Wisdom teeth, the final set of molars to emerge, can sometimes lead to various oral health concerns. Lymph nodes are small glands that filter harmful substances from the body and are part of the immune system, found throughout the body, including under the jaw and in the neck. Issues with wisdom teeth can directly influence these nearby lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
How Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Lymph Node Swelling
When wisdom teeth attempt to erupt or are impacted, they can create conditions conducive to inflammation and infection, which directly impacts the surrounding tissues. One common issue is pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth. Food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped under the gum flap, leading to bacterial overgrowth and localized infection. This infection triggers an immune response within the body.
The immune system dispatches white blood cells to combat the infection, and the regional lymph nodes, such as those beneath the jaw and in the neck, become active. These nodes swell as they work to filter bacteria and cellular debris from the infected area. In more severe cases, an untreated infection can progress to form a dental abscess, a pus-filled pocket. An abscess can intensify the immune response, causing more pronounced lymph node swelling. The body’s lymphatic system acts as a drainage network, and any significant inflammation or infection in the oral cavity from an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth can lead to noticeable enlargement of these nodes.
Accompanying Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth-Related Swelling
Swollen lymph nodes associated with wisdom teeth appear alongside other symptoms. Individuals may experience localized pain or tenderness in the jaw area, which can sometimes radiate towards the ear or temple. Difficulty opening the mouth fully, a condition known as trismus, is another common sign due to inflammation of the muscles and tissues surrounding the affected tooth. The gums around the wisdom tooth might appear red, swollen, or inflamed, sometimes with pus discharge.
An unpleasant taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath can also indicate an active infection. In some instances, the body’s systemic response to the infection can lead to a low-grade fever.
When to Seek Dental Attention
Seek dental attention if you experience persistent or worsening pain around a wisdom tooth, especially when accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. If you notice increasing difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if swelling spreads rapidly to other parts of your face, seek immediate dental evaluation. A high fever or any other signs of a spreading systemic infection also require urgent care.
A dentist can diagnose the issue through a thorough oral examination and dental X-rays. These images help determine the position of the wisdom tooth and assess for signs of impaction, infection, or abscess formation. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include antibiotics to resolve the infection or surgical extraction of the problematic wisdom tooth. Addressing the source of the infection is the most effective way to resolve the associated lymph node swelling.