How to Deal with an Infected Wisdom Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Wisdom teeth are the four permanent teeth that typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, located at the back of the mouth. While some people don’t experience any problems with these teeth, others may have issues such as impaction, overcrowding, or infections. In this article, we’ll focus on infected wisdom teeth and how to deal with them.
Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
An infected wisdom tooth can present a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain and swelling in the gums or jaw
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth
- Redness or bleeding in the gums
- Fever and general malaise
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading or leading to more serious complications.
Causes of an Infected Wisdom Tooth
An infected wisdom tooth can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
- Crowding or impaction, which can make it difficult to clean the tooth properly
- Decay or cavities in the tooth
- Gum disease
- Trauma to the tooth or surrounding area
It’s important to identify the cause of the infection to prevent it from recurring in the future.
Treatments for an Infected Wisdom Tooth
The treatment for an infected wisdom tooth will depend on the severity of the infection and the cause. Some common treatments include:
- Antibiotics to clear the infection
- Warm saltwater rinses to soothe the gums
- Increased oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing more frequently
- Tooth extraction if the infection is severe or recurring
- Root canal therapy to save the tooth in some cases
Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to make a recommendation based on your individual case.
Conclusion
In summary, an infected wisdom tooth can be painful and cause a variety of symptoms. It’s important to see your dentist or oral surgeon if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms to prevent the infection from spreading or leading to more serious complications. You can also take steps to prevent future infections by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups.
