Swollen gums vs abscess
Swollen gums may result from irritation or gingivitis, while an abscess is a localized collection of infection needing prompt assessment.
The short answer
Swollen gums are a sign, while an abscess is a localized pocket of pus caused by infection in a tooth or gum tissue. An abscess may cause a tender bump, throbbing pain, bad taste, or facial swelling, but swelling alone does not prove an abscess.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Gingivitis often affects a gum margin more generally and may bleed during brushing. A periodontal abscess can sit beside a tooth, while a dental abscess may begin in the pulp and spread through the root tip into surrounding bone.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area clean, and avoid squeezing or puncturing a lump. A dentist may examine the tooth, test the pulp, probe the gums, and take an X-ray before draining or treating the source of infection.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt dental care for a painful gum lump, pus, worsening toothache, fever, or swelling that spreads. Go to emergency care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, marked facial swelling, or inability to open the mouth normally.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is gingival, periodontal, or related to the tooth pulp, and whether an X-ray is needed. Ask what treatment will remove the infection and what signs mean you need urgent review.
Frequently asked questions
Can a gum abscess disappear on its own?
Pain may change if it drains, but the source of infection can remain and needs dental assessment.
Can gingivitis cause a gum boil?
Simple gingivitis usually causes diffuse gum inflammation rather than a pus-filled boil; a localized lump needs examination.