The third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Their late arrival often coincides with a lack of space in the jaw, which can cause them to erupt only partially or at an awkward angle. This positioning creates an environment prone to developing a bacterial infection, often referred to as pericoronitis. Understanding the specific signs associated with this type of infection is important for seeking prompt treatment.
Identifying the Key Symptoms of Infection
The earliest and most noticeable sign of an infected wisdom tooth is localized, intense pain that can be throbbing or sharp. This discomfort frequently radiates outward, affecting the jawbone, the ear, or the side of the head. You may observe redness and significant swelling in the gum tissue immediately surrounding the erupting tooth.
A clear sign of active bacterial infection is drainage from the affected area. This discharge, often pus, results in a persistent foul taste in the mouth or noticeable bad breath, even with regular brushing. Swelling can also lead to trismus, which is a painful spasm of the jaw muscles that severely limits the ability to open the mouth fully.
When the infection spreads beyond the immediate site, systemic symptoms develop as the body attempts to fight the bacteria. This often manifests as a low-grade fever, indicating a generalized inflammatory response. The lymph nodes in the neck or beneath the jaw may also become noticeably swollen and tender to the touch. These generalized body responses signal that the bacterial overload is affecting more than just the immediate oral environment.
Understanding the Source of the Infection
The infection around a wisdom tooth stems from a specific anatomical problem created during the eruption process. When the third molar only partially breaks through the gum line, a small flap of soft tissue, the operculum, remains draped over part of the tooth’s crown. This structure forms a small, difficult-to-clean pocket between the gum and the tooth surface.
This newly formed space acts as a natural trap, collecting food particles, cellular debris, and oral bacteria. Within this sheltered environment, the bacteria multiply rapidly, creating an anaerobic niche that promotes infection. The inability to effectively clean this pocket with normal brushing or flossing allows the bacterial colony to flourish, causing the surrounding soft tissue to become inflamed and infected.
The risk is significantly compounded if the tooth is impacted, meaning it is growing sideways or angled toward the adjacent molar. This angled position makes it nearly impossible for the tooth to fully erupt, ensuring that the gum flap remains in place indefinitely. The constant presence of the operculum and the difficulty of accessing the area for hygiene maintain an environment that encourages recurrent episodes of infection.
Immediate Steps and When to Contact a Dentist
Immediate care for a suspected wisdom tooth infection focuses on temporary symptom relief and local cleansing. Gently rinsing the mouth several times daily with a warm saltwater solution helps flush out trapped debris and reduce localized inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can manage pain and swelling until professional care is available.
These steps offer temporary comfort but do not resolve the underlying bacterial infection, which requires professional intervention. Contact a dentist immediately if the pain is severe and unmanageable, or if symptoms do not improve after 24 hours of home care. Advancing infection is indicated by swelling that spreads noticeably into the cheek, face, or neck.
Emergency Signs
More serious signs require emergency dental or medical attention. These include difficulty swallowing or breathing, which can indicate the infection is spreading into deep tissue spaces. A persistent or high fever is also a clear signal that the body’s infection is systemic and needs immediate antibiotic treatment and evaluation.