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Wisdom teeth aren’t exactly known for being wise, are they? More like unwelcome guests that never seem to leave.
If one of these teeth gets infected, you’ll know it. Jaw pain, a foul taste in your mouth, and gum swelling are all unwelcome symptoms indicating you have an infection.
In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth and why it’s important to address it promptly.
Table of Contents
- What is an Infected Wisdom Tooth?
- Why Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?
- Treatment Options for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
- Preventive Measures for Healthy Wisdom Teeth
- Protect Your Oral Health—Book Your Wisdom Tooth Exam Now!
- Additional Resources
If you notice any signs of an infected wisdom tooth, don’t brush it off. Common symptoms include severe jaw or tooth pain, swollen or tender gums, and the presence of pus or fluid. You might also experience a bad taste or foul odor in your mouth, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw, and difficulty chewing or opening your mouth.
What is an Infected Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth infection happens when bacteria build up around your wisdom teeth.
This can result from food debris, poor oral hygiene, or the wisdom teeth not having enough space to grow properly.
These teeth, located at the back of your mouth, often don’t have enough room to emerge correctly, leading to infections, tooth decay, and gum issues.
Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to consult with a dental professional or oral surgeon:
- Severe pain in your jaw or teeth: Persistent or intense pain around your back teeth often indicates an infection. It can spread to neighboring teeth or gum tissue.
- Swollen or tender gums: When a wisdom tooth becomes infected, the gum tissue flap around it might swell or become red and inflamed. This swelling puts pressure on the surrounding areas and causes discomfort.
- Presence of pus or fluid: Pus or a fluid-filled bump near the back of your mouth is a sign of an infection. This occurs when bacteria accumulate and your body sends white blood cells to fight the infection.
- Unpleasant or foul taste and odor: A bad taste or foul smell in your mouth often results from bacterial buildup, decaying food particles, or a gum abscess.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Infected wisdom teeth can cause swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or neck. This is a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth: If you struggle to open your mouth or find it difficult to chew, your wisdom tooth infection may be affecting your jaw muscles and gums.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?
Wisdom teeth usually appear during late teens or early adulthood, but not everyone has the same dental structure.
Here are some common reasons why wisdom teeth get infected.
- Lack of space in your mouth: Many people don’t have enough room in their mouth for these teeth. This leads to impacted wisdom teeth, where the tooth grows at an angle or gets stuck against adjacent teeth.
- Accumulation of food particles and bacteria: Food particles can easily get trapped around wisdom teeth, especially when they only partially erupt. This creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Poor oral hygiene practices: If you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, bacterial growth can thrive. This increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and wisdom tooth infections.
- Gum tissue flaps (Pericoronitis): Sometimes, a flap of gum tissue grows over a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This gum flap traps food particles and bacteria, leading to gum infection, pain, and swelling.
Treatment Options for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
If you suspect an infected wisdom tooth, consult with an oral surgeon. Early intervention helps prevent gum abscesses, tooth decay, and jaw infections.
Here are some common treatment options:
1. Antibacterial Mouthwash
Use an antibacterial mouthwash or warm saltwater rinses (a mild saltwater solution) to reduce bacterial buildup and soothe gum pain.
2. Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications can provide temporary relief. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging or consult your dentist.
3. Professional Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning helps remove food particles, plaque, and surface bacteria, preventing future infections.
4. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your infection is severe or your tooth is impacted, an oral surgeon may recommend wisdom tooth extraction. The surgeon will remove the tooth or cut it into sections for an easier extraction.
Preventive Measures for Healthy Wisdom Teeth
Here’s how you can maintain good oral health and prevent wisdom tooth infections:
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dental professional for regular dental exams. Early detection of potential wisdom tooth infections allows for prompt intervention and personalized treatment plans.
- Good oral hygiene practices: Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly to remove food debris and bacteria around your wisdom teeth. Also, use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacterial growth.
- Saltwater rinses: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to soothe gum inflammation and reduce bacterial presence.
- Proactive oral care: Maintain good oral hygiene habits, eat a balanced diet, and reduce sugar consumption. Limit food particles near your wisdom teeth by cleaning your mouth thoroughly after meals.
Protect Your Oral Health—Book Your Wisdom Tooth Exam Now!
If you are experiencing symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth, don’t ignore them!
Consult with an oral surgeon at AZ Max to get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.