The wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth that usually do not have enough room to come out normally. Because of this, the tooth, or parts of it, remain embedded in the bone. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.
Not all wisdom teeth are impacted. A few are lucky to have their wisdom tooth emerge properly in the mouth. But for most of us, not only do we have to deal with a partially or fully impacted wisdom tooth, but also its symptoms and possible complications.
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain, damage to other teeth, and even infection. They must be regularly checked so they do not cause future problems.
Causes of Wisdom Tooth Infections
Wisdom tooth infections are common especially if it is impacted. The three most common causes are:
Plaque and bacteria accumulation
Because the wisdom tooth is located at the very back of the mouth, it can be quite hard to brush and clean it. So, plaque and bacteria can easily build up. Eventually, acids from bacteria will rot the tooth and cause a dental infection or abscess.
Tooth decay
Decay is another cause of wisdom tooth infection that occurs due to plaque accumulation and food impaction. Bacteria can easily thrive and cause cavities or holes in the tooth. Without immediate treatment, infection is likely to occur.
Gum disease
Infection may also occur with the gum flap covering or surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Bacteria may hide and multiply under the gum and cause severe pain and swelling.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection
The wisdom tooth should come out in your late teens or early twenties. If you are at this age and experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be time to get your wisdom tooth checked for possible infection.
- Severe pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth. It may be because of a large tooth decay that has resulted in an abscessed tooth. Decay may also occur between the wisdom tooth and the tooth next to it.
Pain from a wisdom tooth infection may also radiate to the jaw, neck, ear, and temples. This is especially true for a larger infection.
To temporarily address this symptom, pain relievers and antibiotics can help. However, the pain may return if the infected tooth is not removed.
- Swollen gums
Another telltale sign of an infected wisdom tooth is swollen gums. The gum flap covering the wisdom tooth may swell as bacteria from plaque and food particles accumulate. This infection of the gums can be very painful and can cause difficulty when eating.
- Bad Breath
With the wisdom tooth located at the back of the mouth, cleaning can prove to be difficult which can trap food and plaque. This causes bad breath that may not wash away even with persistent brushing and rinsing.
- Difficulty opening the mouth
Severe pain due to an infected wisdom tooth can cause difficulty opening and closing the mouth. This also occurs with a widespread infection that has caused swollen cheeks and face. Eventually, you will find chewing and eating difficult which can affect your nutrition.
- Systemic symptoms
Lastly, an infected wisdom tooth can cause symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body malaise if left to progress. This means that the body is trying to fight a larger infection.
If serious symptoms are already present, you may be recommended for emergency treatment and IV antibiotics to resolve the infection.
Complications of Untreated Infections
Infections of the wisdom tooth do not just go away on their own. Immediate and proper treatment must be done to address the symptoms, prevent further complications, and avoid re-infection.
If an infection is left untreated, you may experience severe, nagging pain that will make daily living impossible. The pain of a wisdom tooth infection can cause headaches and earaches that will not go away with at-home medications.
Other complications you may experience are:
- Damage to surrounding teeth and bone
- Cysts
- Jaw problems
When Should You See Your Dentist?
As soon as you feel any signs of pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as you can. This may mean that the wisdom tooth is already trying to erupt. If it is impacted, it may be pressing against the tooth next to it or on your cheek. Immediate removal is necessary to prevent damage to other teeth.
But, you should also consider going to your dentist before you even feel any symptoms. Remember that no pain does not mean no problem. As soon as an impacted wisdom tooth is identified, early removal will prevent you from experiencing the pain and complications that may come with a problematic wisdom tooth.
Home Remedies and Temporary Relief
If you are unable to go to your dentist as soon as possible, two effective home remedies that may provide temporary relief are medications and cold compress.
Medications such as pain relievers and antibiotics can help address pain and eliminate bacteria. Meanwhile, a cold compress that is applied intermittently and directly where painful can reduce swelling associated with infection. These are good first-aid treatments. However, it is crucial that you still schedule your dental visit for proper treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Infection – Prevention Tips
The most important prevention tip is regular dental visits which should be done twice a year. With routine dental check-ups and X-rays, your dentist can determine the position of your wisdom tooth and identify if it can cause problems down the road. If the tooth is likely to be impacted, early wisdom tooth extraction can be considered to prevent future complications.
Good oral hygiene is also key in preventing wisdom tooth infections. Proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash should be part of your hygiene routine. This removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria that may cause dental diseases.
If you are experiencing pain in your wisdom tooth, call us at Arbutus Station Dental. Our friendly dental team can help you learn more about wisdom tooth infection and how to prevent and treat it.