Wisdom Tooth Infection: Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of your mouth. While they often emerge in late teens or early twenties, these teeth can sometimes cause issues like infections, particularly when there isn’t enough room for them to come through. If you’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, or pain near your back teeth, you might be dealing with a wisdom tooth infection. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment to avoid complications. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection that you should never ignore and what you can do to address them.

What Causes a Wisdom Tooth Infection? A wisdom tooth infection typically occurs when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. This can happen if the tooth is impacted, meaning it doesn't have enough space to fully emerge from the gum line. An infection may also arise if food particles and plaque get trapped around the wisdom tooth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Common causes of wisdom tooth infections include:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When the tooth is unable to break through the gums properly. Pericoronitis: A gum infection around a partially erupted tooth. Cavities or Tooth Decay: Bacteria can cause cavities in the wisdom tooth, leading to infection. Gum Disease: Infected gums can lead to further complications with the wisdom teeth. Common Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Infection Pain and Discomfort One of the first signs of a wisdom tooth infection is persistent pain in the back of your mouth. This pain may range from mild to severe and is often constant or becomes worse with chewing or swallowing. The pain can also radiate to the jaw, ear, or even your head. If you experience sudden, intense pain in the area of your wisdom teeth, it's essential to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Swelling Around the Gum Line Swelling is another common symptom that signals a potential wisdom tooth infection. If the area around the infected tooth feels swollen or puffy, it’s an indication of inflammation. The swelling may make it hard to fully open your mouth and may even cause discomfort when chewing or talking. In severe cases, the infection can lead to a noticeable lump or abscess.

Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth An infected wisdom tooth often causes a foul odor or a bad taste in the mouth. This happens because the bacteria responsible for the infection produce waste products that can cause unpleasant smells. If you’ve noticed that brushing or rinsing your mouth doesn’t eliminate the bad breath or taste, this could be a sign of an underlying issue with your wisdom tooth.

Bleeding or Pus Around the Tooth If you notice that your gums are bleeding, particularly around the wisdom tooth, this is a red flag. Gums that are irritated by infection may bleed easily, even when you brush your teeth. Another sign to watch out for is the presence of pus around the wisdom tooth or in the gum tissue. Pus is a yellowish or whitish fluid that is produced by the body in response to infection. If pus is visible, it’s a clear indication that the infection has worsened and requires immediate treatment.

Fever A fever is a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. If you develop a fever in conjunction with other symptoms like pain, swelling, or bad breath, it's crucial to take it seriously. A fever can indicate that the infection has spread or that the body is struggling to contain it. This could signal the need for more aggressive treatment, such as antibiotics or even surgical intervention.

Difficulty Opening Your Mouth (Trismus) In some cases, a wisdom tooth infection can cause difficulty when opening your mouth. This condition is known as trismus and occurs when the muscles of the jaw become stiff and swollen due to the infection. You may notice that you can’t open your mouth fully or that chewing becomes particularly painful or difficult.

Swollen Lymph Nodes Your lymph nodes play an essential role in fighting infections, and when an infection is present, they can become swollen and tender. You may feel swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or along your neck if your wisdom tooth infection is affecting the surrounding area. Swollen lymph nodes, when accompanied by other symptoms, are a strong indicator of infection that should not be ignored.

Radiating Pain Sometimes, the pain from a wisdom tooth infection can radiate to other parts of the face, neck, or even the ear. This referred pain can be confusing, as it may not feel like it’s coming directly from the infected tooth. If you experience unexplained pain in your ear or neck along with symptoms around the wisdom tooth, it could be due to an infection.

When to Seek Professional Help If you experience any combination of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to see a dentist promptly. Infections left untreated can lead to serious complications, including:

Abscess Formation: A collection of pus that can spread to other areas. Jawbone Damage: An untreated infection can erode bone tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth. Spread of Infection: In rare cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, potentially leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Infection Once you seek professional help, your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the severity of your infection and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Some common treatment options include:

Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics will likely be prescribed to help control the infection and reduce symptoms. Drainage of Abscess: If an abscess has formed, your dentist may need to drain the pus to prevent further complications. Wisdom Tooth Removal: In many cases, the dentist may recommend removing the wisdom tooth, especially if it’s impacted or causing ongoing infection.

Conclusion

A wisdom tooth infection can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if left untreated. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you take steps to prevent complications and relieve your discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, bad breath, or any other signs of infection, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Prompt treatment is the best way to manage a wisdom tooth infection and protect your overall oral health.

If you’re dealing with a wisdom tooth infection and need immediate care, Emergency Dental 365 is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals offers quick, reliable dental services to address infections and other dental emergencies. Reach out to us today for expert care and relief.