Wisdom Teeth and Infection​

Normally, wisdom teeth, or third molars, are formed between 17 and 25 years. These occur without any great problems for most people, but wisdom teeth can cause crowding, become stuck, and cause serious infections. Infection of a wisdom tooth can cause severe pain and be a nuisance if not dealt with immediately. In this article, we’ll look into the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures. Common questions will also be discussed in order to clarify some aspects of this concern.

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Why Wisdom Tooth Infection Happens?

The infection of a wisdom tooth usually results from either partial or complete impaction of the tooth while surfacing through the gums; such cases would allow standing space for bacteria to thrive. The case should be appropriately named pericoronitis: the inflammatory and infective condition of the tissue enveloping the tooth. Such infections may result from one or more of the following factors:

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When the wisdom tooth does not come through properly or attempts to come out by tilting at a bad angle, it can trap food particles and bacteria between the tooth and the gum, leading to an infection.
2. Oral Hygiene: Neglect of the standards and practices required for good oral hygiene will lead to the piling up of bacteria around the wisdom tooth, making it prone to the infection that may occur as a result.
3. Gum Flaps: Sometimes, the gum tissue around a wisdom tooth forms a small flap where bacteria thrive and thus gain entrance to an infection.
4. Cavities and Decay: In decayed wisdom teeth, cavities may provide a passage for bacteria.
5. Weakened Immune System: Immunocompromised persons are more susceptible to infections, including infections that affect wisdom teeth. 

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Signs of Wisdom Tooth Infection​

Recognizing the wisdom tooth infection symptoms is highly useful in finding timely treatment. The following symptoms may indicate an infection:

• Pain: An infected wisdom tooth can cause excruciating pain, most often radiating to the jaw, ear, and head.
• Swelling: Swollen gums around the concerned area could be present, with the swelling also extending to the cheeks/jaw area.
• Redness: The gum tissue around the infected tooth will appear red and swollen.
• Bad Taste in the Mouth: Varying levels of an impolite taste can develop if pus or drainage involved with the infection trickles into the mouth.
• Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath, or worse-smelling breath, is an expression of bacterial infection, and you do not have enough time to eliminate it through mouth cleaning unless your dentist prescribes some form of mouthwash.
• Difficulty Opening the Mouth: In advanced cases, mouth opening could become rather hard or also induce swallowing problems.
• Fever: Fever could signal the spreading of infection and accompany other signs, the development of which acts as an alarm to seek medical attention immediately.

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Difficulties of Untreated Wisdom Tooth Infections

If the wisdom tooth infection isn’t treated, it can pose severe threats to health:

1. Tooth Abscess: Infections may cause an abscess in the jaw, which can emerge at deeper levels. Such a sore filled with pus can be very painful and might require surgical drainage.
2. Transmission of Infection: Infections in the mouth can spread from one part of the body to others; serious cases such as cellulitis or starting sepsis may derive from the head and neck.
3. Jaw And Bone Destruction: Infections may go unchecked and remove jaw bone and adjacent tissues, leading to long-term complications.
4. Tooth Loss: The conditions pertaining to the infection may weaken the surrounding teeth; averting may lead to their loss or insist on their extraction. 

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How to Treat a Wisdom Tooth Infection?

If you feel you have a wisdom tooth infection, it’s essential to visit a dentist. Remedy for the infection may include the following:

1. Antibiotics: Dentists often prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Typical antibiotics for wisdom tooth infections include amoxicillin, clindamycin, or penicillin. These medications help lessen swelling, pain, and the spread of infection.
2. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help control pain while the infection is treated.
3. Saltwater Rinses: Washing your mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and kill some of the bacteria in the infected place.
4. Drainage of Abscess: If an abscess has developed, the dentist may need to drain it to extract the pus and alleviate pain.
5. Wisdom Tooth Extraction: In many cases, the finest way to prevent recurring infections is to extract the affected wisdom tooth. This is particularly common if the tooth is affected or partially erupted.
6. Oral Surgery: For more extreme cases or infections that have spread, oral surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and prevent further difficulties.

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How to Prevent Wisdom Tooth Infections

While some factors contributing to wisdom tooth infections, such as impaction, are beyond your control, there are actions you can take to lower the risk of infection:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily, especially around the back of the mouth where wisdom teeth reside, is essential. A clean mouth helps prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to infections.
2. Routine Dental Checkups: Frequent visits to the dentist allow for early detection of possible wisdom tooth problems. Your dentist can scan your wisdom teeth as they grow and suggest extraction if required.
3. Antibacterial Mouthwash: Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help lower the bacteria in your mouth, minimizing the probability of infection.
4. Dietary choices: Avoiding sticky, sugary foods that get trapped around your wisdom teeth can reduce the chances of bacterial development and erosion.

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When to See a Dentist?

In the case of any symptoms-all of which could be present for this case of an infection-such as pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, make sure to book an appointment with a dentist immediately! Delaying treatment could potentially lead to serious complications requiring more extensive procedures.

At SmilePlus Dental Clinic, we know how uncomfortable wisdom tooth infection can be. Our experienced dental team provides comprehensive treatment for all your dental needs, from standard cleanings to wisdom tooth removal. We provide state-of-the-art equipment and individualized treatment plans to offer a pain-free, effective solution to wisdom tooth infections. Let not oral pain be a reason to spoil your regular life- call us today for an appointment and we will make you smile confidently.

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Wisdom Tooth Infection FAQs

How would I know whether my wisdom tooth is infected?

An infection in a wisdom tooth can usually manifest itself as pain around the tooth or jaw swelling, redness, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth. Consult your dentist for the appropriate steps to alleviate these symptoms.

Can a wisdom tooth infection heal without treatment?

For an infection, the resolution seldom arrives on its own. Although the symptoms may diminish transiently, the cause for the infection-an impacted tooth or the subsequent bacterial growth-remains. In order to ensure that complications do not arise, professional treatment is crucial.

How long does it take for a wisdom tooth infection to resolve?

If treated correctly, the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection usually improve within several days to a week; however, untreated, the infection lasts much longer to reproduce further, even leading to complications.

Do antibiotics treat a wisdom tooth infection?

Antibiotics assist in symptomatic relief and in stemming the spread of infection; however, they do not treat the cause of infection, frequently partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth. The removal of wisdom teeth is normally required to avoid recurrent infection.

Should I remove my wisdom teeth even if they do not cause any problems?

Only some wisdom teeth are advised for removal. However, if your dentist sees that your wisdom teeth can lead to impaction or infection, they will suggest extraction as a preventive measure.

Can the spread of infection from a wisdom tooth occur to other parts of the body?

Yes. If not treated, the infection can spread beyond the mouth. 

What can I do to relieve the pain from a wisdom tooth infection at home?

While waiting to see your dentist, manage pain using over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, multiple rinses with warm saltwater, and maintain good oral hygiene: however, these are only temporary management, and professional care will be necessary for some lasting work that needs to be done. 

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Conclusion

Infection of a wisdom tooth can be quite painful and, when left unattended, could have grave consequences. Recognition of the signs of infection early enough so that treatment can commence is critical in controlling the spread of infection and protecting overall oral health. SmilePlus Dental Clinic professionals are available to address your concerns regarding wisdom teeth and provide personalized treatment plans to ensure comfort and health. Pain hasn’t gotten so unmanageable that you can’t make that long-awaited call, so hurry and act swiftly for your healthy and pain-free smile!

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