Reading time: five minutes.
You wake up with a sore spot in your mouth. Maybe it is a small, painful ulcer on your cheek, or perhaps there is swelling near your tooth that throbs with every heartbeat.
The pain is annoying, and eating or drinking makes it worse. You start wondering: is this just a canker sore, or is it something more serious like a dental abscess?
Knowing the difference is important because one heals on its own, while the other may require urgent dental treatment.
A canker sore is a temporary, non-contagious ulcer that heals on its own, while a gum abscess is a bacterial infection requiring urgent dental treatment.
If you have persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection, schedule a dental exam as soon as possible.
What is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is a small, shallow lesion that forms inside your mouth, usually on the soft tissues like the cheeks, lips, or under the tongue.
Canker sores, unlike cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, do not appear on the lips and are not contagious.
Canker sores are usually round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They can cause mouth pain, especially when eating acidic foods or spicy foods, but they typically heal on their own within one to two weeks.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Doctors are not entirely sure what causes them, but several factors can contribute:
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, B12, or folate
- Food allergies to spicy, salty, or acidic foods
- Stress or hormonal changes
- Minor mouth injuries, like biting your cheek or irritation from braces
- Underlying health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease
How to Treat a Canker Sore
Most canker sores heal on their own, but if yours is particularly painful, try these remedies:
- Topical treatments like medicated gels or pastes to numb the area
- Mouth rinses to reduce irritation and speed up healing
- Avoiding acidic, spicy, or salty foods that can worsen pain
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent secondary infections
If a canker sore does not heal within two weeks, keeps coming back, or becomes unusually large, it may be a sign of an underlying condition and should be checked by a dental professional.
What is a Gum Abscess?
A gum abscess, also called a periodontal abscess, is a painful infection that develops in the gum tissue due to trapped bacteria.
Unlike canker sores, a gum abscess will not go away on its own and requires professional treatment.
If you have a gum abscess, you may notice:
- Severe pain that worsens over time
- A swollen, pus-filled lump on your gums
- Facial swelling and redness
- A foul taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Jaw pain or difficulty chewing
- Fever in severe cases
Check out this blog: Why Are My Gums Swollen? 5 Reasons for Swollen Gums
What Causes a Gum Abscess?
A gum abscess forms when bacteria become trapped in the gums due to:
- Tooth decay, leading to a tooth abscess
- Periodontal infections caused by gum disease
- Damaged tissue from injury or broken teeth
- Impacted wisdom tooth, which can trap bacteria
- Poor oral hygiene, allowing bacterial buildup
How is a Gum Abscess Treated?
A gum abscess is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment from a dental professional. The treatment depends on the severity of the infection and may include:
- Draining the abscess to remove pus and infected tissue
- Antibiotics to control the bacterial infection
- Root canal treatment if the infection has spread to the tooth roots
- Tooth extraction if the abscessed tooth cannot be saved
Do not ignore a gum abscess as it can result in serious complications, including tooth loss, jaw pain, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Gum Abscess vs. Canker Sore: How to Tell the Difference
| Feature | Canker Sore | Gum Abscess |
| Cause | Nutritional deficiencies, stress, minor injuries, autoimmune issues | Bacterial infection due to decay, gum disease, or injury |
| Appearance | Small, shallow ulcer with a white or yellow center | Swollen, pus-filled lump on the gums |
| Pain | Burning or stinging sensation | Throbbing, severe pain |
| Location | Inside cheeks, lips, under the tongue | Around a natural tooth or gum tissue |
| Swelling | No major swelling | Significant swelling in the gums, face, or jaw |
| Pus/Drainage | No pus | May produce pus, bad taste, or bad breath |
| Treatment | Heals on its own; use topical treatments for relief | Requires dental care such as drainage, antibiotics, or a root canal |
How to Prevent Canker Sores and Gum Abscesses
While some causes of canker sores and gum abscesses cannot be avoided, you can reduce your risk:
- Brush and floss daily to remove bacteria and food particles that can lead to infections.
- Eat a balanced diet to maintain good oral health and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Limit spicy, salty, or acidic foods to reduce the risk of mouth ulcers.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and dental checkups to catch any issues early.
Book a Dental Exam in Buffalo Grove, IL
If you are dealing with mouth pain, knowing whether it is a gum abscess or canker sore is the first step to relief. Canker sores are painful but temporary, while gum abscesses are infections that need urgent dental care.
If you suspect an infection in your gums, do not wait—seek help from a dental professional to prevent further complications. A healthy mouth means a healthier you!
To book an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
