Pericoronitis is the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most frequently a lower wisdom tooth, or third molar. This condition develops because the partially exposed tooth crown creates a flap of gum tissue, known as an operculum, which traps food debris and bacteria, leading to irritation and infection. When this happens, many people first look for options to manage the discomfort at home. While self-care methods can offer temporary relief from the symptoms, they do not resolve the underlying structural issue causing the repeated infection.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis symptoms are typically localized around the affected tooth. You will experience pain and tenderness at the back of the jaw, often near the emerging wisdom tooth. The gum tissue, or operculum, covering part of the tooth crown will appear swollen, red, and tender.
This localized swelling can make biting down uncomfortable as the opposing tooth may strike the inflamed tissue. A common symptom is a bad taste or odor in the mouth, which results from the buildup of bacteria and the potential discharge of pus from under the gum flap. The pain can sometimes radiate to the ear or the floor of the mouth, but the inflammation remains concentrated in the immediate area.
Safe At-Home Care and Temporary Relief
Managing pericoronitis at home focuses on reducing inflammation and keeping the area clean until a dental visit. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times daily is highly effective. Salt acts as a mild antiseptic, and the hypertonic solution helps draw fluid out of the swollen tissue, reducing pain. Dissolve about one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and gently swish it around the affected area for 30 seconds.
Use a small, needle-less syringe to gently flush the area under the gum flap, removing trapped food particles. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, manage discomfort and reduce localized swelling. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the cheek for short intervals can numb the pain and minimize swelling. These measures provide temporary comfort but must not replace professional dental care.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Dental Attention
While home care alleviates mild symptoms, certain signs indicate the infection is spreading and requires immediate professional assessment. Systemic symptoms, such as fever or chills, signal a widespread infection. Severe swelling extending beyond the gum to the cheek or neck is a sign of a spreading infection, potentially developing into cellulitis.
Difficulty opening the mouth, known as trismus, or pain and discomfort when swallowing (dysphagia) are particularly concerning warning signs. These symptoms suggest that the infection is affecting the muscles and tissues of the jaw and throat, which can sometimes threaten the airway. Any unrelenting, severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication also warrants an urgent visit to a dental professional to prevent serious complications.
Professional Treatment for Underlying Causes
Professional treatment first manages the acute infection. The dentist or oral surgeon will thoroughly clean and irrigate the area under the gum flap to flush out bacteria, pus, and debris. If significant swelling, pus, or systemic symptoms like fever are present, a course of prescription antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, will be provided.
Once the acute infection is controlled, the long-term solution addresses the anatomical cause to prevent recurrence. If the tooth is expected to erupt fully and the pericoronitis is a one-time event, the dentist may monitor the area. If the issue is chronic or the flap is large, a minor surgical procedure called an operculectomy may be performed to remove the excess gum tissue. The definitive treatment, especially if the wisdom tooth is impacted or poorly positioned, is surgical extraction, which permanently eliminates the space where food and bacteria collect.