Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although they are a natural part of human dental anatomy, wisdom teeth can often lead to oral health issues. One of the most common and problematic conditions is a wisdom tooth infection. An infected wisdom tooth can cause discomfort, pain, and even serious complications if left untreated. This blog will explore the symptoms of infected wisdom teeth, their causes and treatment options, and why you should seek dental care if you suspect an infection.
What Is an Infected Wisdom Tooth?
An infected wisdom tooth occurs when bacteria infect the tooth or its surrounding gum tissues. Wisdom teeth are the last to emerge and often do not have enough space to grow properly. This can lead to dental problems, including impacted wisdom teeth, gum disease, and infections.
Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
The symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Below are some common infected wisdom tooth symptoms:
1. Pain and Swelling
One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth is severe pain in the back of the mouth, usually where the tooth is trying to erupt. The pain is often accompanied by swelling of the gums around the affected tooth. The pain may worsen when chewing or touching the tooth, and it can radiate to the surrounding teeth and jaw.
- What to look for: Sharp or throbbing pain near the impacted wisdom or nearby teeth.
- Severity: The pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, making it difficult to eat or speak.
2. Facial Swelling and Jaw Pain
An infection in the wisdom tooth can lead to swelling in the jaw and face, often on one side. Facial swelling is a sign that the infection may spread to surrounding tissues. If the infection reaches deeper areas, it can cause significant pain and difficulty moving the jaw.
- What to look for: Swelling that may extend from the affected gums to the jaw or neck.
- Severity: Swelling is often accompanied by tenderness, and the jaw may feel stiff or difficult to move.
3. Red, Inflamed Gums and Bleeding
If the wisdom tooth partially erupted, the gum tissue around it may become inflamed and red. In some cases, the gum tissue may bleed when brushing or chewing. This indicates that the gums are infected and may require medical intervention.
- What to look for: Red gums around the affected tooth, bleeding gums, and inflammation in the mouth.
- Severity: The bleeding may be minimal but can increase if the infection worsens.
4. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
An infected wisdom tooth can cause a bad taste or bad breath due to the buildup of bacteria and pus around the affected area. This is particularly common when the tooth partially erupts, as food particles can get trapped under the gum tissue.
- What to look for: A foul taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away, even after brushing.
- Severity: Persistent bad breath (halitosis) and unpleasant taste may indicate an ongoing infection.
5. Difficulty Eating and Swallowing
An infected wisdom tooth can make chewing difficult, especially if the pain is severe. The inflammation can affect the ability to open the mouth fully, and swelling can make eating and swallowing more difficult. Foods that are hard or require a lot of chewing may cause discomfort.
- What to look for: Difficulty eating or swallowing and painful chewing when the affected side of the mouth is used.
- Severity: Difficulty chewing may vary depending on how the infection affects the surrounding tissues.
6. Fever and Malaise
As the infection spreads, you may experience a fever and a general feeling of being unwell. This is a sign that the body is fighting off the infection. Fever often accompanies more severe infections and should not be ignored.
- What to look for: Elevated body temperature or fever in combination with other wisdom tooth infection symptoms.
- Severity: A fever can signal a more serious infection, requiring immediate dental treatment.
Causes of a Wisdom Tooth Infection
Several factors can lead to a wisdom tooth infection. The most common causes include:
1. Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly, they may only erupt partially through the gums, leaving a flap of tissue over the tooth. This can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to an infection. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection as they provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, and infection around the gum tissue.
- Risk factors: Limited space for the tooth to fully emerge, poor oral hygiene, or failure to properly clean the area around the tooth.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the tooth does not emerge properly or is blocked by other teeth. If the tooth pushes against the gum tissue, causing damage to the surrounding area, it can lead to infection. Impacted teeth often become infected due to the difficulty of cleaning the area.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and infection around the wisdom teeth.
- Risk factors: Crowded teeth, genetics, and lack of space in the jaw.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to maintain good oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar around the wisdom tooth, increasing the risk of infection. Plaque buildup can cause gum disease, eventually leading to wisdom tooth infections.
- Symptoms: Red, swollen gums, pain near the affected tooth, and bad breath.
- Risk factors: Irregular brushing and flossing, lack of regular dental checkups, and using the wrong techniques for cleaning the teeth.
4. Tooth Decay
Like any other tooth, wisdom teeth can experience tooth decay if not properly cleaned. Decay in a wisdom tooth can lead to an infected tooth and affect the surrounding gum tissue.
- Symptoms: Pain, discomfort, and visible cavities or damage to the wisdom tooth.
- Risk factors: Poor diet, sugary foods, and lack of dental care.
Treatment for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
The treatment for an infected wisdom tooth depends on the severity of the infection and the specific cause. Here are some common treatment options:
1. Antibiotics
If bacteria cause the infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. Antibiotics can reduce swelling, prevent infection, and promote faster healing.
- What to expect: Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases of significant infection, usually for a week or two.
- Warning: Antibiotics should be taken to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure the infection is fully treated.
2. Pain Relievers
Pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be recommended to relieve the pain associated with the infection. Pain relievers help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation while the infection is treated.
- What to expect: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce swelling and manage pain.
- Warning: Use pain medication as directed, and consult your dentist if the pain persists.
3. Wisdom Teeth Removal
In many cases, wisdom teeth removal is the best solution for an infected wisdom tooth. If the tooth is impacted or unable to emerge properly, extraction may be necessary to prevent further infection and complications. In more severe cases, oral surgery may be required to remove the tooth.
- What to expect: Your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction if the infection is severe or recurrent.
- Procedure: Depending on the complexity of the procedure, wisdom tooth extraction can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
4. Warm Salty Water Rinse
A warm, salty water rinse is a simple home remedy for soothing an infected wisdom tooth. This can help reduce swelling, clean the affected area, and soothe the gums.
- What to expect: A gentle rinse with salt water can help clean the mouth and ease discomfort. However, it should not replace professional dental care.
- Warning: Avoid using hot water, which can irritate the area further.
Conclusion
An infected wisdom tooth can cause significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. If you experience pain when chewing, swelling, or other common wisdom tooth infection symptoms, it is important to seek prompt dental care. Wisdom teeth removal may be necessary in some cases to prevent further complications, while antibiotics and pain management can help manage the infection.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, seeking timely dental treatments, and following the instructions of your dentist in Greensborough, VIC can alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term damage to your oral health. Don’t ignore the signs of an infected wisdom tooth—consult with an oral health professional as soon as possible to avoid more serious complications.
References
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/wisdom-teeth
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wisdom-tooth-infection#:~:text=What%20to%20know%20about%20a%20wisdom%20tooth%20infection&text=Symptoms%20of%20a%20wisdom%20tooth,the%20four%20additional%20wisdom%20teeth.
https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-infection
