The Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection

What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

The third molar, also known as the wisdom tooth, is considered one of the most problematic teeth.

It typically emerges between the ages of 17 and 25. If it is in the growth process inside, the structure of the jaw bone does not follow its natural path and grows crookedly or gets stuck inside the gum.

Today, young people are especially concerned about wisdom tooth infection symptoms and the impact of third molar infection.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in the mouth, and if they grow improperly or do not grow at all, they can cause various problems and infections.

What are the Signs of Wisdom Teeth Infection?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that does not fully emerge from the gum and remains inside the jawbone. This condition can cause problems, including infection. In addition to all the symptoms mentioned above, the feeling of pressure in the jaw due to swelling and inflammation is also a symptom of an infected wisdom tooth; there may be a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the jaw area.

tooth infection symptoms

Symptoms of wisdom tooth infection can cause significant pain and discomfort. The symptoms of this infection may worsen over time and lead to more severe problems if left untreated. Below are some of the most common symptoms of wisdom tooth infection:

• Severe Pain One of the most apparent symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection is severe pain in the tooth and jaw area.  This pain may radiate to the ear, head, or neck, indicating the spread of infection or inflammation. If a person feels moderate to severe pain in his jaw area and it is difficult to chew, there is a possibility of infection. In this situation, swelling like a small mass in the cheek is possible. This swollen part is also warm to the touch.
•  The more impacted wisdom is involved, the more it mostly comes from the wisdom tooth deviating from the main growth path and getting stuck inside the jaw bone and gum tissue.
• Swelling of the Gums and Cheeks The infection causes inflammation and swelling around the wisdom teeth, possibly accompanied by redness and sensitivity.
• If the gums are bright red or white spots appear on the gums, there is a possibility of infection. In this situation, the gums around the desired tooth will be inflamed.
• Purulent Secretions In some cases, wisdom tooth infection causes an abscess, and purulent secretions come out of the gum.
• Bad Breath Sometimes, a metallic and unpleasant taste in the mouth can indicate an infection. This taste is felt due to the presence of blood and pus at the site of infection. In addition, this problem can be one of the causes of bad breath.
• Difficulty Chewing and Swallowing Swelling and pain caused by infection make it difficult to chew and swallow food.
• Fever and Chills In severe infections, fever and chills may also be observed. A fever is typically defined as a body temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C). Your body is fighting the infection. If the disease is severe, the person will also experience muscle weakness.
• Pain When Opening the Mouth Infection can cause limited jaw movement and discomfort when opening the mouth. If a person has difficulty opening their mouth or swallowing, they may have an infection. In these conditions, the infection has spread from the gums to other facial muscles.
• Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes A wisdom tooth infection may cause swelling of the neck lymph nodes.
• Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Root Infection In cases where the infection has spread to the root of the wisdom tooth, the pain may be more severe, and the tooth may be more sensitive to impact. Also, dark spots may develop on the teeth.

Important Causes of Wisdom Tooth Infection

Complications of Not Treating Wisdom Tooth Infection

Complications of Not Treating Wisdom Tooth Infection

According to Medical News Today, neglecting a wisdom tooth infection can lead to:

1. Spread of Infection: The bacteria causing the infection can spread to the jaw, throat, or even enter the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis.
2. Cyst Formation: Untreated infections may result in fluid-filled sacs (cysts) that can damage the jawbone and surrounding nerves.
3. Damage to Nearby Teeth: The infection or pressure from the impacted wisdom tooth can harm adjacent teeth, leading to decay or gum disease.
4. Systemic Health Issues: In severe cases, infections can lead to complications like Ludwig’s angina, an infection that can block the airway and become life-threatening.

For more detailed information, visit the article on Medical News Today. 

Prevention of Wisdom Tooth Infection

By observing the following points, you can prevent the symptoms of wisdom tooth infection and its complications:

• Oral and dental hygiene: regular and careful brushing, floss, and antibacterial mouthwash help reduce bacteria accumulation around wisdom teeth.
• Regular visits to the dentist: By visiting the dentist regularly, any problems with your teeth, especially wisdom teeth, will be diagnosed and treated on time.
• Pay attention to the symptoms of partially impacted third molar infection: If you see any signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, redness, and purulent secretions around the wisdom tooth, go to the dentist immediately.
• Wisdom tooth extraction if necessary: If the wisdom tooth grows incompletely or causes problems such as pain, infection, or damage to the adjacent teeth, the dentist may recommend its extraction.
• Proper nutrition: Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals helps to strengthen the body’s immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoiding harmful habits: Harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.

By following these tips, you can prevent oral infection caused by wisdom teeth and its complications and maintain the health of your mouth and teeth.

Conclusion
Infected wisdom teeth can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, including severe pain, swelling, and potential spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

Delayed treatment can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and even life-threatening conditions like sepsis. It’s crucial to visit a dentist immediately if you experience symptoms, and regular check-ups every six months are recommended to maintain oral health and address issues early.

Contact our experienced team at Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a wisdom tooth infection always need to be extracted?

Not necessarily. In some cases, the dentist may treat the infection with antibiotics. However, if the disease is severe or the wisdom tooth is incompletely erupted, it is necessary to extract it.

What are the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection?

Infected wisdom tooth symptoms include severe pain, swelling of gums and cheeks, purulent secretions, bad breath, fever and chills, and difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Is wisdom tooth infection dangerous?

If not treated, infection can spread to other areas of the body and cause complications such as abscesses, blood infections, and even more severe problems.

How to prevent wisdom tooth infection?

To prevent infected wisdom teeth, it is recommended to observe oral and dental hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, extract wisdom teeth if necessary, and eat correctly