Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties, positioned at the very back of the mouth. While some individuals experience no issues, they frequently present various problems due to limited space in the jaw. A common complication is an infection, which can cause significant discomfort and potentially lead to more serious health concerns if not addressed. Understanding the indicators of such an infection is important for timely intervention and maintaining oral health.
Recognizing the Signs
An infected wisdom tooth, often referred to as pericoronitis, presents a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Localized pain around the affected tooth is a primary indicator, which may manifest as a dull ache or a throbbing sensation that can extend to the jaw, ear, or throat. The gum tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth commonly appears red, inflamed, and swollen, sometimes with pus or drainage visible from the area. This swelling can make it difficult to chew food or even to open the mouth fully, a condition known as trismus.
An unpleasant taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath, which is not resolved by regular oral hygiene, can also signal an infection. This is often due to the accumulation of bacteria and debris, or the presence of pus draining into the mouth. In more advanced cases, systemic symptoms may develop as the infection spreads beyond the immediate area. These can include a fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Some individuals might also experience headaches on the side of the infected tooth, or pain when swallowing. The presence of fluid oozing from around the tooth or a stiff jaw are also common complaints.
Why Wisdom Teeth Get Infected
Wisdom teeth often become infected due to their position and the way they emerge, or fail to emerge, in the mouth. When these molars only partially erupt through the gums, a flap of gum tissue, called an operculum, can form over part of the tooth. This creates a secluded space where food particles, plaque, and bacteria can easily become trapped.
The location at the very back of the mouth makes these areas challenging to clean effectively with regular brushing and flossing. This difficulty in maintaining hygiene allows bacteria to multiply, leading to an inflammatory response and subsequent infection in the surrounding soft tissues. Additionally, wisdom teeth may grow in at an awkward angle or become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, which further contributes to the difficulty of cleaning and increases the risk of infection.
When to See a Dentist
Experiencing any discomfort or symptoms related to your wisdom teeth warrants prompt professional dental attention. If pain in or around a wisdom tooth lasts for more than a few days, or if there is noticeable swelling in the gums, a dental visit is advisable. A dentist can accurately diagnose the cause of the symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.
Urgent dental care is needed if swelling rapidly increases in the affected area, or if it spreads to other parts of the face, jaw, or neck. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, or the presence of a fever alongside oral symptoms also indicate a need for urgent dental intervention.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
Delaying treatment for an infected wisdom tooth can lead to several negative consequences for oral and overall health. The infection can intensify and spread beyond the immediate area, potentially affecting adjacent teeth, the jawbone, and surrounding tissues. This spread can result in the formation of a dental abscess, which is a painful collection of pus requiring drainage.
In more severe, though rare, instances, the infection can extend into deeper spaces of the head and neck, leading to serious conditions such as cellulitis or Ludwig’s angina, which can compromise the airway. Bacteria from an untreated infection can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to a systemic infection known as sepsis. Ignoring these infections can also contribute to chronic pain, recurrent episodes of pericoronitis, and may necessitate more complex surgical interventions in the future.