These don’t always hurt, but many do. Some abscessed teeth also cause the gums to swell. If your gums hurt or are swollen, see your dentist. You may need a root canal to treat an abscessed tooth.

A gum boil is a type of periodontal disease that involves the formation of an abscess on the gums. It causes pain and swelling. If left untreated, it can spread to the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Schedule a dental appointment if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or recession of your gums, especially when accompanied by bad breath or loose teeth. Modern gum disease treatments range ...