Abscess or Ulcer on gum - Would I know the difference?

[ElatedDeer]

This feels pretty trivial, but I have health anxiety and looking for any experiences or reassuring words from others.

I have what feels like a spot on the gum just behind my back tooth. Painful when I eat or touch it, especially if having something acidic. If I’m not thinking about it it’s not particularly painful (but I am starting to spiral a bit).

My kids currently have hand, foot and mouth and so I thought that it was likely an ulcer. I’ve had a bit of a sore throat and dry mouth too. However, after looking at it and seeing that it’s more of a lump I’m worried it’s actually an abscess.

Would I know the difference between the two? Is there anything I should look
out for? I had a horrible experience a couple of months ago when I had mastitis (at the weekend obv) and had to stay in hospital to get IV antibiotics and I’m so worried about having that happen again. How much of an emergency is a suspected abscess?

Sorry for a long post - thanks in advance for any support.

Sounds like you've also got hand foot and mouth to me. If it was an abscess you'd have pain all around your jaw and face too on that side. Hope you feel better soon

An abscess usually leaves you in no doubt - I’m good at dealing with pain but tooth abscess pain is beyond painful, utterly distracting.

Thank you both for replying. It’s a small thing but my mind spirals into worst case scenario so easily at the moment, so sometimes just hearing that reassurance back eases things. Appreciate you taking the time!