are not minor complaints — they are alarm signals that require a quick response. In such a situation, you should immediately go to the dentist. The specialist will assess the condition of the tooth and take appropriate measures, which may include:

• re-cleaning of canals — removal of dead tissue and bacterial residues,

• drainage — allowing the outflow of pus and reducing pressure in the tissues,

• antibiotic therapy — in case of extensive inflammation.

The implementation of antibiotics may be necessary, but drug treatment must be carried out under the strict control of the doctor. Using antibacterial drugs on your own is a bad idea - it can lead to bacterial resistance and deterioration of health.

Pus in the gum after tooth extraction - where does it come from?

The appearance of purulent discharge in the gum after tooth extraction is a serious warning signal. This means that there has been an infection — and not just any. Although on the surface it may seem like a minor complication, in reality we are dealing with an acute inflammation that can quickly develop into an abscess.

In the case of the appearance of pus in the place after the removal of the tooth, every hour counts. It is necessary to quickly clean the wound and, in many cases, also to implement antibiotic therapy. Pus is the result of the body's defensive reaction to microbes that have entered the open wound. The sooner you take up treatment, the lower the risk of spreading the infection to neighboring tissues.

Where do the bacteria responsible for the infection come from? The most common causes are:

• Inadequate oral hygiene — lack of proper cleaning of teeth and gums after the procedure.

• Failure to follow the doctor's instructions — for example, eating too early, drinking through a straw, or smoking cigarettes.

• Touching the wound with unwashed hands — introducing bacteria directly into the site after extraction.

• Lack of adequate wound protection — for example, a clot that protects the wound from infection.

That is why it is so important to strictly follow the recommendations of the dentist after the procedure. Avoid anything that can increase the risk of infection — even if it seems insignificant.

Abscess incision - that is, treatment of pus on the gum at the dentist's office

An abscess incision is one of the basic methods of treating advanced inflammation in the oral cavity. It consists in the controlled opening of the affected area and the removal of accumulated pus. Thanks to this, it is possible to effectively stop the development of infection and prevent its further spread throughout the body.

The procedure should be carried out only by an experienced dentist who will take care of the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. This is a serious procedure, requiring appropriate skills and conditions. During the procedure, the dentist makes a precise incision in the gum, allowing drainage of the abscess - that is, drainage of pus from the infected area. This can happen in two ways:

• directly through the incision made,

• through the existing periodontal pocket.

The effects of the procedure are felt almost immediately. It's like letting off steam from an overheated kettle — the tension goes away and the body can begin to recover. Simple, but extremely effective. In some cases, the incision alone is not enough. Then the dentist can recommend antibiotic therapy, which helps fight the infection.

How to relieve pain with home remedies?

Home remedies for pus in the gum will not replace a visit to the dentist, but they can bring temporary relief. However, natural methods can help you survive until you get professional help, so it's worth knowing them.

The simplest and most effective method is a salt rinse. Salt acts as a natural antiseptic - it reduces the growth of bacteria and relieves inflammation. This simple solution can significantly relieve pain, especially at the initial stage of infection.

Infusions of sage or chamomile are also natural support. Both herbs have a powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, promoting the regeneration of the gums. Regular use of infusions can bring relief and accelerate tissue healing.

In case of severe pain, a cold compress can help. This is a quick way to reduce puffiness and temporarily relieve discomfort. Remember: a cold compress does not cure the cause, but only relieves the symptoms.

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Dr. Jędrzej Gącienica-Ciułacz

Dentist/Prosthetist

Dr. Jędrzej Gącienica-Ciułacz is a dentist who, thanks to his cordial approach, facilitates visits even for the most fearful patients. His extraordinary ability to build trust and natural kindness allows patients to feel safe and comfortable from the first moments in the office. He is a doctor who does not recognize the concept of “hopeless case” — instead, he treats every challenge as an opportunity to create a beautiful, healthy smile. By combining his medical knowledge with an individual approach to each patient, he creates an atmosphere of support and understanding.

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