Can you squeeze out pus from an inflamed wisdom tooth by yourself?

When an inflamed wisdom tooth produces pus, you must never try to squeeze it yourself. Doing so may easily spread the infection and worsen the inflammation. If pus appears or pain intensifies, seek medical attention promptly. A dentist will professionally clean and drain the pus using appropriate techniques such as irrigation and drainage.

The oral cavity naturally contains numerous bacteria. When attempting to squeeze out pus manually, bacteria from hands or unsterilized tools can enter deeper tissues through the wound, potentially causing a space infection in the jaw and face. This may lead to symptoms such as facial swelling, fever, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties, significantly complicating treatment.

Moreover, self-squeezing rarely removes all the pus effectively. Residual pus continues to irritate the gums, leading to recurrent inflammation. The squeezing process may also damage nearby blood vessels and nerves, increasing pain or causing other complications, thus prolonging recovery time.

For daily care, rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals to maintain oral hygiene; avoid touching the inflamed area with your hands to prevent bacterial growth; and consume mild, liquid-based foods to minimize chewing irritation.