Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically appearing in the late teenage years or early twenties. These teeth often cause issues because the human jaw frequently lacks sufficient space for their full eruption. When these molars cannot emerge properly, they become highly susceptible to infection. This information will help you recognize the signs of an infection around a wisdom tooth so you know when to seek professional care.
Identifying the Signs of Infection
An infected wisdom tooth presents with acute symptoms that extend beyond simple discomfort from eruption. Severe, continuous, or throbbing pain is a primary indicator of a developing problem. This pain typically localizes in the back of the jaw and may radiate toward the ear or the neck.
Physical signs of an infection include localized swelling of the gum tissue immediately surrounding the partially erupted tooth. The affected gum area will appear noticeably red and tender to the touch, often feeling swollen or puffy. You might also notice a bad taste or odor in your mouth that persists despite brushing, which is often caused by the drainage of pus.
If the infection is more advanced, you may experience difficulty swallowing due to the swelling extending into the throat. Another serious sign is trismus, which is the inability to fully open your mouth or jaw stiffness. Furthermore, the lymph nodes in your neck and under your jaw may become swollen and tender as your body attempts to fight the spreading bacteria.
Understanding Why Wisdom Teeth Get Infected
Most wisdom tooth infections are a specific type of gum inflammation called pericoronitis, which affects the tissue around a partially erupted tooth. This condition is directly related to the structural problems caused by the tooth’s position. When a wisdom tooth fails to fully emerge, it is considered impacted.
A partially erupted tooth allows a flap of gum tissue, known as an operculum, to remain covering a portion of the tooth crown. This tissue flap creates a secluded, warm, and dark space that is nearly impossible to clean effectively. Food debris, plaque, and oral bacteria become trapped under the operculum, multiplying rapidly and creating a breeding ground for infection.
The difficulty in cleaning is compounded by the tooth’s location at the very back of the mouth, making it hard to access. The continuous presence of bacteria and trapped matter triggers the inflammatory response that leads to pericoronitis. The bacteria most commonly associated with these infections include species like Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides.
Immediate Steps and Home Care
While you arrange a dental appointment, several steps can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth. Rinsing your mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution is an effective measure. Dissolving about one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swishing it gently helps to cleanse the area and reduce inflammation.
You can also use an over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwash to further reduce the bacterial load in the affected area. However, use these rinses gently and avoid vigorous swishing, which could irritate the already compromised tissue. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek for about 20 minutes at a time can help alleviate external swelling and numb the local pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can manage discomfort and help reduce inflammation. Strictly follow the dosing instructions on the package and do not exceed the recommended daily limits. Until you see a professional, avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could lodge themselves under the gum flap and worsen the irritation.
Professional Treatment and Resolution
The first step in professional treatment involves a thorough cleaning and flushing of the infected area by the dentist or oral surgeon. This procedure removes the trapped debris and bacteria from underneath the gum flap, which can provide immediate symptomatic relief. If the infection is localized and mild, this cleaning combined with meticulous home care may be sufficient to resolve the current episode.
For more severe infections, especially those presenting with fever, significant facial swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth, antibiotics are prescribed to control the spread of bacteria. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillin derivatives like amoxicillin or metronidazole. Take the full course of antibiotics as directed, even if symptoms begin to improve quickly.
The long-term resolution of recurrent pericoronitis usually involves the surgical removal of the wisdom tooth once the acute infection is under control. If the tooth is only partially erupted and cannot be cleaned effectively, extraction prevents future episodes of infection. Extraction is often the more definitive solution than removing just the problematic gum flap.