Can an abscess on the gum cause fever and joint pain?
Patient: I had a surgical abortion Tuesday and now I am feeling ill. I have what feels like the flu, suffering with muscle and joint pains, fever and feeling extremely fragile. I was giving a dose of antibiotics which I had to take after the procedure and I did to stop infection. Also I have what seems like a tiny boil come up on my gum with puss in it, however there is no pain at all. So I'm wondering if I should be worried about being so ill after my abortion or could it potentially be an abscess on my gum cause I know that can make you unwell, but I always thought an abscess is painful. Thanks Emma Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. It looks like you have infection in your body that is the cause of the symptoms that you are facing that can be probably a viral infection as you have flu like symptoms.The boil over the gum does not seems to be the culprit, as your explanation is not looking like a severe gum infection causing abscess or a boil formation..So my suggestion is to consult your doctor or an Emergency room and get yourself checked and a clinical examination and if needed an x ray can be done to confirm the diagnosis and treatment can be done accordingly..For now you can take Acetaminophen to reduce fever and aches.For the gum boil you can do warm saline gargles, antiseptic mouthwash gargles and apply Chlorohexidine gel over it.If it does not improve or continue to worsen consult  a Dentist and get checked.If it looks like  a tooth abscess an x ray can be done for confirmation..Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Honey Arora