There is swelling on the gum tissue that is filled with pus. The raised swelling looks like a pimple near the affected tooth. An open pimple is called a “draining fistula” and has ruptured to release pus. This is an obvious sign of infection.

Treatment for a gum abscess involves draining the abscess and removing any debris in your periodontal pocket. Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line.

Do not attempt to squeeze or pop the abscess. We know it is tempting to “deflate” the bump that develops on the gums when you have a tooth abscess. The problem is that when you squeeze or pop the abscess, you actually introduce even more bacteria into the infection. Leave it alone!

In some cases, the abscess can burst, so that the pus and bacteria drains out. If the abscess bursts on its own, a patient might feel a sudden relief from the pain. Fluid from the abscess can fill a patient’s mouth, bringing with it a bad odor and bad taste.

White or Yellow Gel-Like Substance Between Teeth and Gums (Pus) – If you see pus coming from between your teeth or in your gums, this is a serious indication that an infection is at work in your mouth.

Swollen gums – If you notice redness in your gums, or they feel swollen and tender, this should set off alarms. Pus in between teeth – This one is definitely kind of icky. Pus is a sign of infection, and should be treated accordingly.

Also, dietary vitamin C intakes greater than 150 mg/day were associated with a better response to sanative therapy, suggesting that intake of vitamin C beyond the RDA of 75 or 90 mg/day may be beneficial in periodontal treatment, but cause and effect remains to be determined.