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What are Gumboils?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Gumboils, also called gingival abscesses, are similar to pimples, except they occur on the gums inside the mouth instead of on the face or neck. They also usually indicate an infection deep in the roots of a tooth, whereas pimples tend to merely indicate a blocked pore or hair follicle. These boils can occur at any time and are usually caused by gum disease or a tooth that has died or that has severely infected roots. Infection from the root of the tooth pushes outward to the gum, creating a pus-filled pocket that can feel very painful.

Occasionally, the boil will appear, shrink, and emerge again. Some people may have scarring that looks like — but doesn’t feel like — a boil. Small hard bumps on the inside of the cheeks could be the result of repeated biting of the cheek, or hardening from wearing braces from several years. There are other things that may be confused with this condition.

A girl getting a dental x-ray.
A girl getting a dental x-ray.

A gumboil can also look like a canker sore, especially since these also tend to burst. A person can usually tell the difference because the canker sore may react more readily to irritation with acids, and they resolve within a few days without treatment. Canker sores can also occur on the tongue, the insides of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, and on the lips.

Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent gumboils.
Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent gumboils.

Dentists recommend that people who develop an abscess make an appointment to see a dentist, since they almost always indicates a problem and infection with an underlying tooth. The boils can get very large, and they can pop and drain pus, which tastes very bitter. This doesn’t usually resolve the infection, however, because the gumboil could be called an outward expression of a deeply hidden infection.

Gumboils may require a tooth extraction.
Gumboils may require a tooth extraction.

When a dentist sees the patient, he or she will typically use X-rays to look for any underlying tooth infection and may drain the boil to offer some relief. Antibiotics are very often prescribed, since infection at the root of the tooth must be addressed before a person can undergo a root canal or tooth extraction, if necessary. When gum disease is the cause, occasionally planing the roots, making them smooth, and scaling the teeth can help resolve the condition.

Small hard bumps on the inside of the cheeks could be the result of wearing braces from several years.
Small hard bumps on the inside of the cheeks could be the result of wearing braces from several years.

Sometimes, gumboils occur if a person has a piece of food imbedded in the root of a tooth. These may resolve when the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the irritant removed. Dentists do say that the abscess should be taken seriously, since they can very often mean a tooth is endangered without treatment. There is also the real possibility that the infection could spread to the blood.

Dental x-rays are used to look for underlying tooth infection.
Dental x-rays are used to look for underlying tooth infection.

Some people, including those with autoimmune conditions and diabetes, are especially prone to gumboils. Regular teeth cleaning and dental care can help stave off infections in most people, but not always. It can also help to use a softer bristle brush, since sometimes abscesses can result from cuts and repeated abuse of the gums from harder bristled toothbrushes.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon333974

My son has a bubble pimple like thing on his top

right gum. Is this a gumboil, or could it be something else?

anon313518

I also have a gumboil and cannot afford a dentist. It's really high up on my gumline (probably an inch or so away from any teeth), almost underneath my nose. It doesn't hurt at all, and it hasn't popped/leaked yet. None of my teeth ache, and they still are just as sensitive to hot/cold.

But everywhere I read says I need to see a dentist. Well, I just got my braces off and I can't afford any more dental work. Help!

anon120947

i have a gumboil. what should i do? should i pop it because i can't afford to go to the dentist.

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    • A girl getting a dental x-ray.
      By: Volker Witt
      A girl getting a dental x-ray.
    • Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent gumboils.
      By: Tomasz Trojanowski
      Regular teeth cleaning helps prevent gumboils.
    • Gumboils may require a tooth extraction.
      By: Nejron Photo
      Gumboils may require a tooth extraction.
    • Small hard bumps on the inside of the cheeks could be the result of wearing braces from several years.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Small hard bumps on the inside of the cheeks could be the result of wearing braces from several years.
    • Dental x-rays are used to look for underlying tooth infection.
      By: Georgiy Pashin
      Dental x-rays are used to look for underlying tooth infection.