Who do you see when you have a gum boil? Your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. But that is not getting to the root of the problem.

Many people believe that gum boils (periodontal abscess) are due to "heatiness" (a spell of hot weather or excessive eating of "heaty" foods such as chocolate and roast chicken). This is simply not true.

Gum boils are actually the result of a big increase in germs in the gums. These bacteria cause a sac-like swelling which contains pus. Gum Boils are more common in people with gum disease.

Many people do not realise they have gum disease because it is usually painless. Tartar or calculus (calcified bacterial deposits) are normally found beneath the gums of people with boils.

Treatment:
The dentist is the person to decide on treatment. After a thorough examination which will include taking a X-ray of the area, the dentist may perform one or a combination of the following:

• Root planing. The tooth's root is cleaned to remove calculus and plaque.
• Incision and drainage. A small cut is made to drain the pus.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed.
  Minor occlusal adjustment. Sometimes, a tooth may be higher than the rest because of a
• gum problem. In this case, it is trimmed.
• Extraction. This is a last resort in very severe cases where the tooth can no longer be saved.