Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 and may cause numerous health problems due to their location in the back of the mouth. Although wisdom teeth are not necessarily known to cause sickness, they can be a source of infection and irritation if they become impacted or infected. This article will discuss how wisdom teeth can lead to sickness and what treatments are available for those who experience complications.Wisdom teeth are the name given to the four third molars located at the back of the mouth, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. They are usually the last teeth to erupt, which usually occurs between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, meaning they may not fully erupt or may cause crowding in your mouth.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sickness?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in your mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They can cause a variety of health problems, including infection, cysts, and damage to other teeth. It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with wisdom teeth so you can take the necessary steps to protect your oral health.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may become impacted or trapped in the jawbone due to lack of space. This can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, infection, and even cysts. Left untreated, these complications can lead to more serious health issues such as damage to surrounding teeth and jawbone deterioration.
Infection is one of the most common complications associated with wisdom teeth. If bacteria from food particles accumulate around the area of your wisdom tooth, an infection can occur. This may cause pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the gums around the affected area. Additionally, it can lead to facial swelling or difficulty opening your mouth if it becomes severe enough.
If not treated promptly and properly by a dentist or oral surgeon, an infected wisdom tooth can spread bacteria throughout your body which could lead to other illnesses such as sepsis or meningitis. To prevent these complications from occurring it’s important to see a dentist right away if you experience any signs of infection around your wisdom teeth.
It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene when you have wisdom teeth since bacteria can easily build up in areas that are hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day are essential for keeping your gums healthy when you have wisdom teeth.
Overall, it is important to be aware that wisdom teeth can cause sickness if not taken care of properly or if they become impacted or infected due to lack of space in your mouth. Seeing a dentist regularly for check-ups is essential for maintaining good oral health when you have wisdom teeth so any potential problems can be spotted early on before they become serious enough to cause illness or other complications down the line.
Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Infection
A wisdom tooth infection can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the infection. The most common symptom is pain and swelling around the affected area. Other symptoms include redness and tenderness in the area, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, and a bad taste in the mouth. If an abscess forms, you may experience fever, neck pain and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist or doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist may take X-rays or perform a physical examination to determine whether or not you have an infected wisdom tooth. Once an infection is confirmed, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tooth or other affected tissue.
Causes of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are the last molars that erupt from the gum line during late teenage years or early adulthood. While many people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to come in normally, some people do not have enough space in their mouths, causing them to become impacted. When this happens, it can lead to an infection of the wisdom tooth. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
• Bacteria: Bacteria can accumulate around the wisdom teeth due to poor dental hygiene or food that is caught between the teeth and gums. This bacteria can then cause an infection in the gums and surrounding area.
• Crowding: When there isn’t enough room for the wisdom tooth to come in properly, it can cause a buildup of pressure around the tooth and lead to pain and inflammation. This crowding can also make it difficult for food particles and bacteria to be cleared away, leading to an infection.
• Damage: Damage to the gums or tooth itself can also cause an infection of the wisdom tooth. Any kind of trauma that causes a break in the tooth or gums can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
• Dental Procedures: If a dental procedure is done incorrectly on a wisdom tooth, it can leave it vulnerable to infection. This could include improper cleaning or extraction of the wisdom tooth.
If you are experiencing any kind of pain or pressure around your wisdom teeth, it is important that you seek treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent any further complications from occurring. An infected wisdom tooth can lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease if left untreated. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat any issues related to your wisdom teeth in order to keep your mouth healthy.
Treating an Infected Wisdom Tooth
It is important to treat an infected wisdom tooth as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and lead to more serious complications. The most common treatment for an infected wisdom tooth is antibiotics. Antibiotics help reduce the inflammation caused by the infection and help prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the infected tooth or part of it. This will be done by a dentist or oral surgeon, who will use local anesthesia to numb the area before making an incision in the gums around the tooth. The infected tissue will then be removed and replaced with a filling or crown.
In cases where an abscess has formed, drainage may be necessary. A small incision is made in the gum and a suction device is used to drain pus from inside the abscess. The incision is then closed with sutures and antibiotics are prescribed to help clear up any remaining infection.
If left untreated, an infected wisdom tooth can cause serious health problems such as sepsis or even death in rare cases. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any pain or swelling near your wisdom teeth as these could be signs of an infection that needs immediate attention.
Preventing an Infected Wisdom Tooth
It is important to take steps to prevent an infected wisdom tooth, since dealing with the infection can be quite painful. The best way to prevent an infected wisdom tooth is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Regular dental check-ups are also important for preventing an infected wisdom tooth. During the check-up, your dentist will examine the area around your wisdom teeth and look for any signs of infection or decay. If they do find any signs of infection or decay, they can then take steps to treat it before it gets worse.
If you have already had your wisdom teeth removed, make sure that you follow your dentist’s instructions for care after surgery. This includes not smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery, as these can cause further complications. Additionally, make sure that you take any prescribed antibiotics as directed by your dentist in order to help prevent infection from developing.
Finally, if you notice any signs of infection around your wisdom teeth such as pain, swelling, redness or bad breath, be sure to contact your dentist right away so that they can diagnose and treat the problem before it gets worse. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your wisdom teeth remain healthy and free of infection.
Complications of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth becomes infected, it can lead to a variety of complications. In some cases, the infection can spread to the other teeth, gums, and even to the jawbone. If left untreated, the infection can cause serious damage to the surrounding structures and lead to severe pain and discomfort. Other possible complications include:
• Swelling: Infection of a wisdom tooth can cause swelling in the gums and cheeks. This swelling is usually accompanied by pain and tenderness in the area.
• Abscesses: An abscess can form around an infected wisdom tooth due to pus that has accumulated in the area. The abscess may cause further swelling and pain.
• Bone Loss: Infection of a wisdom tooth can lead to bone loss in the jawbone. This bone loss may result in difficulty opening your mouth or speaking properly.
• Spread of Infection: If left untreated, an infected wisdom tooth can spread infection throughout your mouth and into other parts of your body. This could potentially lead to more serious health issues including sepsis.
In addition to these complications, an infected wisdom tooth can also increase your risk for developing gum disease or periodontal disease. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with an infected wisdom tooth, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to prevent further complications and damage.
When to See a Doctor for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Since these teeth are located far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to clean and may become infected. When infection sets in, it is important to seek medical attention from a dental professional.
An infected wisdom tooth may cause pain, swelling, fever, bad breath, difficulty opening your mouth, or pus coming from the area around the tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to keep up with regular dental checkups so that your dentist can detect any potential issues before they become serious.
At your appointment with a dental professional, they will take x-rays of your teeth and examine them for signs of infection and decay. If they determine that one of your wisdom teeth is infected, you may need to have it extracted right away. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is severe enough. Depending on how badly impacted or infected the tooth is; you may need further treatments such as bone grafts or gum grafts as well.
If you suspect that one of your wisdom teeth has become infected, don’t wait too long before seeking treatment from a dental professional. The sooner an infection is treated; the better chance you have at avoiding long-term complications such as damage to other nearby teeth or even jawbone infections.
Conclusion
It is clear that wisdom teeth can cause sickness in some cases. In general, they should be removed if they cause pain or discomfort. In some cases, they may need to be extracted to prevent further damage to the mouth and jaw. However, if the teeth are causing no problems, then there is no need to remove them.
It is always best to consult with a dentist before taking any action. The dentist can provide more information about wisdom teeth and help determine the best course of action for the individual patient.
Overall, although wisdom teeth can cause sickness in some cases, it is important to remember that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. A dentist should be consulted before any decisions are made regarding removal of wisdom teeth and other dental treatments.