Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in the back of your mouth and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. If not properly cared for, wisdom teeth can become infected. Knowing how to tell if your wisdom teeth are infected is important in order to seek proper treatment. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth as well as how to treat it.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are so-called because it is believed that they appear at a more mature age, when a person is said to be wiser. Wisdom teeth usually come in at the back of the mouth, behind the second molars. They can cause problems if they don’t have enough room to fully erupt into the mouth or if they come in crooked. In these cases, wisdom teeth may need to be surgically removed by an oral surgeon.
Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
An infected wisdom tooth can cause a range of symptoms, from mild pain and discomfort to extreme pain and inflammation. Common symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth include: swelling around the jaw, redness in the gum tissue around the affected wisdom tooth, pain when chewing or touching the area near the affected wisdom tooth, bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and difficulty opening the mouth. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
If left untreated, an infection can progress and spread to other parts of the mouth or even other parts of the body. This can cause more serious symptoms such as a fever or chills. If any of these symptoms occur it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
It is also important to note that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed if they become infected. In some cases it can be enough to simply treat the infection with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. However if there is severe pain or damage it may be necessary to have the affected tooth extracted by a dentist or oral surgeon.
How to Tell If You Have an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort, but occasionally they can become infected. If an infection sets in, the wisdom tooth may need to be treated or even extracted. Knowing the signs of an infected wisdom tooth can help you get the treatment you need promptly and avoid any further complications.
The first sign of a possible infection in a wisdom tooth is pain or discomfort around the area. This pain may be mild or severe, and it usually increases with time. The area around the wisdom tooth may also become swollen and tender to the touch. You may also notice other symptoms like fever, chills, bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
Another common symptom is redness and soreness around the gums near your wisdom tooth. In some cases, pus will begin to accumulate around the base of your wisdom tooth as well as on your gums. This is a sign of infection that should not be ignored as it can indicate a more serious problem such as an abscessed tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms near one of your wisdom teeth, it is important to seek treatment from your dentist right away. Your dentist will be able to diagnose whether or not you have an infected wisdom tooth and recommend appropriate treatment options such as antibiotics or extraction. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing further complications from developing due to an infected wisdom tooth.
How to Reduce Pain and Swelling from an Infected Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth becomes infected, it can be extremely painful and lead to swelling. Infection can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as an impacted wisdom tooth or food particles becoming lodged in the gum tissue. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce pain and swelling associated with an infected wisdom tooth.
The first step is to brush your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove bacteria and food particles that may have become lodged in the gum tissue. Additionally, flossing once a day is recommended in order to further remove bacteria and food particles from between your teeth.
It is also important to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to help reduce any infection in your mouth. Additionally, you may want to consider using an over-the-counter pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pain is too severe.
If the infection persists despite these measures, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible for further treatment. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend that the infected tooth be pulled. In either case, it is important that the infection be treated promptly in order to reduce any further damage or discomfort caused by the infection.
In addition to taking these steps, you should also practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to bacteria growth in your mouth. Additionally, try not to chew on hard objects such as ice cubes or hard candy as this can cause further irritation of the gums around an infected wisdom tooth. By following these tips, you can help reduce pain and swelling from an infected wisdom tooth while also ensuring that your overall oral health remains strong.
When Should You See a Dentist for an Infected Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the back of the mouth and can cause significant problems if they remain impacted. These teeth are often difficult to clean, which can lead to infection and inflammation. If not properly treated, an infected wisdom tooth can cause pain, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth. It is important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any signs of infection in order to avoid more serious complications.
The most obvious sign of an infected wisdom tooth is pain. Pain may occur around the affected tooth, or it may be felt throughout the jaw area. It may be sharp and sudden or dull and constant. A fever is another sign of infection that should not be ignored. Swelling in the area near the tooth or around the jaw may also be present, along with redness and tenderness when touching the affected area.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will examine your mouth to determine if there is an infection present and will likely take x-rays to get a better look at your teeth and jawbone structure. Depending on the severity of the infection, they may prescribe antibiotics or recommend other treatments such as root canal therapy in order to remove any bacteria from inside the tooth that could be causing an infection.
In some cases, removal of an infected wisdom tooth may be necessary in order to prevent further complications such as spread of infection or damage to surrounding teeth or tissue. If this is recommended by your dentist, they will discuss your options with you prior to making any decisions about treatment.
Seeing a dentist right away if you have signs of an infected wisdom tooth is important in order to avoid further complications and ensure proper treatment for your condition. Your dentist will be able to diagnose your condition accurately and provide appropriate treatment for it in order to restore your oral health quickly and effectively.
What Tests Do Dentists Use To Check For an Infected Wisdom Tooth?
Dentists use a range of tests to check for an infected wisdom tooth, including physical examination, x-rays, and laboratory tests. During a physical examination, the dentist will look for signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or tenderness in the area around the wisdom tooth. X-rays can help locate any abnormal growths that may indicate an infection. If an infection is suspected, laboratory tests may be ordered to identify the specific type of bacteria causing it. These tests will also provide information on how best to treat the infection. Treatment may include antibiotics to clear up the infection or extraction of the tooth to avoid further complications.
If a patient experiences pain or other signs of infection near their wisdom teeth, they should talk to their dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. The dentist will determine which tests are necessary to determine if an infection is present and how best to treat it.
How Are Infected Wisdom Teeth Treated?
The treatment of an infected wisdom tooth depends on the severity of the infection. If the infection is mild, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the swelling and pain. If the infection is more serious, a root canal may be necessary. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and nerve tissue from inside the tooth and replace it with a filling material. In some cases, if an infection is severe enough, a wisdom tooth may need to be extracted. After extraction, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce swelling and pain. In addition, over-the-counter pain medications can be used to reduce discomfort.
Preventing Wisdom Tooth Infections
Wisdom teeth can be a source of concern for many people, as they can become infected and cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent your wisdom teeth from becoming infected.
The first step in preventing wisdom tooth infections is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. It is also important to see your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and check-ups. This will help ensure that any potential problems with your wisdom teeth are caught early and treated before they become infected.
Another important step in preventing wisdom tooth infections is to avoid eating foods that may be difficult to chew or may get stuck in the back of the mouth near the wisdom teeth. Eating foods like popcorn kernels or sticky candy can increase the risk of an infection developing around the wisdom teeth.
Finally, if you notice any signs of infection around your wisdom teeth – such as redness, swelling, or pain – it is important to seek medical attention from your dentist right away. The sooner an infection is treated, the easier it will be to manage and prevent further complications.
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your wisdom teeth stay healthy and free of infection.
Conclusion
If you think you may have an infection in your wisdom teeth, it is important to visit your dentist as quickly as possible. While infections can sometimes be minor and go away on their own, they can also be serious and cause long-term damage. By visiting your dentist, you can get a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of action for treating any infection. Your dentist also may suggest preventative measures to keep your wisdom teeth healthy.
It is important to keep an eye on any changes in your mouth and not ignore potential signs of infection in your wisdom teeth. With regular visits to the dentist, you can make sure that any infections are caught early and treated promptly.