If you’ve ever experienced pain, swelling, or discomfort around your wisdom teeth, you may have a condition known as pericoronitis. This common dental issue typically affects young adults and is often linked to the eruption of wisdom teeth. While it may start as a mild irritation, pericoronitis can become a serious infection if left untreated.

What is Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis develops when the gum surrounding a partially erupted tooth becomes inflamed and infected. This most commonly happens with the third molars, or wisdom teeth, as they erupt from the gums in late adolescence or early adulthood.

When a wisdom tooth only partly comes through the gum, a flap of tissue, called an operculum may remain covering the tooth. Food particles, bacteria, and debris can easily become trapped under this flap, creating a breeding ground for infection. If not properly cleaned, this can lead to inflammation and, eventually, an infection.

Causes of Pericoronitis

Several factors can contribute to the development of pericoronitis, including:

Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: When a tooth doesn’t fully emerge, it leaves room for bacteria and leftover food particles to get trapped under the gum flap.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing makes it much easier for bacteria to accumulate around the wisdom teeth, leading to infection.

Crowded Teeth: If there is not adequate space in your jaw for wisdom teeth to fully enter into the mouth, they may become impacted or only partially erupt, increasing the risk of pericoronitis.

Stress and Fatigue: Stress can lower the immune system’s ability to fight off infection, making the mouth more susceptible to bacterial growth.

Symptoms of Pericoronitis

The symptoms of pericoronitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In its early stages, the symptoms may be mild, but they can quickly worsen if the infection is left untreated. Common symptoms include:

– Pain or tenderness around the affected tooth
– Swelling of the gums near the wisdom tooth
– A bad taste or bad breath due to the accumulation of bacteria
– Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus) or chewing
– Redness and inflammation of the gums
– Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw

In more serious cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth or throat, causing more serious complications such as fever or difficulty swallowing.

Treatment Options for Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis treatment depends on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, conservative management may be sufficient, while more severe infections may require surgical intervention. Here are some common treatment options:

Oral Hygiene and Rinsing: In the early stages, your dentist may recommend improving oral hygiene around the affected area. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water numerous times daily can help reduce inflammation and clear out bacteria.

Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and prevent it from spreading for serious cases. Pain relievers may also be recommended or prescribed to alleviate discomfort.

Removal of Gum Tissue: In some cases, the dentist may need to remove the flap of gum tissue covering the wisdom tooth to prevent further infections. This procedure, called an operculectomy, can provide relief and allow the wisdom tooth to emerge fully.

Extraction of the Wisdom Tooth: If the tooth is impacted or continues to cause problems, your dentist may recommend removing the wisdom tooth altogether. This is often the most effective long-term solution to prevent recurrent episodes of pericoronitis.

Preventing Pericoronitis

While pericoronitis can be difficult to prevent if your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, maintaining excellent oral care can limit the risk of infection. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

– Brush & floss thoroughly around the wisdom teeth, focusing on the gum line.
– Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce the buildup of bacteria.
– Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth.
– If you have partially erupted wisdom teeth, consult your dentist about whether extraction might be necessary to prevent future problems.

If you suspect you may have pericoronitis, it’s essential to contact us as soon as possible to avoid further infection or damage to your teeth and gums. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation.