Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are located at the very back of your mouth and often erupt partially due to lack of space. Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth create openings near the gums that can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Wisdom tooth infections are common and can be extremely painful. Knowing how to identify signs of an infected wisdom tooth can help you seek treatment early and prevent complications.
What are the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection?
Some common symptoms that may indicate your wisdom tooth is infected include:
- Pain or tenderness around the wisdom tooth or jaw
- Swelling around the wisdom tooth, jaw, or neck
- Redness or inflammation of the gums around the wisdom tooth
- An unpleasant taste or odor in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- Headache
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain or irritation when biting down
- Facial swelling
- Lymph node swelling
The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and redness around the wisdom tooth. These symptoms may start out mild but can quickly worsen if left untreated. The pain may radiate to your ear, jaw, or neck on the infected side. Fever, headache, swelling, and difficulty swallowing often indicate a spreading infection.
What causes a wisdom tooth infection?
There are several ways wisdom teeth can become infected:
- Food and bacteria trapped under gum flaps around partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause infection of the gums (pericoronitis).
- Untreated tooth decay in wisdom teeth can lead to infection in the tooth’s pulp (pulpitis).
- Infection may spread from the tooth roots into surrounding jawbone and tissue (osteomyelitis).
- Cysts or tumors around wisdom teeth can become infected.
- Infection may spread to wisdom teeth from other areas of the mouth.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth create a narrow space between the tooth and gum line that allows food debris and bacteria to become trapped. This introduces infection to the gums and deeper tooth structures. Tooth decay in wisdom teeth also allows bacteria to infect the inner tooth pulp. In advanced cases, infections can spread from wisdom teeth to surrounding jaw bone and tissue.
How is a wisdom tooth infection diagnosed?
If you suspect your wisdom tooth is infected, see your dentist for an examination. The dentist will review your symptoms and visually inspect the wisdom tooth area. Signs like swelling, redness, and pus drainage help confirm an infection. The dentist may also order imaging tests like x-rays or a CT scan to see the position of the wisdom teeth and extent of infection. Lab tests like blood work may check for an elevated white blood cell count indicating infection. By combining your symptoms, exam findings, and test results, your dentist can diagnose a wisdom tooth infection and determine appropriate treatment.
When to see a dentist
You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of a possible wisdom tooth infection, including pain, swelling, or redness around the tooth. Waiting to seek treatment can allow the infection to worsen and spread. Seek prompt medical care if you have symptoms like high fever, trouble swallowing, or facial swelling, which may indicate a severe or spreading infection.
Treatment for a wisdom tooth infection
Treating a wisdom tooth infection aims to drain the infection, relieve pain and swelling, and prevent it from returning or spreading. Treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin help clear bacteria and control the infection.
- Drainage: Your dentist may need to make a small incision to drain pus from the infected area and promote healing.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication can help manage discomfort.
- Wisdom tooth removal: If your wisdom tooth is partially impacted or decayed, extracting it may be necessary to fully resolve infection.
- Root canal treatment: Advanced tooth decay may require root canal treatment to remove infected pulp and save the wisdom tooth.
- Dental cleaning: Your dentist will thoroughly clean the wisdom tooth area after infection clears and provide tips to prevent recurrences.
In many cases, antibiotics and drainage coupled with good oral hygiene at home can clear up a wisdom tooth infection. However, infections that persist or repeatedly return may be a sign the wisdom tooth needs to be extracted.
Home remedies for a wisdom tooth infection
There are also some home remedies you can try in addition to seeing your dentist for an infected wisdom tooth, including:
- Salt water rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the outside of your cheek near the infected wisdom tooth can help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Anti-inflammatory pills like ibuprofen can relieve pain.
- Proper oral hygiene: Gentle brushing and flossing helps dislodge food particles around wisdom teeth.
- Soft, cool foods: Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, apple sauce, and ice cream until the infection clears.
While home remedies can provide some temporary relief, you still need professional dental treatment to clear up the underlying infection. Be sure to see your dentist if symptoms persist or worsen despite home care.
Risk factors for wisdom tooth infections
You may be at greater risk of developing an infected wisdom tooth if:
- Your wisdom teeth are partially erupted or impacted.
- You have untreated tooth decay or dental disease.
- You smoke or use tobacco products.
- You have poor oral hygiene.
- You have a prior history of wisdom tooth infections.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- You have existing gum disease.
- You have had recent oral surgery, which introduces bacteria into the bloodstream.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth that cannot fully erupt create an environment conducive to infection. Other risk factors like smoking, poor hygiene, gum disease, and prior infections can also make you more prone to recurrent wisdom tooth infections.
Complications from a wisdom tooth infection
While wisdom tooth infections often respond quickly to treatment, leaving them untreated raises your risk of complications like:
- Cysts or tumors around the wisdom tooth
- Spreading infection to surrounding teeth, jaw and cheek
- Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Infection spreading to the bone (osteomyelitis)
- Cervical lymph node infection
- Sinus infection or sinusitis
- Abscesses in the mouth or neck region
- Sepsis or blood infection
In rare cases, a wisdom tooth infection can spread quickly into surrounding tissues and structures. Seek emergency care if you experience trouble breathing or swallowing, fever, stiff neck, or malaise, which may indicate a spreading infection.
Preventing wisdom tooth infections
You can take steps to help prevent painful wisdom tooth infections:
- See your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
- Brush and floss twice a day.
- Rinse daily with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid excessive alcohol.
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding extraction if wisdom teeth are problematic.
Good oral hygiene helps reduce plaque buildup and bacteria around wisdom teeth. If your wisdom teeth are partially impacted but not infected, your dentist may advise extracting them to prevent future problems. Ultimately, prompt treatment of any infections and addressing problematic wisdom teeth early on are your best lines of defense.
When to consider wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary if your third molars:
- Are in a partly erupted position and prone to recurrent infections
- Have insufficient room to fully emerge
- Are causing overcrowding, misalignment, or damage to other teeth
- Have advanced decay, cysts or tumors
- Require repeated treatments for infection with no lasting improvement
- Are nonfunctional and difficult to clean around
Extraction is often the most effective way to prevent repeat infections and other problems associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth. Your dentist can advise you if removing your wisdom teeth would benefit your oral health.
Recovery after wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common outpatient oral surgery procedure performed by dentists or oral surgeons. Recovery typically includes:
- Numbing and swelling around the extraction site for a few hours after surgery
- Pain and discomfort for up to a week as the incision heals
- Stiffness and difficulty opening the jaw for the first few days
- Bruising around the jaws and cheeks that resolves within 2 weeks
- Avoiding eating and drinking hot foods and beverages until numbness subsides
- Taking prescribed antibiotics and pain medications as directed
- Rinsing with salt water to keep the area clean
- Seeing your dentist for follow-up about a week later to monitor healing
Following your dentist’s post-op care instructions carefully, like icing your face and avoiding certain activities, can help ensure optimal healing after wisdom tooth removal.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth infections should be addressed promptly to avoid complications. Seeing your dentist right away if you notice pain, swelling, or other changes around your wisdom teeth allows for timely treatment. With professional care, most wisdom tooth infections clear up quickly. Having problematic wisdom teeth extracted can prevent repeat infections in the future and support your oral health. With proper care and monitoring, wisdom tooth infections can be dealt with effectively.