The third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the final set of teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some discomfort is common as these teeth push through the gums, it can be difficult to distinguish this normal pressure from a serious bacterial infection. Identifying the specific symptoms and underlying causes of an infected wisdom tooth is essential for protecting your oral health and knowing when to seek professional attention.
Identifying the Key Symptoms of Infection
A true infection around the wisdom tooth, often called pericoronitis, presents with signs extending beyond simple tenderness. The pain is typically severe, described as throbbing or constant, and may radiate to the jaw, ear, or throat. This localized pain results from bacterial buildup and the inflammatory response in the surrounding soft tissues.
Swelling is a specific indicator of infection, appearing as redness and puffiness in the gum tissue immediately around the tooth, or noticeable swelling of the cheek or jaw. Another sign is trismus, or jaw stiffness, which makes it difficult to open the mouth fully or chew comfortably. This restricted movement occurs when inflammation affects the nearby chewing muscles.
The most definitive sign of infection is the presence of pus, a collection of dead white blood cells and bacteria. This discharge often causes a foul odor or a persistent bad, metallic taste as it drains from the infected area. Systemic symptoms indicate the infection has spread, including fever, chills, or noticeably swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw.
Anatomical Reasons Wisdom Teeth Become Infected
Infection is a frequent complication of wisdom teeth due to anatomical factors that create an ideal environment for bacteria. The most common issue is partial eruption, where the tooth only breaks through the gum line halfway, leaving a flap of soft tissue called an operculum covering part of the crown. This operculum acts as a trap, accumulating food particles, plaque, and oral bacteria that are difficult to remove with normal hygiene.
This accumulation of debris leads to inflammation and subsequent infection in the gum tissue, termed pericoronitis. Many wisdom teeth are also impacted, meaning they grow at an angle or are physically blocked from fully erupting due to lack of space in the jaw. Impaction exacerbates the problem by maintaining the gum flap and making the area nearly inaccessible for effective hygiene.
The location of these molars at the back of the mouth presents a persistent challenge for cleaning, even for non-impacted teeth. This poor access allows plaque and bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of gum infection and tooth decay. The combination of partial emergence, impaction, and poor access establishes a high-risk zone for recurrent infection.
Immediate Home Care and Professional Consultation
While waiting for a dental appointment, you can take steps to manage discomfort, though these measures do not cure the infection. Rinsing gently with warm salt water three to four times a day can help soothe inflamed tissues and flush away surface debris. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may temporarily dull the ache and reduce minor swelling.
A cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek over the affected area can help minimize external swelling. It is important to note that you should never place aspirin or other pain medication directly on the gums, as this can cause a chemical burn and damage the soft tissue. These home remedies offer only symptomatic relief, and a true bacterial infection requires professional intervention.
You should contact a dentist immediately if you experience severe, persistent pain that is unresponsive to medication, or if the swelling increases rapidly. Urgent professional care is necessary if the swelling begins to affect your ability to breathe or swallow, or if you develop a high fever, as these are signs the infection is spreading. A dentist will typically need to clean the area, and a course of antibiotics is often required to resolve the infection before considering drainage or removal of the tooth.