Wisdom Teeth and Infection: What You Need to Know

 Most of us have heard about wisdom teeth. They’re those last teeth to show up, usually in our late teens or early twenties. For some, they come in perfectly fine and cause no trouble. But for many others, these late bloomers can be a real pain – sometimes literally – especially when they get infected.

This guide will explain why wisdom teeth are prone to infection, what signs to look out for, and what your dentist can do to help. We’ll also cover how to prevent infections and what to do if you think you have one. So, let’s dive in!

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Susceptible to Infection

You might wonder why wisdom teeth seem to be infection magnets more than other teeth. It often comes down to a few key reasons:

• Not Enough Room: Our jaws have a certain amount of space. By the time wisdom teeth try to push through, there might not be enough room for them to come in straight and fully. This can lead to them getting “stuck” or coming in at odd angles. When a tooth is stuck like this, we call it “impacted.”
• Partial Eruption: Sometimes, a wisdom tooth only pokes through the gum a little bit. This creates a flap of gum tissue over the tooth, which is a perfect hiding spot for food bits and bacteria. It’s like a tiny, warm, damp cave – ideal for germs to grow.
• Hard to Clean: Because they’re so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth are just plain tricky to brush and floss properly. Even with the best brushing habits, it’s easy to miss spots around them, allowing plaque and bacteria to build up.
• Gum Inflammation: The act of a wisdom tooth trying to push through can irritate the surrounding gums. This irritation can make the gums swollen and tender, creating an easier entry point for bacteria to cause an infection.

Think of it like this: if you’re trying to push a big couch into a small room, it might get stuck halfway, creating awkward gaps. Those gaps, if not cleaned, can become quite messy. That’s a bit like what happens with wisdom teeth.

Common Causes of Infection in Wisdom Teeth

Infections around wisdom teeth usually come from bacteria that are naturally present in your mouth. However, certain situations make it easier for these bacteria to cause problems:

• Pericoronitis: This is the most common type of infection associated with wisdom teeth. It happens when that flap of gum tissue over a partially erupted wisdom tooth gets inflamed and infected. Food particles and bacteria get trapped underneath, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes a bad taste.
• Food Trapping: As mentioned, the awkward position of wisdom teeth can lead to food getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas. If not removed, this food provides a feast for bacteria, leading to their rapid growth and infection.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: If you’re not brushing and flossing well around your wisdom teeth, plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – builds up. This buildup is a primary cause of infection.
• Cyst Formation: In some cases, a sac of fluid (a cyst) can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. While not always infected initially, these cysts can become infected and cause significant damage to the surrounding bone and teeth if not treated.
• Decay (Cavities): Because they’re hard to clean, wisdom teeth are more prone to getting cavities. If a cavity goes deep enough, it can lead to an infection inside the tooth itself (a tooth abscess) which can then spread to the surrounding gums and bone.

It’s all about bacteria getting into places they shouldn’t or multiplying too much where they are.

Symptoms to Watch For

An infected wisdom tooth usually sends out some clear warning signs. Don’t ignore these! The sooner you get it checked, the easier it is to treat.

Here are the main symptoms to watch out for:

• Pain: This is often the first and most obvious symptom. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing pain. It might be constant or come and go.
• Swelling: You might notice swelling in your jaw, cheek, or around the affected gum area. Sometimes, the swelling can be quite noticeable from the outside of your face.
• Redness: The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth will likely look red and inflamed, rather than its usual healthy pink.
• Tenderness to Touch: The area will be sensitive when you touch it, or when you bite down.
• Difficulty Opening Your Mouth (Trismus): If the infection is severe, the muscles around your jaw can become stiff and painful, making it hard to open your mouth wide. This is a sign that the infection is spreading.
• Bad Taste in Your Mouth: A foul, metallic, or generally unpleasant taste in your mouth, even after brushing, can indicate pus or fluid draining from the infected area.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Similar to a bad taste, persistent bad breath can be a sign of infection.
• Fever: If the infection is spreading or more severe, you might develop a fever.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes in your neck (glands that fight infection) might become swollen and tender.
• Sore Throat: Sometimes, the pain and swelling from an infected wisdom tooth can radiate to your throat, making it feel sore or painful to swallow. This is less common but can happen if the infection is close to the throat area. (As highlighted by our friends at Dentist Nedlands).

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially a combination of them, it’s time to see a dentist right away.

Short-Term and Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Infection

Ignoring a wisdom tooth infection is never a good idea. While you might hope it just goes away, it rarely does without professional help. Delaying treatment can lead to both short-term discomfort and more serious long-term problems.

Short-Term Risks:

• Increased Pain and Swelling: The infection will likely get worse, leading to more intense pain and swelling.
• Spread of Infection: The infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, or even into your bloodstream, which can be dangerous.
• Difficulty Eating and Speaking: Severe pain and swelling can make it very difficult to eat, drink, or even talk.
• Abscess Formation: A collection of pus (an abscess) can form in the gum or jaw, causing intense pain and needing to be drained.

Long-Term Risks:

• Damage to Neighbouring Teeth: A chronically infected wisdom tooth can damage the tooth next to it, leading to cavities or bone loss around the healthy tooth.
• Cyst and Tumour Formation: Untreated impacted wisdom teeth, especially those with chronic infections, can lead to the formation of cysts or, in very rare cases, benign (non-cancerous) tumours. These can destroy bone and damage surrounding structures.
• Systemic Infection (Sepsis): In very severe and rare cases, an untreated dental infection can spread throughout the body, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. This is why prompt treatment is so important.
• Chronic Pain: Even if the infection doesn’t spread, chronic inflammation and low-grade infection can lead to ongoing discomfort and pain in the jaw and surrounding areas.

It’s clear: don’t put off seeing a dentist if you suspect an infection.

Diagnosis: How Dentists Identify an Infection

When you visit your dentist with concerns about a wisdom tooth, they’ll follow a few steps to figure out what’s going on:

• Medical History and Symptom Discussion: Your dentist will ask you about your symptoms, when they started, how severe they are, and any other relevant medical history.
• Oral Examination: They’ll carefully look at your mouth, paying close attention to the wisdom tooth area. They’ll check for swelling, redness, pus, and any signs of food trapping or gum flaps. They might gently press on the area to check for tenderness.
• X-rays: This is a crucial step. Dental X-rays, especially a panoramic X-ray (which shows your entire jaw and all your teeth), allow the dentist to see:
  • The position of the wisdom tooth (is it impacted? What angle is it at?).
  • If there’s enough room for it to come in.
  • Signs of infection in the bone or surrounding teeth.
  • If any cysts or other growths are present.
  • The condition of the roots of the wisdom tooth and neighbouring teeth.

Based on this information, your dentist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and discuss the best course of action.

Treatment Options for Infected Wisdom Teeth

The treatment for an infected wisdom tooth depends on how severe the infection is and what’s causing it.

• Antibiotics: If there’s an active infection with swelling, pain, or fever, your dentist will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics. This helps to kill the bacteria and reduce the infection before any further procedures are done. It’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better.
• Rinsing and Cleaning: For minor infections, especially pericoronitis, your dentist might thoroughly clean the area around the wisdom tooth to remove trapped food and debris. They might also recommend warm salt water rinses at home to help soothe the gums and keep the area clean.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Your dentist might also prescribe stronger pain medication if needed.
• Draining an Abscess: If a significant collection of pus (an abscess) has formed, the dentist might need to drain it. This involves making a small cut in the gum to allow the pus to escape, which provides immediate relief.
• Gum Flap Removal (Operculectomy): In some cases, if the gum flap (operculum) over a partially erupted wisdom tooth is the main problem and the tooth is otherwise coming in straight, your dentist might consider removing just the gum flap. This creates an easier-to-clean area.
• Extraction (Removal): Often, the most effective long-term solution for recurrent or severe wisdom tooth infections is to remove the tooth. We’ll discuss this in more detail next.

The goal is always to get rid of the infection and prevent it from coming back.

Wisdom Teeth and Infection: When Is Removal Necessary?

While some wisdom tooth infections can be managed with antibiotics and cleaning, there are many situations where removal (extraction) is the best or only long-term solution. Your dentist will consider several factors when deciding if extraction is necessary:

• Recurrent Infections: If you keep getting infections around the same wisdom tooth, it’s a strong sign that it needs to come out. Repeated pericoronitis, for example, is a common reason for extraction.
• Impacted Tooth: If the wisdom tooth is severely impacted (stuck) and can’t come in properly, it will continue to be a source of problems, including infections. Removing it prevents future issues.
• Damage to Neighbouring Teeth: If the wisdom tooth is causing damage to the tooth next to it (e.g., creating cavities, bone loss, or root resorption), removal is necessary to protect the healthy tooth.
• Cyst or Tumour Formation: If an X-ray shows a cyst or tumour forming around the wisdom tooth, it will need to be removed, sometimes along with a small amount of surrounding bone.
• Difficulty Cleaning: If the tooth is in such an awkward position that it’s impossible to clean properly, leading to chronic decay or gum disease, extraction might be recommended.
• Persistent Pain: Even without overt infection, if an impacted wisdom tooth is causing chronic pain or pressure, removal can provide relief.

Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of extraction with you, explaining why they recommend it and what the procedure involves. For complex extractions, they might refer you to an oral surgeon. Places like Dentist St Marys often have specialists or can refer you to the right person for more involved cases.

How to Prevent Wisdom Tooth Infections

While you can’t always prevent wisdom teeth from causing issues, you can take steps to reduce the risk of infection:

• Excellent Oral Hygiene: This is your first line of defense.
  • Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and pay extra attention to the very back of your mouth, making sure to reach behind your last molars.
  • Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and under gum flaps. Consider using a small interdental brush or water flosser if you find flossing difficult around the wisdom teeth.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans is vital. They can spot potential problems with your wisdom teeth early on, sometimes even before they cause symptoms. They can also provide professional cleaning in those hard-to-reach areas.
• Warm Salt Water Rinses: If you feel any slight tenderness or irritation around your wisdom teeth, rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day can help reduce inflammation and kill some bacteria.
• Don’t Ignore Early Signs: If you feel even a slight ache or notice any redness, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact your dentist for advice. Early intervention can prevent a full-blown infection.
• Consider Early Evaluation: Some dentists recommend evaluating wisdom teeth in the mid-to-late teens, even before they cause problems. If there are clear signs they’ll cause issues, proactive removal might be discussed. This can save you pain and trouble down the line.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure!

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

If you do have a wisdom tooth removed, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications like “dry socket” (a painful condition where the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site).

Here are some general tips:

• Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: This is the most important tip! Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific instructions for your recovery. Stick to them.
• Manage Pain: Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.
• Control Swelling: Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time, with 15-20 minutes off, for the first 24-48 hours.
• Bleeding: You’ll be given gauze to bite on. Change it regularly until the bleeding stops or is minimal.
• Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days (e.g., yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies). Avoid crunchy, sticky, or hot foods that could irritate the wound.
• Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol: These can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
• No Straws! The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
• Gentle Rinsing: After 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. Don’t spit vigorously.
• Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal.
• Keep the Area Clean: Be gentle when brushing near the extraction site, but still maintain good oral hygiene in the rest of your mouth.

Recovery times vary, but most people feel significantly better within a few days to a week after wisdom tooth extraction.

When to Contact Your Dentist Immediately

While most wisdom tooth issues resolve well, there are times when you need to contact your dentist without delay. Don’t hesitate if you experience any of the following after an infection or extraction:

• Severe, Worsening Pain: If the pain isn’t getting better with medication or suddenly becomes much worse.
• Excessive Bleeding: If you have persistent heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after an hour of applying firm pressure with gauze.
• Increasing Swelling: If the swelling in your face or jaw gets worse after the first 2-3 days, or if it spreads.
• Fever and Chills: These can indicate a spreading infection.
• Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: This is a serious sign that the infection might be spreading to your throat or airway. Seek emergency medical attention.
• Numbness: If you experience new or worsening numbness in your lip, chin, or tongue.
• Pus or Foul Discharge: If you notice pus or a bad taste coming from the extraction site or gum.
• Signs of Dry Socket: Intense pain that develops a few days after extraction, often radiating to your ear, along with a bad taste and smell.

Your dentist, like Dentist St Marys, is there to help you through these situations. Don’t try to tough it out!

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth can be a bit of a challenge, and infections are a common problem associated with them. Understanding why these infections happen, knowing the symptoms to watch for, and seeking timely professional help are key to managing your oral health.

Whether it’s managing an active infection with antibiotics or deciding that removal is the best option, your dentist is your best resource. By maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular check-ups, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering painful wisdom tooth problems. Don’t let an infected wisdom tooth become a bigger issue – listen to your body and talk to your dentist.

Source: Wisdom Teeth and Infection: What You Need to Know