A person's mouth may not be large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth that emerge in early adulthood. As a result, these teeth usually erupt at an odd angle and damage the neighboring teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can get stuck in the gums. As a result, wisdom teeth have a higher risk of getting infected.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
On average, adults have 32 permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth are part of your molars and are usually the last to grow in, showing up between the ages of 17 and 21. Usually, adults have four wisdom teeth in each corner of the jaw. Some adults have only two wisdom teeth, and some have none at all. Although wisdom teeth were once essential for the early human diet of raw meat, plants, and roots, they are no longer necessary. Because modern-day human jaws are getting progressively smaller, they may not be able to accommodate our wisdom teeth—which can lead to many dental problems.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?
The main reason why wisdom teeth get infected has to do with their position. Because they are located all the way in the back of the jaw, they are much harder to brush and floss. Bacteria can accumulate in much greater amounts, which can lead to an infection. Another reason is that some jaws simply do not have the space for them—when these teeth begin to emerge in adulthood, they can become trapped in the jaw or under the gums—a condition referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth that don't fully emerge can give bacteria more space to enter the gums, increasing the chances of an infection forming.
10 Signs Your Wisdom Tooth Could Be Infected
Because a tooth infection can have serious consequences—both for the infected tooth and your overall health—it is important to recognize it so you can get it treated as soon as possible.
1. Your Tooth Is More Sensitive Than Usual
Sensitive teeth on their own don't necessarily indicate a tooth infection. However, if you notice that your back teeth are suddenly more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, then it's more likely the result of a tooth infection.
2. Your Tooth Hurts
A toothache will generally feel like a throbbing or gnawing pain on the inside of your tooth that doesn't go away. The pain can vary in intensity. A toothache is caused by inflammation of the innermost part of your tooth—which is called the pulp. This part is full of nerve-rich endings.
3. Your Gums Are Inflamed
While a wisdom tooth infection is technically separate from gum infection, it is possible for both to occur at the same time. Bacteria from a tooth infection can spread to the gum, causing it to become inflamed. If your gums are inflamed, they will most likely become red, swollen, and painful to touch.
4. Your Gums Bleed
If your gums are infected, they may also begin to bleed. While this will usually occur due to harsh brushing, it is still a sign that your gums are experiencing significant inflammation.
5. Your Face Hurts
If your wisdom tooth is infected, then the pain from the infection can begin to radiate to your cheeks and jaw. In the later stages of a wisdom tooth infection, it is possible for the bacteria to actually enter the skin on your cheeks—a condition known as cellulitis—which can cause your cheek to become swollen.
6. There Is An Abscess On Your Gums
You may form an abscess around the tooth area. An abscess is a "pocket" of puss that can look like a red or white cyst. You may notice a small "ball" on your gum line if you look inside your mouth. Because an abscess accumulates bacteria, it is a sure sign that your wisdom tooth is infected.
7. Your Mouth Tastes Bad
If an abscess around your wisdom tooth begins to secrete, then you may have a salty taste in your mouth—or another taste that's equally as unpleasant. A sudden bad taste in your mouth is usually a more obvious sign that you have a wisdom tooth infection.
8. You Get a Fever
If a wisdom tooth infection goes unaddressed, it can begin spreading to the rest of the body. As a result, you may feel a fever that another health condition can't explain. If you experience a body temperature above 100.4°F—in addition to any of the above symptoms—then it is very likely that you have a wisdom tooth infection that has progressed and requires immediate medical attention.
9. You Have Shaking and Chills
Most often, you will experience chills in addition to a fever. Chills usually precede a fever and can indicate that you may be on your way to developing one. If you have chills and shaking without any apparent reason—in addition to the above symptoms—then it may be that you have a wisdom tooth infection.
10. Your Lymph Nodes Are Swollen
Your lymph nodes are located below your jaw in the neck. These make up a part of your lymphatic system, which removes toxins from the body. If there is an infection in the body, then your lymph nodes can become swollen as more white blood cells rush in to fight off an infecting pathogen.
How To Treat a Wisdom Tooth Infection
If you experience any of the above symptoms, then you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will thoroughly cleanse the infected wisdom tooth—in addition to the surrounding gums and teeth. Next, they will prescribe a round of antibiotics to help with killing the bacteria. Finally, your dentist will likely perform a dental procedure such as a root canal or an extraction. Because wisdom teeth have roots that are either not separated or oddly shaped, most likely your dentist will recommend a full extraction.
Ways To Prevent a Wisdom Tooth Infection
Prevention tips:
• Practice good oral hygiene: Make sure that you keep wisdom teeth as clean as possible to prevent an infection.
• Avoid eating sugar: The bacteria that lead to tooth decay feed primarily on sugar—consuming less of it can significantly lower your chances of developing a bacterial infection.
• See your dentist regularly: Visiting your dentist at least once every six months helps catch tooth decay in its early stages.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Make sure that you keep wisdom teeth as clean as possible to prevent an infection.
• Avoid eating sugar: The bacteria that lead to tooth decay feed primarily on sugar—consuming less of it can significantly lower your chances of developing a bacterial infection.
• See your dentist regularly: Visiting your dentist at least once every six months helps catch tooth decay in its early stages.
Sources:
Wisdom TeethTooth InfectionDental HealthSymptoms