How to Treat a Gum Boil

A gum boil occurs when a tooth becomes abscessed. This occurs around the root of the tooth, and pain is often felt in the bone or the jaw. A person suffering from a gum boil may experience swelling on the face, earache and fever. He may also notice a foul taste in his mouth. This pain may quickly turn to extreme pain.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, a gum boil can't be treated naturally. It requires immediate medical care to resolve the issue and get your pain under control. If you can't get a hold of your dentist, you can visit your local emergency room for care.

• 2

  Request mouth X-rays. The only way to diagnosis a gum boil accurately is to get X-rays of the affected area. This will allow the doctor to make a proper diagnosis of the condition.

• 3

  Be prepared to hear that you might have to have a tooth pulled. This will allow the gum boil to drain, which will aid in healing. Your medical provider will administer pain medication to ensure your comfort during this process.

• 4

  Ask the dentist if a hole can be drilled to save the tooth. If the tooth has a normal appearance to the gum and bone support, the tooth may not need to be removed. A hole is drilled through the top of the tooth to allow draining of the affected area.

• 5

  Know that you may need a root canal. This is typically preformed after the affected area begins to heal.