When you have an inflammation that persists to occur on your gum, it is possible for this inflammation to create puss that may lead to the formation of a puss corridor. Eventually, the corridor reaches the surface of the gum, appearing as a gum boil. Fistula on gum—also known as gum boil, occurs when this corridor is lined with certain types of cells the body produces when fighting the infection. This appears as a bone defect on a tooth that may grows worse overtime.

Common symptoms of fistula on gum

Fistula on gum is not necessarily associated with extreme pain. In some cases, there is no pain at all accompanying this dental abnormality. However, physical appearance of a boil on gum can be used as a parameter to define this gum boil, which is a gum abscess that appears following an infection in the area between the tooth and the gum. It is possible for this boil to burst and thus, results in a small hollow on the affected gum. In fact, fistula is an infection in the mouth appearing in a form of gum boil, and is draining. It is possible that a gum fistula is painless, since the infection is able to seep out the bump visible on the gum. Nevertheless, it should not keep you from treating a gum fistula properly, as at certain point it may wake you up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain.

How to treat fistula on gum

Once you see a boil on gum, treat it immediately, especially if it drains. Some treatments include:

• Rinse your mouth with saline solution made from a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of salt. Gargle the solution, focusing on the affected area and the visible boil. Do this not more than three times a day. Salt contains natural anti-bacterial agent and warm water helps promote blood circulation, which are important for fistula healing.
• Apply a damp tea bag on the draining gum boil to help bring down the inflammation and kill the infesting bacteria.
• If you do not experience any pain, but noticing that the fistula is draining, immediately take some antibiotic pills, which will help inhibit the growth of bacteria that may worsen the infection. Consult an endodontist if you are consuming other medications for any health complications before consuming any pills to minimize the effects of a gum fistula.
• If you are suffering from other health complications and thus, have low immunity, it is important to see a dentist immediately. Fistula almost always produces pus and this pus can be a harbor for numerous bacteria inside the mouth. These growing pathogens may not only affect your body temperature, but may also go into the bloodstream, causing a lot of possible health risks.
• If you are pregnant, it is important to treat fistulas as soon as it occurs, since it may cause risks to the expected baby. Do not take any pills and antibiotics without talking to you gynecologist and always keep your mouth hygiene well-maintained.