Gum swelling and pus
Gum swelling with pus can indicate a localized dental or periodontal abscess and needs prompt examination to locate and drain the source.
The short answer
Pus is inflammatory fluid containing immune cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. A swollen gum may form beside a decayed tooth, from infection around the root, or in a periodontal pocket beside the tooth.
How does a dentist investigate pus and gum swelling?
The dentist checks the gum, tooth vitality, pocket depths, tenderness, mobility, and bite, and may take a dental radiograph. Treatment targets the source through drainage, cleaning, root canal treatment, extraction, or periodontal care as indicated.
What should you avoid doing to a pus-filled swelling?
Do not squeeze or puncture the swelling. Keep the area clean, rinse gently with warm salt water if comfortable, and use only medicines appropriate for your health history while arranging care.
When does pus with swelling require urgent care?
Seek urgent care for spreading facial swelling, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing or breathing, marked weakness, or inability to open the mouth. A draining bump can reduce pressure without removing the infection.
Could the pus come from a tooth root or gum pocket?
Ask whether the source is the tooth root, gum pocket, or trapped foreign material. Ask what procedure removes the source and whether follow-up is needed after drainage or antibiotics.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.