Wisdom Teeth Infection Symptoms: What are the Top Signs?

While some patients have wisdom teeth that erupt fully and don’t cause any dental problems, many have third molars that are partially or fully impacted. This occurs when the wisdom teeth erupt at an angle or don’t have sufficient space to erupt due to crowding, leading to impacted wisdom teeth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are prone to infection, or pericoronitis, because their location at the back of the mouth makes them harder to brush and bacteria then gets trapped in the gum tissue surrounding the part of the tooth that has erupted.

Wisdom tooth infections predominantly affect young adults, typically between the ages of 17 and 25, when these molars are most likely to erupt. However, they can also occur at any age, especially if the wisdom teeth have not been removed. These infections can be painful and lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection

Recognizing the symptoms of an infection is crucial for timely intervention. Here are the most common signs that you might have a wisdom tooth infection:

Painful Gum Tissue

The gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth will typically be inflamed and sore due to the pressure and irritation caused by the tooth’s eruption. This inflammation can lead to discomfort that can vary in intensity. That said, when the pain becomes severe, making it challenging to brush and floss properly, or when it is accompanied by additional symptoms such as swelling, bleeding, or warmth in the affected area, it’s one of the first signs that you may have a wisdom tooth infection. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further complications, including the spread of infection, so it’s important to seek dental advice promptly to address the issue and prevent further health concerns.

Jaw Pain

Like sore gums, jaw pain is a common symptom of wisdom tooth impaction, but when the jaw pain is intense, throbbing, or leads to muscle spasms, it’s a sign that your wisdom tooth is infected. An impacted wisdom tooth is uncomfortable, but an infected wisdom tooth is often unbearable.

Fever

Just like infections elsewhere in the body, an infected wisdom tooth may be accompanied by a fever or chills. If you have a fever and you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed here, it’s very likely that you have a wisdom tooth infection.

Swelling

When a wisdom tooth is infected, the first noticeable sign is usually swelling in the gum tissue surrounding the affected tooth. This initial swelling can cause discomfort and may make it painful to eat or speak. As the infection progresses, the situation can worsen, leading to more significant facial swelling that may extend to the cheeks and jawline. Additionally, swollen lymph nodes in the neck can occur as your body attempts to fight off the infection. These lymph nodes may feel tender to the touch and can indicate that the infection is spreading, highlighting the importance of seeking dental care promptly to prevent further complications. To control the infection and reduce swelling, a dental professional may prescribe antibiotics.

Ear Pain

Unexpected ear pain can also be a symptom of a wisdom tooth infection. Since the teeth and jaw share nerve pathways with the ear, inflammation or infection in the jaw area may lead to referred pain in the ear. If you experience persistent ear discomfort along with other symptoms such as sore gums, jaw pain, or swelling, it’s vital to seek dental care to address the potential wisdom tooth infection effectively.

Discharge and Foul Odor

The gum tissue surrounding an infected wisdom tooth will often seep pus into the mouth. Even if you don’t see the pus, you’ll notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Rinsing with warm saltwater can provide temporary relief, but this symptom usually persists until the infected wisdom tooth is removed. This makes wisdom tooth removal a necessary step to resolve the infection.

Difficulty Eating

Patients with infected wisdom teeth have difficulty eating. They experience intense pain when biting and chewing, and symptoms like swelling, jaw spasms, and gum pain make eating uncomfortable as well. While a diet of soft foods may help, the foul taste caused by pus seeping into the mouth can make any food unappetizing.

Difficulty Opening the Mouth

Another common symptom of a wisdom tooth infection is trismus, or difficulty opening the mouth. This stiffness can result from inflammation and swelling in the jaw muscles and surrounding tissues due to the infection. If you find it painful or challenging to fully open your mouth, especially when trying to eat or speak, it may be an indication that your wisdom tooth is infected. This symptom often accompanies other signs and should not be ignored, as it can hinder your ability to maintain proper oral hygiene and lead to further complications.

Bad Breath

Patients may also experience bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, or fever, which indicates the body’s response to the infection. Additionally, swollen lymph nodes in the neck can occur, as the body attempts to fight off the infection. If these symptoms arise, it's essential to consult a dental professional for an evaluation and to discuss possible treatment options.

How Wisdom Teeth Infections are Treated

If you have an infected wisdom tooth, it’s important to get prompt treatment. The infection from your wisdom tooth can spread throughout the mouth and even to other areas of the body via the bloodstream, which can be quite serious and may even require hospitalization.

The first step in treating an infected wisdom tooth is cleaning the area around the tooth to remove bacteria and plaque. Your doctor will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to get the infection under control. To prevent future infection and other dental issues, dentists remove wisdom teeth as a proactive measure. Once you no longer have an active infection, wisdom tooth extraction can be performed to prevent future infection and other dental issues.

Benefits of Choosing an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Selecting an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth extraction offers several advantages that can enhance the overall experience and outcome of the procedure. Oral surgeons are highly trained specialists with extensive experience in surgical procedures involving the mouth and jaws. Their expertise allows them to handle complex cases efficiently and safely, minimizing the risk of complications.

Additionally, they have access to advanced diagnostic tools and surgical techniques that can lead to a smoother recovery and less post-operative discomfort. Choosing an oral surgeon also ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, including sedation options tailored to individual needs, allowing for a more comfortable experience during extraction. Overall, the combination of specialized skills, state-of-the-art technology, and personalized care underscores the benefits of selecting an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection, it's important to take action promptly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 301-294-8700 to schedule an emergency appointment with Dr. Sreeni. We are here to help you find relief and ensure your dental health is managed effectively. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities!