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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that can affect different parts of the body. Although HS causes abscesses, if you have a sore in your mouth, it’s probably not caused by HS directly. HS affects areas of the body with hair follicles and sweat glands. It’s common in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits.
Generally, an oral abscess is different from an HS lesion, but only your healthcare provider can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment advice.
Some research suggests that HS raises the risk of oral health problems. That’s why regular mouth screenings and good oral hygiene are especially important for people with HS.
If you have an oral abscess, it can be hard to take your mind off it. Brushing your teeth, eating, and drinking can be painful.
You’re not alone in dealing with mouth issues in addition to HS. Members of MyHSTeam have shared their struggles with oral health. “I recently had a situation where I had a flare-up on my lip, my gum, and my tongue,” wrote one member. “My dermatologist diagnosed it as oral thrush from a new biologic I started. However, antibiotics didn’t get rid of it. Then I went to a dentist, who referred me to an oral surgeon, who performed a biopsy of the flares. It was PAINFUL. I thought I was the only person who felt like they were getting flares in their mouth.”
Other members have expressed frustration and concern over dental issues. “I don’t know why, but I’ve been having a lot of complications with my teeth,” one member said. “I’m having inflammation and needing to get teeth pulled. I’ve already had two teeth pulled, and right now it looks like another. The pain is bad, and the older I get, the more I notice it.”
If left untreated, an oral abscess can spread dangerous infections to other parts of the body. Fortunately, with proper care, an oral abscess can heal quickly. Here’s what you should know.
An abscess is a pocket of pus. An abscess on the gums is called a periodontal abscess. It’s caused by an infection, often related to poor dental health. The area may look and feel swollen. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Gum disease is the most common cause of periodontal abscesses. People who eat a lot of sugary foods and candies or drink sugary drinks have a higher risk of gum disease. Skipping routine dental cleanings also raises the risk.
A gum abscess happens when bacteria get into the tiny space between a tooth and your gums. Gum abscesses aren’t only caused by poor dental hygiene — injuries can also lead to an abscess on the gums. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or your dental work gets damaged (like a crown or bridge breaking), your risk may be higher.
HS lesions can look like abscesses, but they aren’t caused by an infection the way periodontal abscesses are. Researchers don’t know exactly what causes HS. It’s an inflammatory disease that may be triggered by many factors, such as hormones, genetics, excess body weight, or smoking.
Mouth sores can happen to anyone. If you start to notice a swollen pocket on your gums, watch for signs that the infection may be getting worse. These can include:
A periodontal abscess is considered a dental emergency. It’s not something you can treat at home, and it won’t go away by itself. To avoid potentially serious complications, call your dentist. They’ll want to know how long you’ve had symptoms. They may also run tests, like X-rays, to see how deep the infection goes.
Possible treatment options for a gum abscess include:
If your tooth is also infected, you may need root canal treatment or tooth removal.
HS can have a big impact on your life. It can also make it harder to keep up with other health habits, including dental care. However, growing research shows that oral health is especially important if you have HS. In fact, having HS is an even stronger reason to take good care of your teeth and gums.
Research has started to show links between inflammatory conditions like HS and gum disease. Studies have found that people with HS have higher rates of gum disease, but the exact reason for the connection is still being studied.
In one study of people with HS, 55.9 percent had at least one oral health problem. Missing at least one tooth was reported by 46.7 percent. Dental cavities were reported by 39.2 percent of those in the study.
A part of the immune system called interleukin-17 (IL-17) may play a role in both HS and gum disease. When IL-17 isn’t regulated properly, it may encourage unhealthy bacteria in the mouth and increase dental problems. More recently, researchers have also found that people with HS seem to have issues with this same inflammatory pathway.
Both HS and gum disease involve inflammation. “Inflammation” is the term for an overactive or inappropriate immune response. As science continues to advance, more targeted treatment options may help with both conditions. Future therapies that target inflammation might reduce HS symptoms while also lowering the risk of oral health problems.
Maintaining healthy dental habits is key to preventing gum disease and abscesses. This includes:
Drinking plenty of water and not smoking also help protect your gums and your mouth in general. If you grind your teeth or have dry mouth, these issues can increase your risk of gum damage. Be sure to talk to your dentist about ways to manage these problems before a dental abscess or another complication develops.
On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you had a gum abscess? Let others know in the comments below.
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