Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and are located at the back of the mouth. While many individuals do not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, they can sometimes cause health problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth can make a person sick. This article will explore the ways in which wisdom teeth can cause illness and what to do if you experience symptoms related to your wisdom teeth.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of the mouth, behind the other teeth. In some cases, they may not even come in or may only partially erupt through the gum line. Because wisdom teeth can be difficult to care for and are often misaligned, they may need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. While some people’s mouths are large enough to accommodate them comfortably, most people experience pain and discomfort as a result of their eruption. The pain associated with wisdom teeth can range from mild to severe and can vary depending on the individual’s oral health and anatomy. Common causes of wisdom tooth pain include crowding, impaction, infection, and inflammation.
Crowding occurs when the wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt due to lack of space in the jaw. This can cause pain as the tooth pushes against other teeth or the gum tissue surrounding it. Impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gum line due to misalignment or an obstruction such as another tooth or bone. Impacted teeth are more prone to infection and decay which can cause pain.
Infection is another common cause of wisdom tooth pain. When bacteria enters through a cavity or crack in a partially erupted wisdom tooth it can cause an infection known as pericoronitis which results in severe inflammation and swelling of the gum tissue surrounding the affected area.
Inflammation is another common cause of wisdom tooth pain that occurs when bacteria accumulates around an impacted or partially erupted tooth resulting in swelling, tenderness, and redness of gum tissue. In addition, food particles that become lodged between a partially erupted wisdom tooth and its adjacent teeth can lead to inflammation and discomfort.
Although some people may experience no symptoms at all with their wisdom teeth others may experience considerable discomfort due to their eruption. It’s important for individuals who experience any type of discomfort related to their wisdom teeth to seek professional dental care in order to diagnose any underlying issues that may be causing their pain.
Wisdom Teeth and Illness
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the mouth and can cause a variety of issues. These issues can range from mild discomfort to more serious illnesses. When wisdom teeth fail to properly erupt, they can become impacted, leading to inflammation and infection in the gums and surrounding tissues. This can cause pain, swelling, and general discomfort. It can also lead to problems with other teeth as well as jawbone damage. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may even cause sinus issues due to pressure on the surrounding tissue.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to more serious illnesses such as cysts or tumors. These are caused when the tooth becomes trapped in the jawbone or soft tissue, resulting in a pocket of fluid that can become infected or cause other diseases. Treatment for cysts and tumors may require surgery if left untreated for too long.
Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to gum disease or periodontal disease if they become infected or inflamed due to impaction. This type of infection may spread throughout the mouth if not treated properly and can ultimately lead to loss of teeth or gum tissue damage. If this occurs, it is important to seek treatment from a dentist right away in order to prevent further damage or complications from arising.
Overall, wisdom teeth can be a source of many different illnesses if not taken care of properly. It is important for people with these teeth to practice good oral hygiene habits and visit their dentist regularly in order to catch any potential issues before they become more serious health concerns.
Signs and Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. They are located at the back of your mouth, and often cause overcrowding or misalignment of other teeth. When wisdom teeth become impacted or don’t fully emerge from the gums, they can be susceptible to infection. An infected wisdom tooth can cause pain, swelling, and other unpleasant symptoms. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
The most common symptom of a wisdom tooth infection is pain in the area around the affected tooth. The pain may come on suddenly or gradually increase over time. You may also experience tenderness or swelling in your gums near the affected tooth. This can cause difficulty when opening your mouth wide enough to eat or speak comfortably. You may also have difficulty swallowing due to pain and swelling in your throat area.
Other symptoms include bad breath due to bacteria buildup in your mouth, headache due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, jaw stiffness caused by irritation from swollen gums, fever due to an infection spreading throughout your body, and even nausea or vomiting which is a sign that there is a serious issue with one of your teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention right away as an infected wisdom tooth can lead to more serious health complications if left untreated. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the issue and provide treatment options for relieving discomfort and preventing further damage.
How to Prevent a Wisdom Tooth Infection
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent wisdom tooth infection. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and use an antiseptic rinse to reduce plaque buildup. Regular checkups with your dentist can also help catch any potential issues early on.
If you’re at higher risk of developing wisdom tooth infection, your dentist may recommend preventive measures such as antibiotics before dental work or dental surgery. It’s important to take any medications prescribed by your dentist as instructed.
It’s also important to avoid tobacco and limit sugary foods and drinks, as these can increase the risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. If you do notice any signs of infection in your mouth, seek medical attention immediately to avoid further complications.
Treating an Infected Wisdom Tooth
If you are experiencing pain or swelling near a wisdom tooth, it is possible that the tooth may be infected. The first step in treating an infected wisdom tooth is to see a dentist for a thorough examination. The dentist will be able to determine the cause of the infection and recommend the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may include antibiotics, a root canal, or extraction.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat an infected wisdom tooth. This medication can help reduce inflammation and pain as well as clear up any infection that may be present in the area. The antibiotics will need to be taken as directed for several days in order for them to be effective.
In some cases, a root canal may be necessary to treat an infected wisdom tooth. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will remove any infected pulp from inside the tooth and fill it with a special filling material. This procedure can help save an infected tooth and prevent any further infection from occurring.
If the infection is too severe, extraction may be recommended by your dentist as a way to permanently remove the source of infection from your mouth. Extracting a wisdom tooth can sometimes be more complicated than regular teeth due to their location in the back of your mouth and their size. However, if extraction is necessary, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions given by your dentist in order for you to heal properly and avoid any complications following surgery.
Complications Caused by an Infected Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth becomes infected, the complications can be quite serious. In some cases, the infection can spread to surrounding teeth and gums, leading to damage to the nearby tissue. The infection can also cause pain and swelling in the mouth that can be difficult to manage. Severe cases of infection may even require surgery to remove the affected tooth, as well as any additional teeth that may have been damaged by the infection.
If left untreated, an infected wisdom tooth can lead to abscesses which are pockets of pus filled with bacteria that form around the affected area. These abscesses can cause extreme pain and discomfort and may even require hospitalization in some cases. Abscesses can also lead to systemic infections, which is when bacteria spreads throughout the body and causes more serious illnesses such as sepsis or meningitis.
Infected wisdom teeth can also put people at risk for developing cysts or tumors in their mouths. These cysts or tumors are usually benign but can be extremely destructive if they are left untreated. They often require surgery to remove them from the mouth, which further increases the risk of infection or other complications.
Finally, an infected wisdom tooth can cause severe damage to your jawbone if it is not treated quickly enough. This damage is often irreversible and may require extensive dental work or even reconstructive surgery in order to repair it.
Possible Risks of Leaving an Infected Wisdom Tooth Untreated
Leaving an infected wisdom tooth untreated can lead to a variety of health complications and risks. One of the most common risks is the spread of infection to the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and even jawbone. If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the wisdom tooth and affect other areas of your mouth. This can cause pain, swelling, and redness throughout your mouth.
In addition, leaving an infected wisdom tooth untreated can increase your risk for developing a gum abscess or cyst. Gum abscesses are painful sores that form around the tooth due to trapped bacteria in the pocket formed by gums and teeth. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form around the wisdom tooth caused by bacteria invading nearby bone or tissue. Both conditions can cause significant pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Another risk associated with leaving an infected wisdom tooth untreated is increased susceptibility to oral diseases such as periodontal disease or gingivitis. These diseases are caused by bacteria found in plaque buildup on teeth, which can be exacerbated if proper dental hygiene is not maintained in response to an infection. If these diseases are left untreated they can lead to irreparable damage to your teeth and gums as well as other serious health complications like heart disease and stroke.
In extreme cases, leaving an infection from a wisdom tooth untreated can even result in facial disfigurement due to cyst formation or destruction of adjacent teeth, bones, and tissue from spreading bacteria or abscesses. Therefore, it is important to address any signs of infection from a wisdom tooth in order to avoid any possible risks associated with leaving it untreated.
Conclusion
It is clear that wisdom teeth can cause a number of issues and should be monitored by a dentist regularly. While some people are fortunate enough to never experience any symptoms or pain from their wisdom teeth, many others do not have the same luck. It is important to be aware of the potential problems that can arise from wisdom teeth, as well as the symptoms to look out for. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away in order to avoid further complications or even infection.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that while wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, they can also stay healthy with proper dental care and attention. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits are essential in order to maintain your oral health and prevent any issues from arising with your wisdom teeth.