Gum-boil

Gum-boil, an Abscess (q.v.) near the root of a tooth, and usually discharging itself towards the mucous membrane of the gum, but sometimes making its way more deeply towards the skin of the face, and if allowed to burst there causing considerable deformity. Gum-boil should be treated, in the first instance, by protection against cold and external injury, and free washing of the mouth with hot water; but as soon as the presence of matter can be ascertained, it is usually a good practice to give vent to it by a pretty free incision. Complete cure follows the removal of the tooth at the root of which the inflammation has begun; if it be left the disease is apt to recur. If the abscess threaten to burst through the skin, extraction of the tooth is imperative. See TEETH.