Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties, and for many people, they can lead to various dental issues, including infections. Infected wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, pain, and even complications if left untreated. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an infection is crucial for seeking timely treatment and preventing further damage. In this article, we will discuss what infected wisdom teeth look like and what you should do if you suspect an infection.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Infections?
Before understanding how infected wisdom teeth appear, it’s important to know what can cause an infection. Wisdom tooth infections occur when bacteria enter the tissue around the tooth. This can happen for several reasons, including:
Impaction: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge fully, which can cause them to become impacted. An impacted tooth may only partially emerge from the gums, trapping food and bacteria beneath the gumline, leading to infection.
Infection in the surrounding tissue: If the wisdom tooth breaks through the gum line, it can create a pocket where food and bacteria can get trapped, leading to infection.
Tooth decay: Like any tooth, wisdom teeth are susceptible to decay. If a wisdom tooth is decayed and not properly treated, it can lead to infection.
Gum disease: The gums around the wisdom tooth may become inflamed or infected, leading to a condition called pericoronitis, which is common in patients with wisdom teeth.
Now that we understand the causes of infections, let’s explore how infected wisdom teeth typically appear.
Signs of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
Infected wisdom teeth may present a variety of symptoms, some of which are visible, while others are more subtle and may require professional evaluation. Below are the common signs of an infected wisdom tooth.
Swelling Around the Gums
One of the most noticeable signs of an infected wisdom tooth is swelling around the gums. This swelling may occur at the site of the wisdom tooth or extend to nearby areas. If the infection is particularly severe, it can cause your entire cheek to swell, making your face look asymmetrical. The gums around the wisdom tooth may appear redder than usual, indicating inflammation.
Redness and Tenderness of the Gums
An infected wisdom tooth will often cause the surrounding gum tissue to become red and irritated. Infected gums tend to feel soft and swollen. If you touch the area or apply pressure to it, you may notice tenderness or pain. The gums may even bleed when brushed or touched. If you see blood when cleaning the area around your wisdom tooth, this could be an indication of infection or gum disease.
Pain in the Jaw and Tooth Area
Pain is a common symptom of an infected wisdom tooth. The pain typically starts as a dull ache, but it may progress to sharp, intense pain that radiates into the surrounding areas, such as your jaw, neck, or ear. The pain may worsen when chewing or applying pressure to the affected area. If the infection is advanced, you may experience continuous throbbing pain.
Pus Discharge
If the infection is more severe, you may notice pus draining from the affected area. Pus is typically yellow or greenish in color and may have a foul odor. This discharge occurs when bacteria infect the soft tissues around the tooth and the body produces pus as part of its immune response. If you notice pus coming from your wisdom tooth, it is important to seek dental attention immediately.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
One of the less visible symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth is bad breath, also known as halitosis. This happens when bacteria from the infection release unpleasant odors. If your breath has a particularly foul smell, especially when you haven’t eaten recently, it could be a sign that your wisdom tooth is infected. Persistent bad breath, combined with swelling and pain, warrants a visit to your dentist.
Fever and Malaise
In more severe cases, an infection in a wisdom tooth may lead to a fever. A fever is the body’s natural response to infection, indicating that your immune system is fighting off the bacteria. If you have an infected wisdom tooth, you may feel generally unwell, fatigued, or have a decreased appetite. These systemic symptoms suggest that the infection has spread beyond the immediate area and may require urgent treatment.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth (Trismus)
An infected wisdom tooth may cause the muscles around the jaw to become inflamed, making it difficult to open your mouth fully. This condition is known as trismus. When you try to open your mouth, you may feel a tightness or a sudden inability to do so. Difficulty swallowing or chewing may also be present. In severe cases, trismus can make it almost impossible to eat or speak comfortably.
Shifting of Adjacent Teeth
Sometimes, an infected wisdom tooth can cause the nearby teeth to shift slightly. This is because the infection puts pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums. If you notice that your other teeth feel more crowded or out of place, it could be a result of an infection in one of your wisdom teeth. This issue may cause further misalignment and dental discomfort.
How to Treat an Infected Wisdom Tooth
If you suspect your wisdom tooth is infected, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine the tooth and surrounding tissues to determine the extent of the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may vary.
Antibiotics
For mild infections, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics can reduce swelling, pain, and other symptoms, but they are not a permanent solution. Once the infection subsides, your dentist will discuss the next steps for treating the wisdom tooth.
Drainage of Abscesses
If an abscess has formed around the wisdom tooth, your dentist may need to drain it. This involves creating a small incision in the gum tissue to release the pus and relieve pressure. Drainage can help speed up recovery and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
Extraction of the Wisdom Tooth
In cases where the infection is severe or the wisdom tooth is impacted, extraction may be necessary. Removing the tooth eliminates the source of the infection and allows the area to heal completely. After the tooth is removed, your dentist will provide instructions for post-surgical care to prevent further complications.
Preventing Infections in Wisdom Teeth
While wisdom tooth infections can happen, there are ways to prevent them. Proper oral hygiene is key. Brushing and flossing around your wisdom teeth, even if they are partially erupted, can help prevent food and bacteria buildup. Regular dental check-ups are also important for identifying potential issues before they become serious.
Conclusion
Infected wisdom teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, from swelling and pain to pus discharge and bad breath. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for seeking timely treatment and preventing complications. If you notice any signs of infection, it’s important to consult your dentist promptly. In some cases, antibiotics or draining the abscess may be sufficient, but in more severe cases, extraction of the infected wisdom tooth may be necessary. By staying proactive about your oral health and seeking professional care, you can minimize the risks associated with infected wisdom teeth.
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