Wisdom tooth infection is a common problem that many people suffer from, and it can be a significant source of pain and discomfort. Wisdom teeth, which are the last molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws, often have problems when they erupt due to lack of space or growing incorrectly. Wisdom tooth infection can lead to health complications if not treated appropriately. In this article, we will discuss the causes of wisdom tooth infection, its annoying symptoms, and effective treatment methods that can help relieve pain and maintain oral and dental health.
What is wisdom tooth infection?
Pericoronitis is a medical condition that occurs when the wisdom tooth, which is the last tooth to grow in the mouth, becomes inflamed as a result of multiple factors such as infection or irritation. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and often, these molars do not find enough space to grow properly in the mouth, which leads to many problems.
What are the causes of wisdom tooth infection?
Incomplete eruption: When a wisdom tooth has not fully erupted and part of it remains covered by gum, bacteria can accumulate around the tooth, causing inflammation. This can lead to the formation of gum pockets where bacteria accumulate and cause infection.
Impacted wisdom tooth: Sometimes, the wisdom tooth remains completely or partially under the gum or bone. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may put pressure on adjacent teeth or lead to the formation of cysts, increasing the risk of inflammation and infection.
Plaque and bacteria buildup: Since wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, brushing and flossing them can be difficult. This leads to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis around wisdom teeth.
Caries: Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or impacted are more susceptible to cavities than other teeth because they are more difficult to clean. Cavities can develop into infection if not treated appropriately.
Pressure on adjacent teeth: When a wisdom tooth grows incorrectly or at an oblique angle, it can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Bacterial infection: Bacteria buildup in the areas surrounding wisdom teeth can lead to bacterial infections, causing swelling, pain, and redness in the gums.
Lack of space: Often, there is not enough space in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly. This can lead to crowded teeth, increasing the risk of inflammation and infection.
Direct injury: In some cases, the gums surrounding the wisdom teeth may be directly injured or irritated by solid food or dental cleaning tools, which can cause inflammation.
These reasons are considered among the main factors that can lead to wisdom tooth infection. It is important for people to visit the dentist regularly to check their wisdom teeth and make sure they are growing properly and to get appropriate treatment when needed.
Symptoms of wisdom tooth infection
Severe pain in the molar area: The pain can be sharp or pulsating, and gets worse when chewing or putting pressure on the affected molar. The pain may extend to the jaw, ear, and even the neck.
Swelling and redness in the gums: The gums around the inflamed wisdom tooth may become swollen and red, causing discomfort and difficulty opening the mouth or chewing.
Difficulty opening the mouth: Wisdom tooth infection can lead to jaw stiffness and difficulty opening the mouth completely, making eating and speaking difficult.
Bad breath: As a result of the accumulation of bacteria and pus around the inflamed tooth, a person may suffer from bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth.
Swelling in the face or jaw: In severe cases, swelling can extend from the gums to the face or jaw, causing visible facial asymmetry.
Headache: Pain and pressure resulting from wisdom tooth inflammation can lead to persistent or recurring headaches.
Fever: In some cases, inflammation may be accompanied by fever, which indicates a bacterial infection that needs medical intervention.
Purulent discharge: There may be purulent discharge from the gums around the affected tooth, which can be a sign of a severe infection.
Ear pain: Pain from wisdom tooth infection can extend into the ear, causing a feeling of pain or pressure in the ear.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the condition and get appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent the condition from getting worse and reduce pain and possible complications.
How to treat wisdom tooth infection
Cleaning the affected area:
Use antibacterial mouthwash to clean the area and reduce inflammation.
Rinse your mouth with a saline solution (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to help reduce swelling and pain.
Taking painkillers:
Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and swelling.
Antibiotics:
If a bacterial infection is present, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Surgical intervention:
Incision and drainage of the abscess: If there is an abscess (purulent collection), the doctor may need to incise and drain it to relieve pressure and pain.
Wisdom tooth extraction: In cases where the wisdom tooth is severely damaged or causing recurring problems, the best solution may be to remove it surgically.
Home care:
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and avoid hard or harsh foods that may increase pain.
Apply cold compresses to the cheek to relieve swelling and pain.
Visit the dentist regularly:
It is necessary to follow up the condition with the dentist regularly to evaluate the development of the infection and ensure that complications do not occur.
If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontitis, it is important to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help avoid complications and relieve pain faster.
How to prevent wisdom tooth infection
Preventing wisdom tooth infection requires maintaining oral hygiene and paying attention to overall dental health. Here are some effective prevention tips:
Maintain good oral hygiene:
Brush and floss: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing your teeth once a day helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause inflammation.
Use mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash can be used to help reduce bacterial buildup and maintain oral hygiene.
Regular visits to the dentist:
Regular checkups: Visiting your dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings can help early detect any potential problems with your wisdom teeth.
X-rays: X-rays can help monitor the growth of wisdom teeth and detect any problems early.
Proper nutrition:
Avoid sugary foods: Reducing your intake of sugary foods and drinks helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis.
Eat calcium-rich foods: Calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products help promote healthy teeth and bones.
Awareness and prevention:
Knowing the early signs: Learning the early signs and symptoms of wisdom tooth infection can help take appropriate action before the problem gets worse.
Avoid bad habits: Avoid habits that can negatively affect dental health, such as chewing hard objects.
Early preventive intervention:
Preventive wisdom teeth extraction: In some cases, your dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems. This can be a good option if your wisdom teeth are tilted or impacted.
Personal care:
Avoid putting pressure on your teeth: Avoid biting on hard objects such as pencils or ice, which can cause teeth to break or damage.
By applying these preventive measures, the risk of wisdom tooth infection can be reduced and your oral health can be maintained. Prevention and ongoing care play a crucial role in avoiding future problems associated with wisdom teeth.
Read also:
