How Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?
Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing trouble—and infection is one of the most common issues our patients face. Because these “third molars” sit at the very back of the mouth, they can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Food particles and bacteria often get trapped around the teeth, leading to cavities, gum inflammation, and, eventually, infection.
Infections can develop in wisdom teeth for several reasons, including:
- Food and bacteria that becomes trapped under the gum flap of a partially-erupted tooth.
- Inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
- Gum disease that spreads to the area around the tooth.
- Cavities and tooth decay forming in hard-to-reach areas.
Because infections can spread to other parts of the body, we typically recommend extraction of the tooth. In some instances, antibiotics may help stop the infection. The best course of action is to make an appointment for a consultation right away. Let us examine the tooth and recommend treatment options.
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What Is Pericoronitis?
One of the most common causes of wisdom teeth infections is pericoronitis. This condition occurs when the gums around a partially erupted wisdom tooth become inflamed. Flaps of gum tissue covering part of the teeth can trap bacteria, food particles, and other debris that are difficult to clear away, even for people with good hygiene.
Symptoms of acute pericoronitis include pain, redness and swelling in the gums around the tooth. Other symptoms may include bad breath and fever.
To learn more about the symptoms and treatment for pericoronitis, see our article What is Pericoronitis?
Do Infected Wisdom Teeth Cause Bad Breath?
Yes, infected wisdom teeth can cause bad breath. Trapped bacteria, food particles, and pus around the infected tooth can lead to foul odors that spread throughout the mouth. Upper wisdom teeth can also irritate the sinuses, causing post-nasal drip and mucus that worsen breath issues.
When bad breath is caused by an infection, mints and mouthwash can only do so much. The only effective fix is to treat the infection itself.
You can learn more in our article Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Bad Breath? (Yes, And Here’s What You Can Do).
How to Deal with Pain from Wisdom Teeth
Infected wisdom teeth can be extremely painful. Common symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth include soreness around the tooth, stiffness in the jaw, discomfort throughout the mouth, and swelling.
At-home treatments like over-the-counter medications, cold compresses, and saltwater rinses can help temporarily, but they can’t address the root of the problem. A consultation with an oral surgeon is the best option to treat wisdom teeth pain.
Learn more in our article How to Deal with Wisdom Teeth Pain.
Is it Safe to Remove All Four Wisdom Teeth at Once?
Wisdom teeth can be removed one at a time or, more commonly, all at once. Removing all four wisdom teeth in one sitting is perfectly safe, and many patients prefer this approach, as it means just one round of sedation or anesthesia, a single surgical procedure (rather than four), less out of pocket costs, and recovering from removal all at once.
Extraction of the wisdom teeth is often recommended for anyone dealing with acute or chronic infections, but an oral surgeon can help you decide the best approach—and how many teeth should be removed at a time.
When to Call an Oral Surgeon About an Infected Wisdom Tooth
If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your wisdom teeth, especially if accompanied by a fever, don’t wait. Contact Bergen Oral Surgery right away. Extraction is often the most effective treatment for wisdom teeth infections. It’s also one of the best ways to prevent future infections and other complications.
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in NJ, our team has been trusted by dentists and patients for more than 70 years. We have the only dual-degree surgeons in Bergen County who are trained in both dentistry and medicine, offering the most complete approach to your oral care.
With more than 2,000 Google reviews and near-perfect ratings across all four locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Paramus, and Westwood, our patients know that they’re in good hands.
