Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop and can cause a variety of issues when they come in. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become infected, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Knowing the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth can help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. This article will discuss how to know if your wisdom teeth are infected and what treatments are available.The signs of an infected wisdom tooth can vary, but some common indications are pain, swelling, redness in the gums near the tooth, and bad breath. Other symptoms may include fever, difficulty opening your mouth or chewing food, a foul taste in your mouth, and tenderness when you touch the area around the affected tooth. Additionally, you may notice that a pimple-like bump appears on the gums near the affected tooth.
Causes of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of the mouth that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. While some people don’t have any problems with their wisdom tooth, others may experience pain and infection due to their eruption. An infected wisdom tooth can be caused by a variety of factors, including overcrowding, poor oral hygiene, and misalignment.
One of the most common causes of an infected wisdom tooth is overcrowding. When there isn’t enough room for the wisdom tooth to erupt properly, it may become impacted and get stuck beneath the gum line. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria around the affected area resulting in an infection. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to an infection as food particles and plaque can accumulate around the tooth, allowing bacteria to grow.
Another cause of an infected wisdom tooth is misalignment. If the wisdom tooth is not aligned correctly with the other teeth in your mouth, it can cause pain and difficulty when chewing food. This issue can also increase your risk for developing an infection as food particles and bacteria may become trapped between your teeth more easily if they are misaligned.
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly so they can check for any signs of infection in your mouth or around your wisdom teeth. If you do notice any signs or symptoms of infection, such as pain or swelling, make sure to let your dentist know so they can provide treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
The most common symptom of an infected wisdom tooth is pain. It may be a dull ache or a sharp pain that radiates from the back of the mouth to the ear or neck. The pain may be constant or may come and go, and it may be worse when pressure is applied to the area. Other symptoms can include tenderness in the affected area, swelling of the gums and face, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, headaches, and fever.
If an infection is left untreated it can cause more serious symptoms such as sinusitis, facial cellulitis, lymphadenopathy, trismus (difficulty opening the mouth), pain that radiates to other parts of the body such as the head and neck, and abscesses that can spread to other areas. In rare cases it can even lead to meningitis or brain abscesses if bacteria spreads through the blood stream. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.
When To See a Dentist for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth can be a source of dental problems, and if left untreated, can become infected. It’s important to recognize the signs of an infected wisdom tooth so that you can take action and seek professional help. There are several symptoms that indicate that your wisdom tooth may be infected, including prolonged pain or sensitivity, redness or swelling around the gum line, and a bad taste in your mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
In some cases, an infection may require more than just antibiotics; it may require surgical intervention. The dentist will be able to assess the severity of the infection and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection before considering surgery. However, if the infection has spread beyond the wisdom tooth area or has caused significant damage to surrounding tissue or bone structure, then surgery may be necessary.
It’s important to remember that an infected wisdom tooth can cause other more serious issues if left untreated. These include jaw swelling and stiffness, difficulty opening your mouth wide enough for eating or brushing your teeth, and even abscesses in rare cases. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help as soon as you begin experiencing any of these symptoms.
Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not your wisdom tooth is infected and what course of action needs to be taken in order to properly treat it. They will also be able to provide advice on how best to care for your wisdom teeth once they have been removed so that you don’t experience any further problems down the road. Don’t ignore the signs of an infected wisdom tooth; seek help from a qualified professional as soon as possible in order to ensure optimal health and prevent further complications from occurring.
Diagnosing an Infection of the Wisdom Tooth
An infection of the wisdom tooth, also known as pericoronitis, is an inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Diagnosing an infection of the wisdom tooth typically requires a physical examination and X-rays to determine the cause of the infection. During the examination, your dentist will look for signs of swelling, redness, pain, or tenderness in the area around your wisdom teeth. X-rays can be used to check for abnormalities in the bone or tissue surrounding your wisdom teeth. If a diagnosis is made and treatment is needed, your dentist may suggest antibiotics to help reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any impacted teeth or treat a cyst or abscess.
Treatment Options for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
The treatment of an infected wisdom tooth will depend on the severity of the infection and the amount of damage it has caused. In some cases, the infection may be minor and can be treated with antibiotics, while in other cases the tooth may need to be extracted. The most common treatment options for an infected wisdom tooth include:
1) Antibiotics: To treat a minor infection, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed by your dentist or doctor. The type and length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection.
2) Tooth Extraction: If the infection is more severe or if there is a lot of damage to the surrounding tissues, then the infected tooth may need to be extracted. This is usually done under local anaesthetic and can result in some discomfort after the procedure.
3) Root Canal Therapy: In some cases, root canal therapy may be necessary to save an infected wisdom tooth. This involves cleaning out any diseased tissue inside the root canal and replacing it with a filling material. This procedure can help preserve your natural teeth and prevent further damage from occurring.
4) Wisdom Teeth Removal: If all other treatments fail, your dentist may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed. This is usually done under general anaesthetic and can take up to several hours depending on how many teeth are being removed. After surgery, you may experience swelling and pain for several days as your mouth heals from surgery.
It is important to talk to your dentist about any concerns you have regarding treatment options for an infected wisdom tooth so that they can provide you with the best advice on how to proceed with treatment in order to keep your oral health in check and avoid any further complications.
How to Prevent a Wisdom Tooth Infection
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent a wisdom tooth infection. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of infection. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to have them removed as soon as possible to prevent infection. X-rays can help identify any potential problems early on.
It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can detect early signs of infection and take steps to prevent it from getting worse. If you notice any signs of infection, such as pain or swelling in your gums, contact your dentist right away so they can treat the infection before it spreads.
In addition to good oral hygiene, it is also important to practice good lifestyle habits. Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth and gums strong. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can also help reduce the risk of cavities and infections. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can also help reduce the risk of developing an infection in your mouth.
Finally, make sure you are getting enough rest each night so that your immune system is functioning properly. Stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Exercise regularly to keep your body strong and healthy so that it is better able to fight off any potential infections in the future.
Home Remedies for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in and may cause problems due to lack of space in the jaw. An infected wisdom tooth can be very painful, and it is important to get it treated as soon as possible. Before visiting a dentist, there are some home remedies that can help ease the pain of an infected wisdom tooth.
Using cold or warm compresses is one of the best home remedies for an infected wisdom tooth. Applying a cold compress will help reduce swelling and inflammation, while a warm compress helps reduce pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area. It is important to make sure that the compress does not come into contact with open sores on the gums.
Gargling with salt water can also help soothe an infected wisdom tooth. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it several times a day. Salt water helps cleanse the area and reduce inflammation.
Garlic is another natural remedy for an infected wisdom tooth. Crush some garlic cloves and mix them with some olive oil or coconut oil to form a paste. Apply this paste around the affected area for relief from pain and swelling.
Clove oil is another effective home remedy for an infected wisdom tooth. Dip a cotton ball into some clove oil and place it on the affected area several times a day until relief from pain is achieved. Clove oil works by numbing the nerves around the affected area, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
Finally, using tea tree oil can also help treat an infected wisdom tooth naturally. Dip a cotton ball into some tea tree oil and apply it directly onto the affected area three times a day until symptoms improve or disappear completely. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties which will help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with an infection in the wisdom teeth area.
It is important to note that these home remedies should not be used as substitutes for professional dental care when dealing with an infected wisdom tooth, but they can be helpful in alleviating symptoms until you are able to visit your dentist or oral surgeon for further treatment options such as antibiotics or extraction if necessary.
Conclusion
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with an infected wisdom tooth, it is important to seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier treatment is provided, the less likely it is that the infection will worsen and spread. An infected wisdom tooth can cause serious medical issues if left untreated, so if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in the area of your wisdom teeth, it is crucial to have it evaluated and treated by a professional.
Your dentist will be able to determine if your wisdom teeth are infected and provide you with the appropriate treatment plan. Early detection and treatment of an infected wisdom tooth can help prevent further complications from occurring, so it is important to be aware of any potential signs or symptoms that could indicate an infection.