Bursting the Bubble: What to Do When a Dental Abscess Bursts on Its Own

Dealing with a dental abscess can be an uncomfortable, painful experience. When it bursts on its own, the foul taste in your mouth can be utterly disgusting. When an abscess bursts, it’s essential to visit an emergency dentist to ensure it is properly drained and cleaned. However, if you cannot make it to an emergency dentist right away, knowing the steps to take when a dental abscess burst is essential. 

What to Do When a Dental Abscess Bursts on Its Own

A dental abscess is a bacterial infection in the gums, causing inflammation and pus to develop underneath the gumline. When bacteria invade your mouth, they can attack the gums and eat away at the outer layer. Your body sends white blood cells to fight off the infection, but when these white blood cells die, the body entraps those cells into a tiny pocket, leading to pus formation. As your gums gradually absorb the white blood cells, it becomes an abscess. 

Dental abscesses are the direct byproduct of a bacterial infection, and can be caused by poor oral hygiene, dental trauma, a weakened immune system, impacted wisdom teeth, and poor diet. If you’ve experienced a dental abscess bursting, then you’re probably aware of how terrible it feels. However, it’s crucial to avoid spreading the abscess bacteria to keep your mouth as healthy as possible, so here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

• Rinse Your Mouth: When a dental abscess bursts, the released pus can leave an unpleasant taste and odor in your mouth. If you notice your abscess burst, immediately rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to cleanse the area and alleviate the discomfort. 
• Control Bleeding: In some cases, an abscess can cause some minor bleeding when it bursts. If you experience any bleeding, try and apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or piece of clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
• Avoid Touching It: After controlling the bleeding and releasing pus, avoid touching or squeezing it. Touching the area can cause additional bacteria to be introduced to the already inflamed tissue and further complicate it. Allow the abscess to heal naturally. 
• Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: When severe pain arrives, you can manage it by taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as they can provide temporary relief until you see your dentist. 
• Seek Emergency Dental Care: While at-home measures can help prevent pain and bacteria from spreading, seeking immediate dental care is essential, as the underlying infection is still present. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications, causing the infection the spread to other areas and even causing the abscess to reoccur. 

Call University Oral Surgery Center For Immediate Treatment Today!

Experiencing a dental abscess can be concerning, especially when it bursts on its own. However, with the right knowledge and immediate action, you can manage the situation and get it treated. If you are experiencing a dental abscess, seek out our oral surgeons at University Oral Surgery Center in Los Angeles, CA, by calling (310) 208-3471 to speak with Dr. Ramin Shabtaie about your situation today.