A pus pocket on the gums, also known as a gum abscess or periodontal abscess, is a painful condition caused by localized inflammation and the formation of pus pockets in the tissues supporting the teeth. A periodontal abscess forms in the gums and is often the result of untreated, serious gum disease. You can repeat this around 4-5 times a day. There may be no radiographic signs of destruction and the patient often experiences malaise, fever and. The only way to get rid of a tooth abscess infection is to remove the nerve or extract the abscessed tooth. A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus in the breast. An abscess can come on suddenly and without warning, but in most cases, the underlying cause has been building for some time. Treatment. A gum abscess occurs when bacteria in the mouth causes an infection in the space between the teeth and the gums resulting from periodontal disease, which is caused by poor oral hygiene. The other type, a periodontal (gum) abscess, affects the gums. A gum abscess is caused by pus accumulating beneath the gum line. There are different types and they can appear anywhere on your body. The first sign which abscess tooth or gum formation shows after having a tooth extraction is bleeding out within 48 hours. Pockets, or spaces, form between the gums and a tooth due to bone loss from gum disease. 79. earache, nausea, and fever. A gum infection is a harmful infection in the mouth that causes damage and inflammation in the gums and jaw. An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has a pocket of pus in the tissues around it. Enamel Decay. A gum abscess is a kind of periodontal infection and is characterised by a localised collection of pus (i. These can all let bacteria enter the tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the middle of a. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01,. pilonidal abscesses or cysts — in the crease of the buttocks. An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This remedy is good at removing plaque and has antibacterial properties. This condition can develop. Five-day-old inflamed epidermal inclusion cyst. Peri-implantitis develops much faster than gum disease. A gum abscess occurs when a part of your gums becomes infected. They can also result from trauma to the gums, such as from a toothbrush or flossing. Peppermint Oil. Problems may include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications. The pain may radiate to the ear, jaw, and neck. Gum abscesses usually occur in severe periodontal disease cases, when the gums. Sudden, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold. Dr. . Gum abscesses can be caused by many different things, including plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. I knew that garlic can be helpful but I would never have thought it to be so effective. #5. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog approved toothpaste. A tooth abscess is a painful bacterial infection that causes pus to gather at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and the gums through a small hole resulting from the bone infection. . A nagging toothache. e. A gum abscess is an infected pocket of tissue in the gums. The second is a periodontal abscess, which affects the gums directly. 2 became effective on October 1, 2023. Gum abscess, or gingival abscess, is a pocket of pus in the gum tissues caused by a bacterial infection. This is a body response mechanism to fight off the invasion of bacteria. A gingival abscess, or gum abscess, is an abscess in the gum that forms on the surface of the tissue at the gum line of the teeth (gingiva). Abscesses can occur almost anywhere within a dog's body, including the brain, liver, and lungs, but more often, abscesses are fairly superficial, and develop in the animal's anal glands, at the root of a tooth, or just below the surface of the skin. , an abscess) found alongside a tooth. This can happen from gum disease or a cut. It looks like a small red ball pushing out of the swollen gum. The most effective painkillers for treating a tooth abscess at home are NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Trouble breathing. In addition, it has. In some cases, an abscess can be extremely hard and firm (indurated). A dental abscess is a collection of infected material (pus) resulting from a bacterial infection in the mouth. Tooth and Gum Abscess Symptoms and Treatment – pictures and x-rays of abscessed teeth. A gum abscess (also You notice a shiny redness with a little pinpoint of white on your gum one morning and think nothing of it. It is often accompanied by swelling, pain, and drainage. Creating a dental health plan with your vet, and scheduling dental cleanings at your vet’s recommendation. Palpate the abscess to determine its extent and the area where maximum dependent drainage can be obtained. A gum abscess can be treated only by a dentist, but some home remedies help reduce pain and discomfort. The infection may be due to food trapped in between your teeth or trapped in gum pockets. It may be caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontitis, or other factors. The primary symptom of a tooth abscess is a prolonged toothache. Brew some fresh sage leaves in a glass of boiling water for about 10 minutes, let it cool off and gurgle the infusion around your mouth 2-3 times a day. Tooth abscesses. Severe tooth decay, broken, chipped or cracked teeth, gum disease, and tooth injury can all create. Updated: Apr 28. High temperature (fever) and feeling generally unwell. reddening and swelling gums. Draining the abscess. Both types of abscess consist of small pockets that fill with bacterial pus. Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess. An infection in the mouth can happen two weeks or even up to two months after getting a wisdom tooth removed. In rare cases, a condition called acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) can develop suddenly. Without treatment, this condition can. This lets him or her evaluate the rest of your dog’s teeth for any problems. Swelling in the gums or face. Compare risks and benefits of common medications used for Dental Abscess. A skin abscess is a lump or swelling on your skin that contains pus. For individuals with skin abscess, we suggest initial treatment with parenteral antibiotics in the following circumstances: Systemic signs of toxicity (eg, fever >100. They are very common and typically caused by bacteria that are often — but not always — the result of gum disease or tooth decay. Your vet will also perform additional X-rays and a full dental examination during the procedure. A tooth root abscess develops when bacteria enter the exposed root canal of the tooth. Code History. An abscess that develops on the gums. An abscess is a collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body. UK. The abscess may feel like a soft, warm bump. The abscess may feel like a soft, warm bump. a tender, discoloured and/or loose tooth shiny, red and swollen gums sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth If the. The abscess can form almost anywhere on the gums but is often seen between the gum and teeth. Pus forms when the body tries to fight an infection caused by bacteria. To form a solution, take a glass of warm salty water. About three out of four people who develop gum cancer and other mouth cancers practice one or more of the following habits: 1. Some reasons for this type of gum inflammation include poor dental hygiene and an abscess. Salt water can also soothe discomfort. Swelling due to a nerve abscess can be treated with a root canal; however, if your swollen gums are caused by a gum abscess, then you do not need a root canal. Swollen area in your upper or lower jaw. When dental cavities are left untreated, the bacteria that cause decay can penetrate the tooth's pulp and generate an abscess. When an infection occurs, bacteria can move out of the tooth to the bone or tissue below, forming a dental abscess. As a result of this infection, our body will attempt to drain the puss through the gums and often for a pimple between the root of the tooth and the gum. A gum abscess is an accumulation of pus that can develop rapidly underneath the gum line. Get the facts on pericoronitis treatment, symptoms, home remedies, prevention, and pain. You may notice soreness on your gum line when you have a gum abscess. A gum abscess is an infected pocket of tissue in the gums. Extrusion (moving your tooth very slowly out of the socket) is a technique your dentist may use to save a tooth broken below your gum line. Damage to the tooth, untreated tooth decay, or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth. Dec 14, 2020. Take the empty glass, pour two capfuls of hydrogen peroxide into it, and dilute it with three times as much water. Chamomile Tea Bag For Tooth Abscess. Classic dental numbering. There are billions of bacteria in the mouth , some of which play important roles in digestion. A tooth abscess is a collection of pus that forms in response to contracting a bacterial infection inside the tooth, gum, or jaw. A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum. Tooth abscesses arising from inside the tooth are called endodontic infections. Gingival abscesses only occur in the gum tissue. Can I Pop an Abscess On My Gum?Shock and awe! I was referred immediately to the periodontist- the same one who performed the laser surgery on me 6 years ago. The first type is a gingival abscess, which primarily affects gum tissue. Abscess Symptoms. Gum boils, or abscesses, are a sign of bacterial infection. Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS. The brown bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide from the drugstore or pharmacy is ideal for treating an abscess. A gum abscess is a pocket of infection on the gums or the space between the teeth and the gums. The abscess is a collection of pus that is made up of dead white blood cells, tissue debris, and bacteria. Here’s a look at the top four ways that your dentist will treat a tooth abscess: Open up (incise) and drain the abscess. And if that doesn’t sound serious enough, it can turn into an even bigger infection in your jawbone, surrounding teeth, and gum tissues. If you press it and liquid oozes out, it. Two common dental conditions are known to cause severe infection with pus collection: periapical abscess and periodontal abscess. Dental treatments like a root canal can lead to. This is a body response mechanism to fight off the invasion of bacteria. If your gum abscess pops by itself, you should try to drain it, keep it clean, and then. An abscess is the body’s attempt to deal with an infection or injury. It usually increases in the days or hours following its appearance. You can call us at our number 623-869-1091 or by filling out our online form which also includes a free appointment, you. The presence of a small ball-like swelling on the gum at the base of the tooth, aligning to where the root of that particular tooth would end. This may occur as a result of food getting trapped or, in cases of severe periodontal disease, when bacteria build up under the gum and in the bone. A tooth abscess is different from a gum abscess. Abscessed teeth can happen to anyone, but a history of gum disease, untreated cavities, and cracks in teeth can increase your risk of a dental abscess. The dentist makes a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out. An abscessed tooth can cause red, swollen gums and throbbing pain, especially when your child chews. To prevent gum abscesses from developing in the first place, brush and floss daily. If you have an abscess, you’ll need to see a dentist to have it drained. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. 1. Gum abscess: Gum abscesses typically present with swelling and painful. An abscess that develops on the gums is often referred to as a gum boil. Treatment includes draining the abscess, antibiotics, and home remedies. A gingival abscess, or gum abscess, is an abscess in the gum that forms on the surface of the tissue at the gum line of the teeth (gingiva). Mostly, dental experts prescribe antibiotics course before any tooth. Swelling and redness of the gum. However, if you do develop a gum abscess, you’ll need to visit a dentist for treatment. Periodontal abscesses are the result of an infection that has moved deeper into gum areas (on the outside surfaces of a tooth), and a periapical abscess refers to a tooth with an infection of the dental pulp (starting inside a tooth). Periodontal abscess: An infection that occurs deep in the gum pockets between the tooth and the gum. The affected tooth may become tender to touch, and may even become loose. Add some salt to a cup of water and rinse for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the oozing infection. Thephilsblogbar said: I had an abscess a few years ago, I could tell by the taste and feeling in my mouth, as I had an abscess in 2006 with the similar taste and feeling, and pain. After you’ve diluted the oregano oil, apply a few drops of the diluted oil to a swab or cotton ball. Swelling of the face. What’s more, an abscess could form and transfer bacteria into your bloodstream. A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus in the tissues of the gum. The abscess is usually spread out over a larger surface area on the gums rather than a pinpoint location. A dental abscess is a collection of pus in or around a tooth. You can get it when plaque builds up under your gums and releases bacteria into your mouth. This remedy is prescribed when there is an abscess of pus and blood in the gums present. A tooth infection or Abscess is the result of bacteria entering the pulp chamber of the tooth and causing inflammation of the pulp tissue leading to the formation of pus in the periapical area which is called an abscess. The other type, a periodontal (gum) abscess, affects the gums. Slacking off on your routine during recovery will only encourage the problem to spread. If tartar builds up too much, or if food gets stuck. After a tooth extraction an abscess will go away because you've removed the source of the infection and also established a path of drainage. A dental abscess can be very painful and is typically linked to gum disease or a. Limit juices / fizzy drinks to meal times, have water in between. Simply wet a tea bag and apply it to the affected tooth and gum for 15 to 20 minutes. The Connection Between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease. This could be due to food trapped deep in their gums, an injury to the mouth, or poor oral hygiene that leads to untreated cavities. A pus pocket on the gums, also known as a gum abscess or periodontal abscess, is a painful condition caused by localized inflammation and the formation of pus pockets in the tissues supporting the teeth. Updated: Apr 26. Dentist: Dr. An abscess on the gums is called a periodontal abscess. Clindamycin treats numerous serious bacterial infections. Take the empty glass, pour two capfuls of hydrogen peroxide into it, and dilute it with three. If the abscess is only within the bone, it would not work because the oregano oil cannot reach it. Popcorn hulls can act as a foreign body and irritate the gums, which may lead to an infection. Gingival abscess: Another name for a gingival abscess is a gum abscess. Make a 1- to 2-cm incision into the abscess near its most fluctuant point but not into necrotic or friable tissue if possible. Beneath the enamel is a different dental hard tissue known as dentin. It is important to note that bacteria can reach the due to a dental abscess or another oral hygiene issue like periodontitis. . . However, gum abscesses are slightly different from a dental abscess. When you bite popcorn in the wrong direction, the hulls can get stuck in your teeth or gums. Spit the oil into a trash can, not a sink. To drain a gingival abscess start with local anesthetic. If tartar builds up too. Symptoms of a gum abscess in dogs. There are two types of dental abscesses: A periapical, or tooth abscess, affects the tooth's root. This can cause swelling, pain, inflammation, and sometimes an abscess, which is a pocket of pus in the gum. If using store-bought colloidal silver, apply a dropperful to a cotton ball and place it on the abscess. Persons who don’t maintain proper dental hygiene are at risk of it. Additionally, the gingival abscess forms when a foreign body like a toothpick splinter, a bristle of toothbrush lodges in the gums. Most of these things just controlled the abscess. A tooth infection happens when bacteria cause an inflammatory response in your tooth and lead to the buildup of pus. Over-the-counter Drugs. Most of the time they develop without any symptoms until it flares up. They are characterized as a collection of pus which collects in the tissue of the body. There are two most common abscess types: periapical abscess which affects the end of a tooth and the periodontal abscess that forms in the gingival tissue. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Open bite of oral cavity, initial encounter. Considering I’m not in any pain and looking at pictures of the kinds of abscesses that can occur in the mouth (and Web MDing the symptoms lol) I’m assuming I have a gingival abscess. He will prescribe antibiotics or any other treatment option according to the level of damage. 1. The main cause of a gum boil is bacteria — often from plaque, food particles, or. Gum abscesses are slightly different from tooth abscesses, though they may share some of the same symptoms and treatments. It can also lead to serious complications if left untreated. An abscess on the gums is called a periodontal abscess. Every abscess is different so the oils you may use might vary but typically, the four I used would be the most effective. Dental abscesses are often very painful. Let your. Hold the cotton ball in place for 5 minutes, discard, and repeat every few hours. A gum infection. Pus can build up in the gum because a periodontal abscess has developed there. . If left untreated, it can lead to the death of your tooth. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Doctors can treat gum cancer with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. A wisdom tooth abscess can occur when the wisdom teeth are removed and bacteria enter the empty socket. In some cases, a root canal or tooth. The infected gum abscess will look red, swollen, and resemble a small pimple. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease is another potential cause: When harmful bacteria begin to flourish in protected pockets beneath the gums, an abscess may develop. Radiating to your jawbone, neck or ear. The second and more advanced form of gum abscess is the periodontal abscess. A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Normally it don’t cause pain but I foolishly ate gummy bears that were a brand that’s really tough to chew. Repeat up to three times per day. Your vet will also perform additional X-rays and a full dental examination during the procedure. With proper treatment, a tooth abscess doesn't normally get too severe. Significant improvement occurs within three to five days. The affected tooth may become tender to touch, and may even become loose. Peppermint. A tooth abscess differs from a gum abscess by the source of the original infection. Learn how to recognize the signs, get medical treatment, and prevent complications from this article. First off- well done getting it done!! With root canal- the procedure cleans out and then fills the root canals which were the source of the bugs which caused the infection/abscess. It should only be used for dental problems on the recommendation of a dentist. Use this diluted solution to hold and swish in your mouth for 2 minutes. Let's talk about what CAUSES an abscessed tooth, how to TREAT an abscess & how to PREVENT an abscess, as well! Tooth and gum abscess stages vary, depending o. 1. A gum boil is an abscess that forms on the gum. Baking soda is another effective way to drain tooth abscesses at home. This makes it difficult for you to try to pop and drain it. Food particles that are stuck between the teeth for a long time may also lead to an abscess. However, dental infection often completely destroys the blood vessels that supply the inside of the tooth. Another option is to brush your teeth using sage and sea salt tooth powder. Here are eight gum abscess symptoms you should know and watch for. A bad scratch or puncture on the gum tissue might not seem serious, but it can cause a. Applying ice to the area constricts the blood vessels, which reduces pain and swelling. This is the easiest remedy of all and effectively helps drain the gum’s abscess after you pop it during the early stage. Let’s have a look at the rest of antibiotics, which best work for dental infections and tooth/gum abscesses. bad breath. An abscessed tooth usually has a dark halo visible around the tooth roots on an X-ray. Recurrent abscess: If you are experiencing recurring swellings on your gums, then you have the signs of a chronic periodontal (gum) infections. Other signs and symptoms of a gum abscess include swelling, redness, bleeding and pain. An emergency dentist can help if you have an abscess. The abscess becomes prone to injury as it grows in size. 1. October 9, 2020. Gum Abscess. Signs and symptoms of tooth abscess. Inflammation: depending on your dog's face shape and the. It radiates to the ear, the jaw and the neck. Browse 473 professional gum abscess stock photos, images & pictures available royalty-free. Increased pain at night. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, occurs due to poor oral hygiene. It looks like a small red ball pushing out of the swollen gum. carlooller. An abscess can occur with serious gum disease (periodontitis), which causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Tearing pain in the teeth is also felt. Occasionally, a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for. Gum Disease. This is because the decay process can take a while to reach and damage the pulp at the center of a tooth. When the bacteria attack the tooth and create. WHAT IS A TOOTH ABSCESS?A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection of the tooth a. While a cyst is a sac enclosed by distinct abnormal cells, an abscess is a pus-filled infection in your body caused by, for example, bacteria or fungi. Yes, doxycycline could help your tooth abscess, but depends of the type of bacteria present and if you have any dental problems that have caused the infection. Seeing a little blood when you do this is normal. This pimple is full of pus and is what we call a parulis or more commonly a gum boil. A gingival abscess that involves only the gum tissue, without affecting either the tooth or the periodontal ligament. Late afternoon, and after. Periodontal abscess: this is a result of an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. Teas such as peppermint and chamomile, which have antibacterial and calming properties, can aid in tooth abscess pain relief. Baking soda rinse. Gum abscess: Everything you need to know. An oral or a dental abscess can be of three types usually. Behere. The symptoms of ANUG are usually more severe than those of gum disease and can include: bleeding, painful gums; painful ulcers An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops when a wound of some sort becomes infected. Sometimes, gum trauma, gum surgery, or a weakened immune system may cause a gum boil. An acute abscess could happen if the wound in the gum closes completely and traps the pus in the gums and bone. You may also see a swollen spot as the abscess fills with fluid. As it gets bigger and bigger, the gums gets stretched thinne. It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, meaning that it can be used against unwanted or harmful bacteria in your body. The only difference is the type of tissue affected. Puffy gums. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water. A toothache is often caused by decay, however, infections can also enter damaged teeth. Your dentist’s goal is to prevent the spread of the infection caused by abscesses. The black spot is a keratin plug which connects with the underlying cyst. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. #2. Also known as a dental abscess, a tooth infection occurs when bacteria infects either gum tissue or the area around the tooth’s root. Sepsis, which was often called blood poisoning, is. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. If the bacteria gain access to the deeper tissues, such as through a crack or decay, they overgrow and trigger an acute inflammation. It should be treated by a dentist who will drain the abscess, clean it, and maybe prescribe antibiotics. A tooth infection or “tooth abscess” is a collection of pus and bacteria that forms inside the tooth or gum. It is associated with the great sensitivity of teeth. Penicillin refers to a class of antibiotics that includes penicillin and amoxicillin. Breast Abscess. If you think you may have a recurrent gum abscess, schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible. 5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 6 teaspoons of carrier oil. Immediate treatment is needed—not only to relieve pain, but also. Infections in the mouth can grow rapidly. . This leaves deep pockets where bacteria can grow. This lets him or her evaluate the rest of your dog’s teeth for any problems. infection. CausesDr. Soak in a lukewarm bath. But not to worry, with the right treatment, you can recover. An abscessed tooth may occur after dental work, or it may stem from poor oral health. Salt water is extremely effective for most. If not treated, the infection could spread to the gums and bone of the mouth. There are two main types of gum abscess: gingival and periodontal. Damage to the tooth, untreated tooth decay, or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth. Dental Abscess Symptoms. Abscesses form at the root of your teeth. In some cases,. The evidence shows that plaque (un brushed teeth) + sugar + time = tooth decay. Abscess which appears as gum boils forms on the infected area. It is a pus-filled pocket that needs immediate dental attention, ranging from incision and drainage to tooth extraction. For healing wounds like this, a dentist may first suggest you rinse with warm water before applying a cold compress to gums with abscesses to reduce any swelling. It belongs to a group of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. Adult (permanent) teeth identified by numbersGum cancer can cause sores and thickening of the gums. Antibiotics to get rid of tooth infection is preferred in many cases before starting the treatment. Gum abscesses usually occur in severe periodontal disease cases, when the gums have. Ceadda. Food and debris get caught between the gum and tooth, causing the infection. Cheek and gum swelling often indicates an infection of the gums or a tooth abscess. The most common type of abscess is a dental abscess, which can occur when a tooth becomes infected. Periapical abscess symptoms may include: Pain when chewing or biting. Now that they have been filled the body. He didn't believe me or didn't care. To summarize, a boil on the gums after a root canal is NOT normal. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Swish around the mouth for a few moments, and then rinse until the mixture is completely removed. . Combine 1/2 tablespoon baking soda with 1/2 cup water and a pinch of salt. Difference between cyst and abscess. Both types of abscess consist of small pockets that fill with bacterial fluid or pus. Treatment of Dental Abscesses. Here are some common symptoms to look out for: Severe toothache that can be throbbing, sharp or continuous. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cleveland Clinic, and American Cancer Society (ACS) report on the risk factors for oral cancer. Periodontal abscesses are the result of an infection that has moved deeper into gum areas (on the outside surfaces of a tooth), and a periapical abscess refers to a tooth with an infection of the dental pulp (starting inside a tooth). Without treatment, periodontitis. It means that you will need to have the tooth disinfected once again, which entails redoing the root canal and doubling up on the disinfection protocol. I didn't leave an abscess untreated, I all but begged a previous dentist to x ray my mouth because I was in agony. The most common type of dental abscess is a periapical abscess, and the second most common is a periodontal abscess. Just like a salt water rinse, you can prepare a baking soda rinse. Another possible cause of pus in gums is if you have periodontitis or a severe type of gum infection. Gum Abscess Treatment. The abscess may feel like a soft, warm bump. In addition, gum abscess pain can be effectively reduced with this treatment. Contributing factors include food, foreign-body, or residual tartar impaction into the gum area. Rex Hoang. Gum disease, tooth loss linked to increased dementia risk in new review. Tooth related abscesses occur inside the tooth (known as the pulp) and will appear at the tip of the tooth’s root before spreading to the bone. It is caused by the long-term buildup of plaque and tartar below the gums. If you suspect a gum abscess in your child’s gums, get them to a dentist immediately. Salt has natural antiseptic properties and will also reduce inflammation. Swollen lymph nodes in. Gum disease begins when plaque forms on your teeth. If a gum bleeds they may also use a. First, rinse out your mouth with warm water and then use a tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Although both are pockets of bacterial infection that cause pain and other symptoms, a tooth abscess starts in the pulp or root. This will reduce plaque accumulation on or between your teeth and beneath your gum line.