Gumboil

/ˈɡʌmbɔɪl/ noun

Definition

An abscess or small boil on the gum near the base of a tooth, caused by infection.

Etymology

From 'gum' (the soft tissue around teeth) plus 'boil' (an infected swelling), combining two simple English words to describe a common and painful dental problem.

Kelly Says

A gumboil is actually an infection that can signal serious underlying dental problems—it's the mouth's way of draining infection from a dead tooth, which is why dentists take them seriously even though they look relatively minor compared to the cavity or decay causing them.

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