Mouth lesions come in many forms and fashions, and they may appear on your cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips. But you should not automatically assume that mouth lesions and mouth ulcers (or canker sores) are the same thing—they’re not… at least, not always. Have you heard of abscesses? If not, it’s time for an introduction.
We’re going to talk a little more about what causes a mouth ulcer and what differentiates canker sores vs. abscesses. This insight should hopefully help you understand how to know if you have an abscess or mouth ulcer so you can determine when it’s time to visit the dentist and how to help relieve irritation from mouth sores.
What is an Abscess?
An abscess is pus that appears as a “pocket” that can occur on your skin, under the skin, and in your mouth. The pus-filled pocket emerges because of inflammation to damaged tissue and infected tissue. That inflammation stems from the buildup of white blood cells, germs, fluid, and dead tissue.
Any abscess that forms around a tooth is also known as a dental abscess. There are three types of dental abscesses:
- Gingival abscesses develop in the gums but generally do not impact your teeth.
- Periapical abscesses form at the root of the tooth.
- Periodontal abscesses often form in the space between your teeth and gums. They can affect the bones and tissues surrounding your teeth.
You can also get abscesses behind the tonsils and in the back of your throat. Abscesses are often red and swollen but may also look yellowish or whiteish due to the pus underneath the surface of the skin.
What Causes Abscesses?
On a more general level, bacterial infections cause abscesses. However, the different types of dental abscesses are typically caused by things like tooth decay, gum disease, dental injuries, and cavities.
Consuming an excess of sugary and starchy foods and beverages, for example, may lead to tooth decay and cause an abscess to form on the gums. Untreated cavities may cause an abscess at the tip of the root. So, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth and visiting the dentist so you can limit the risk of getting an abscess.
What Causes an Ulcer in the Mouth?
A few different things can cause a mouth ulcer. Most notably, mouth ulcers can often form when you accidentally bite your cheek or gum. You may also get a mouth ulcer or canker sore due to bacterial infections, as well as things like hormonal changes, stress, or lack of sleep.
Mouth ulcers like canker sores are not contagious and often resolve themselves within several days. Reach out to your dentist if your mouth ulcer has not healed within three weeks. And when you need to soothe irritation, use Orajel™ Mouth & Canker Sore products!
Canker Sore vs. Abscess: Do Canker Sores Pus?
The vital difference between canker sores and abscesses is that canker sores do not pus. Conversely, the pocket of pus is what defines an abscess.
There are some other slight symptomatic differences, as well. An abscess in the mouth can lead to severe toothaches and may also result in swollen lymph nodes—something that does not occur with mouth ulcers but might be a symptom of complex canker sores, which are larger and more painful than regular canker sores.
The two oral conditions are quite similar, otherwise. Canker sores and abscesses can both appear as lesions on the gums and have discoloration and swelling. Additionally, mouth ulcers and abscesses have similar symptoms, including pain when eating, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath.
But when you’re wondering how to know if you have a mouth ulcer vs. an abscess, the answer is simple enough: it’s an abscess if there’s pus and an ulcer if the lesion does not pus.
Treatments for Canker Sore vs. Abscess
Differentiating between canker sores and abscesses is important, as the treatment options vary tremendously.
As we mentioned, mouth ulcers often subside on their own. In that regard, they are harmless, and you can find at-home remedies such as cold compresses. Alternatively, for fast pain relief, try Orajel™ Mouth & Canker Sore products:
- Orajel™ 3X Mouth Sores Gel offers instant relief from mouth sore pain from canker sores, cold sores, and gum irritation. It includes 20 percent Benzocaine to help relieve oral pain, plus Menthol to soothe gums and zinc chloride (an astringent) to help soothe sores. This gel is easy to apply, allowing you to target and treat the specific areas of discomfort on your gums or addressing the interior of your cheeks when you have pain from cheek bites.
- Orajel™ Mouth Sores Antiseptic Rinse is designed to reach even the toughest spots in your mouth, working to kill bacteria and cleansing to help permit mouth sores to heal. It has a soothing mint taste and can help relieve pain from canker sores in your mouth, whether on your cheeks or gums.
- Orajel™ Alcohol-Free Mouth Sores Antiseptic Mouth Rinse also helps kill bacteria and cleanses to promote the healing of mouth sores while easing gum irritation and soothing cheek bites. Its alcohol-free formula ensures gentle relief, allowing for necessary pain alleviation from canker sores and more.
Whether you prefer a gel or mouth rinse, Orajel™ Mouth & Canker Sore products can help relieve pain from canker sores and ease irritated gums.
On the flip side, abscesses require professional attention and treatment. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic. In some cases, they may recommend a procedure to drain the abscess. They could also deem it necessary to extract the impacted tooth or teeth.
Regardless, it’s vital to see your dentist if you believe you have an abscess. If you leave the abscess untreated, you risk the bacterial infection that causes it to spread to surrounding tissues and other places in your body.
Can You Pop an Abscess?
You should never attempt to pop an abscess. Doing so can lead to the infection spreading to surrounding tissue and can even introduce other bacteria to the infected areas.
Again, consult your dentist regarding treatment options when you think you have an abscess.
Are Abscesses Contagious?
Tooth abscesses themselves are not contagious. However, the bacteria that causes abscesses can spread from person to person through direct contact with infected saliva. Anyone with a tooth abscess should refrain from sharing drinking cups, eating utensils, and personal items.
Dental Cysts vs. Abscesses
A dental cyst is another condition you might confuse for an abscess. But whereas abscesses are pus-filled pockets, dental cysts are enclosed sacs that can grow for months or years without causing symptoms. However, the symptoms of dental cysts and tooth abscesses are similar, including acute tooth or gum pain .
Reach out to your dentist if you’re unsure whether you have a dental cyst or abscess. Both conditions require professional treatment.
Learn the Differences Between Abscesses & Mouth Ulcers So You Get the Treatment You Need!
Discomfort from oral conditions like mouth ulcers and abscesses can prove quite annoying, which is why it’s important to know what you have so you can get the proper treatment. Reach for Orajel™ Mouth & Canker Sore products to help relieve pain and irritation from canker sores. If you have a tooth abscess, call your dentist so they can supply you with the solution you need to get back on track.
