General Gum Abscess Treatment

A gum or gingival abscess is the result of infection or injury to the surface of the gum tissue. Gum Abscess occurs when an area of gum tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it.

White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. Pus forms during this process. Pus is the build-up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria or other foreign substances. When pus forms in one's gums but not in the bone, one has gum or periodontal abscess.

If an infection moves deep into gum pockets, drainage of pus is blocked and a periodontal abscess results. Treatment varies, but often requires antibiotics.