Pericoronitis is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding a tooth becomes inflamed. It typically affects teeth emerging through the gum line. This common dental issue causes discomfort and can lead to complications if not addressed.
Understanding Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is inflammation or infection of the operculum, a gum flap partially covering an erupting tooth. It arises when food, plaque, or bacteria become trapped beneath this flap. This trapped debris creates an environment for bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and infection. This can cause swelling and pain.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Involved
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are often associated with pericoronitis because they are the last teeth to erupt, usually in late teens or early twenties. Limited jaw space often prevents their full eruption. If a wisdom tooth partially erupts or is impacted, an operculum forms over it. This creates a pocket where food and bacteria accumulate, making cleaning difficult.
This difficulty makes wisdom teeth susceptible to pericoronitis. Partial eruption or impaction leaves gum tissue vulnerable to irritation and infection. An opposing tooth can also bite the inflamed operculum, causing further trauma. These factors explain why pericoronitis is most common around lower wisdom teeth.
When Pericoronitis Occurs Elsewhere
Pericoronitis can occur without wisdom teeth, though it is less common. It can affect any partially erupted tooth with an overlying gum flap where bacteria and debris accumulate. For instance, lower second molars can experience pericoronitis if partially erupted or impacted. This is sometimes seen in children aged 11-13 when their lower second molars erupt.
Even in adults without wisdom teeth, pericoronitis can arise if other teeth are partially impacted or if a gum flap persists over a fully erupted tooth. Mechanical trauma, like biting the operculum with an opposing tooth, also contributes to inflammation. While third molars are the primary site, the fundamental conditions for pericoronitis—a gum flap trapping bacteria—can occur around other teeth.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of pericoronitis range from mild discomfort to severe pain and swelling. Common indicators include tenderness, redness, and swelling around the affected tooth. Patients may also experience a bad taste, bad breath, or pus discharge. Severe cases can include difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), pain when swallowing, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
Treatment depends on the condition’s severity. Initial approaches often involve professional cleaning to flush out trapped food and bacteria. Your dentist might recommend rinsing with warm salt water or using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce inflammation and control bacteria. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
For recurrent or persistent cases, surgical options include removing the gum flap (operculectomy) or extracting the tooth. Prompt dental evaluation is important to prevent infection spread and manage discomfort.