So for the past few months, there's this recurring blister thing on the base of my tooth. It's exactly at the base, maybe only a few millimeters from the tooth itself.

It's small, like a canker sore, and doesn't hurt. I usually pop it, and clear liquid will come out, leaving a red mark on the gum. Then a few weeks/months later, it happens again and I do the same thing - pops it.

I did a bit of reading and seems like this could be an abscess? The tooth seems healthy though. I went to the dentist last December and I didn't say anything cos then, this blister wasn't 'on'. I know I probably should have left it alone and showed the dentist, but... impatient me.

So... thoughts? Thanks!

I'm going to see my dentist on Monday, but if I have to leave for a long trip till early next month and probably won't be able to have big procedures done soon... will it be a problem? So far the tooth hasn't been acting up though *knocks wood*

Hi royale,

An infected tooth may or may not be painful. So pain is not always a good way to measure a tooth problem.

A recurring sore or pimple that occurs through the gum below the top portion of the tooth can be a few things.

One... If the tooth is infected, the pimple is called a fistula. This occurs when the tooth is abscessed and it's the body's response to reducing the inflammation. The bacteria burrows a hole through the bone looking for a way to relieve the pressure. A draining fistula does not mean the infection is draining out and after awhile the tooth will be healthy again ... it just means there is a "temporary" decrease of inflammation as long as the fistula is draining. After awhile the fistula closes off and then swelling occurs.

Two...there are several salivary ducts in the mouth than can swell up when irritated or infected. Some of them are near some teeth. If one of these ducts chronically swells up then it needs to be evaluated for a possible infection or small stone. Sometimes a person can have a food allergy that would cause a duct to swell up... typically associated with spicy foods, some cheese, etc.

Three... it could be a recurring ulceration again due to infection or food allergy/sensitivity.

It is wise to see your dentist on monday to have the area evaluated and xrays should be taken to determine if there is an infection.

It may help to rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day to keep the area clean. If you pop the sore do so with a clean q-tip and not your finger to reduce the likelihood of bacteria entering the sore. Then follow with warm salt water. However, do not continue to do this on a regular basis until you see your dentist.

Bryanna