First Signs Of Wisdom Tooth Infection

First Signs Of Wisdom Tooth Infection

Feb 01, 2022

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge during the late teens or early 20s. Sometimes they even emerge later. Usually, a person’s mouth is not large enough to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. Therefore, the teeth may erupt at angles and push against neighboring teeth or emerge partially above the gumline.

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Improper eruption of the wisdom teeth increases the risk of the teeth getting infected. Also, several symptoms indicate teeth infection. Fortunately, this article discusses the symptoms and causes of tooth infection. Kindly read along.

Wisdom Teeth Pain Symptoms

Cavities, impacted teeth, and extraction can result in teeth infection. Symptoms of an infection include;

  • Toothache in and around the tooth
  • Wisdom tooth pain in the jaw or face
  • Swollen or red gums around the infected tooth
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
  • Fever
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth

Causes Of Infection In Wisdom Teeth

Impacted Teeth

Impaction of wisdom teeth occurs when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to erupt or develop normally. Although some people’s wisdom teeth emerge without problems, some people’s teeth line up behind the second molars. For others, the mouth is too crowded to accommodate the eruption of the third molars, causing impaction.

Impacted teeth partially emerge such that a part of the crown is visible, and sometimes, it may never break through the gums. Other signs of impacted wisdom teeth include growing at an angle to the next tooth or toward the back of the tooth, growing like other teeth but staying trapped in the jawbone, and growing at a right angle to other teeth.

Cavities

Cavities can also cause a wisdom tooth infection. Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean and floss than other teeth because they sit at the back of the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Dentists extract a wisdom tooth to treat or prevent problems that the emerging wisdom teeth may cause. After the extraction, the site may get infected. Minor complications after a wisdom tooth extraction include bleeding after surgery, infection, temporary nerve damage, and dry socket. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot does not form at the extraction site.

Sometimes wisdom teeth pain in the jaw or gums doesn’t mean it is an infection. However, it can be a symptom of gum recession, gum disease, worn tooth enamel, poor oral hygiene, and cracked teeth. Teeth grinding, sinus problems, and worn dental fillings can also cause gum or teeth pain. If the pain lasts more than a few days, you should visit your dentist to identify the cause of the pain and get appropriate treatment.

Complications of wisdom teeth removal

Without early treatment, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to other health problems, including;

Damaging Other Teeth

When an impacted tooth pushes against the second molars, it can damage the second molar, increasing the risk of infection in that area. The pressure can also cause crowding problems for other teeth.

Cysts

Sometimes, the wisdom teeth may develop in a sac in the jawbone. This sac may contain fluid that forms a cyst, damaging the jawbone, nerves, and teeth. Sometimes, a noncancerous tumor may develop.

Decay

Impacted teeth are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay than other teeth because they are harder to clean and trap food and bacteria easily.

Gum Disease

Because cleaning impacted wisdom teeth is difficult, there is a higher risk of developing painful and inflammatory gum conditions in that area.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth hardly erupt normally, becoming impacted. Therefore there is a high risk of infection and other complications like gum disease, cysts, and tooth decay. Symptoms of impacted teeth include pain around the tooth and gums, bad breath, and difficulty chewing.

If you notice any of the symptoms discussed in this article, you should visit Toronto East Maxillofacial Surgery for proper treatment.

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