Self-treatment for a dental abscess is not recommended. When a dental abscess occurs, it is important to seek dental treatment to ensure that it drains properly, to provide treatment for the infection and to ensure the surrounding teeth remain healthy, states Colgate Professional. Bacterial infection causes gum abscesses.
Symptoms of an abscess may include toothache and a visible boil on the gum, according to Colgate Professional. A dentist can drain the pus in the abscess, which provides some relief of pain and pressure. If additional gum tissue is affected, a salt water rinse or antibiotics may be necessary to heal the infection.
