PENN PACIFIC DENTAL CENTER · 160 ROBINSON ROAD · NEAR TANJONG PAGAR MRT
Pimple on Gum or Gum Boil
A small pimple-like bump on the gum, sometimes called a gum boil, is often a sign that infection is draining from somewhere near a tooth root. Some patients notice it appears and disappears repeatedly. Others have little or no pain despite the visible bump. In most cases, the infection is still present even if the bump settles temporarily.
Or call us: +65 6904 8482
What is a pimple on the gum?
A pimple-like bump on the gum is called a sinus tract, or parulis. It is not a skin pimple. It is the external opening of a channel that has formed through the bone and gum tissue, allowing pus from an infected tooth root to drain to the surface.
​
The bump appears at the gum surface but the source of the infection is deeper, at or near the tip of a tooth root. The sinus tract forms because the body creates a pathway for the pressure of infection to release rather than allowing it to build up and spread further.
What does it look like?
It typically appears as a small raised bump on the gum, white, yellow, or flesh-coloured, near a specific tooth. It may release fluid or pus when pressed. Some patients describe an unpleasant taste when it drains. It can range in size from a small dot to a few millimetres across.
Why is there often no pain?
Because the sinus tract allows pressure to release, the acute throbbing pain that would otherwise build up is often absent. The nerve inside the tooth may also have died, removing the pain response entirely. This is why many patients are surprised to find an active infection on X-ray despite having no significant discomfort. The absence of pain does not mean the infection has cleared.
Why does the gum pimple keep coming back?
The bump drains, reduces in size, and appears to go away. Then it returns. This cycle happens because the source of infection inside the tooth or surrounding bone has not been treated. The sinus tract is a symptom of the infection, not the infection itself.
​
As long as the source remains, the body continues to produce pus. The sinus tract may close temporarily when pressure reduces, then reopen when pressure builds again. Treating the bump itself, for example by squeezing it, does nothing to address the underlying cause.
What causes the infection in the first place?
The most common causes are:
​
-
A dental abscess from a tooth with a dead or infected pulp
-
Infection related to a previously root canal treated tooth that has not fully healed
-
A cracked tooth that has allowed bacteria to enter the pulp
-
Severe gum disease affecting the bone around a specific tooth
​
In each case, bacteria have entered the tooth or surrounding bone and the immune system cannot clear the infection without treatment to address the source.
A gum pimple that keeps returning needs to be assessed
The bump draining does not mean the infection has cleared. WhatsApp us or call and we will arrange an assessment. Penn Pacific Dental Center is at 160 Robinson Road, near Tanjong Pagar MRT.
In the meantime: avoid pressing the area. Rinse gently with water or warm salt water. If swelling spreads, fever develops, or swallowing or breathing becomes difficult, go to A&E immediately.
Or call us: +65 6904 8482
When is a gum pimple a sign of something more serious?
A sinus tract that drains quietly without pain is still an active infection. Left untreated over a long period it can cause progressive bone loss around the root, affect adjacent teeth, and in some cases become an acute abscess if the drainage pathway closes and pressure builds.
​
This is particularly relevant near a root canal treated tooth, where a recurring pimple may indicate the original treatment has not fully resolved the infection.
Go to A&E immediately if you have:
-
Facial or jaw swelling spreading rapidly
-
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
-
High fever alongside swelling
-
Inability to open your mouth
​
These are signs infection has spread beyond the tooth and requires immediate medical attention.
See a dentist promptly if you have:
-
A bump on the gum that has been present for more than a week
-
A bump that drains and returns repeatedly
-
Any swelling of the gum or face near a specific tooth
-
An unpleasant taste that keeps returning
-
A tooth that feels different when biting near the affected area
What happens at a dental assessment for a gum pimple?
The assessment focuses on identifying the source of the infection and determining whether root canal treatment, extraction, or another approach is most appropriate.
Clinical examination
The affected area and nearby teeth are examined. The sinus tract may be traced with a small instrument to identify which tooth it originates from. This is important because the bump on the surface is not always directly next to the source tooth.
Imaging
X-rays and in some cases a cone beam CT scan are taken to assess the periapical area around the root tip, the extent of any bone involvement, and the anatomy of the root canal system. This guides the treatment plan.
Treatment options
If the tooth can be saved, root canal treatment removes the infected pulp tissue, disinfects the canal system, and allows the surrounding bone to heal over time. The sinus tract closes once the source of infection is removed. If the sinus tract is near a tooth that has already been root canal treated, root canal retreatment may be considered as part of the assessment. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction eliminates the infection at its source. For more on dental abscesses and how infection spreads, see our dental abscess page. Treatment options are explained clearly before anything proceeds.
Treating gum infections at Penn Pacific Dental Center
Dr. Barry Yu
Assessments for gum pimples, sinus tracts, and dental infections at Penn Pacific Dental Center are carried out by Dr. Barry Yu. He performs root canal procedures under a dental operating microscope and uses cone beam CT imaging as part of his assessment workflow, which helps identify the source of infection accurately before treatment begins.
​
Penn Pacific Dental Center is at 160 Robinson Road in Singapore's CBD, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT.
Common questions about a pimple on the gum
Is a pimple on the gum the same as a dental abscess?
Not exactly, but they are related. A dental abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection inside or around a tooth. A sinus tract or gum boil is the drainage point that forms when the abscess finds a pathway to the surface. The bump is a sign that an abscess is present, not the abscess itself.
Can a gum boil go away without treatment?
The bump may appear to resolve temporarily when the abscess drains and pressure reduces. However, the source of infection inside the tooth or bone remains. Without treatment the infection persists, the sinus tract typically returns, and progressive bone loss can occur over time.
Should I squeeze the gum pimple?
No. Squeezing the bump does not treat the source of infection. It can irritate the tissues and does not remove the infection source. It may provide temporary relief from pressure but will not resolve the underlying problem.
Can a tooth with a gum boil be saved?
In many cases yes. If the tooth structure is intact and there is sufficient bone support, root canal treatment can clear the infection and allow the surrounding tissue to heal. The sinus tract typically closes once the source of infection is removed. Whether the tooth can be saved depends on the specific findings at assessment.
How long can a gum boil be left before it becomes dangerous?
There is no reliable timeline. A quietly draining sinus tract can persist for months without becoming an acute emergency, but it is causing ongoing bone loss throughout that time. If the drainage pathway closes, pressure can build rapidly and the situation can become acutely painful and swollen. Early assessment is always preferable to waiting.
Is Penn Pacific Dental Center near Tanjong Pagar MRT?
Yes. The clinic is at 160 Robinson Road, #05-14 SBF Center, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East-West Line). It is also accessible from Shenton Way MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line) and Telok Ayer MRT (Downtown Line).
Get your gum pimple assessed
A pimple on the gum that keeps returning needs prompt assessment to identify the source of infection. Penn Pacific Dental Center is at 160 Robinson Road, near Tanjong Pagar MRT. WhatsApp us or call and we will arrange an appointment as soon as possible.