Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms
What are the clearest wisdom tooth infection symptoms? The following are the most common signs and symptoms of an infection.
Pain
The most common symptom of a wisdom tooth infection is pain. You may have soreness or tenderness in your teeth and gums, especially when chewing food. If the infection spreads, you may experience pain and stiffness in your jaw or face.
Swelling
In addition to pain, you may notice swelling around the tooth. This is a sign that your infection has caused inflammation and can be very serious if it spreads. If you notice any swelling in your face or jaw, contact your dentist right away for treatment.
Bad Breath
Another potential symptom of an infected wisdom tooth is bad breath. When a tooth becomes infected, it can release bacteria that can cause bad breath and other dental problems. If your wisdom teeth are infected, and you notice any changes in your breath, make an appointment with a dentist right away.
Bad Taste
A sour or metallic taste in your mouth may also be a symptom of a wisdom tooth infection. This is often caused by an accumulation of bacteria and food particles in your teeth, which can irritate the nerve endings. Regular dental cleaning can help prevent this problem and keep your breath fresh.
Decay
If your wisdom teeth aren’t removed before infection sets in, there’s a chance they can decay quickly. This is especially true if you don’t brush your teeth or floss regularly. If you notice any changes in the color of your wisdom teeth, contact your dentist right away, so they can be treated.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
If you have an infection, it’s also common to experience difficulty opening your mouth. This can be caused by swelling in your jaw and face, which can make it difficult for you to chew food or yawn. If you have any issues with opening your mouth, talk to a dentist right away.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are one of the less common wisdom tooth infection symptoms. This can be caused by the pressure and inflammation from an infected tooth. If your gums bleed, that can be a sign of a serious infection, and you should schedule an appointment right away.
Pus
If you notice a thick, yellow discharge near your wisdom teeth, that can be another sign of infection. Pus is caused by an accumulation of bacteria and may indicate that the infection has spread.
Fever and Chills
Fever and chills are rare symptoms of wisdom tooth infections, but they can occur. This is usually a sign that the infection has spread and is affecting other parts of your body. You should not ignore these symptoms and should seek immediate medical treatment.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
If your wisdom tooth is infected, it may also cause swollen lymph nodes in your neck and jaw. This is a sign that the infection has spread and may be more serious. You should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
An Infected Wisdom Tooth: Main Reasons
If you have wisdom tooth infection symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Not only can this infection cause serious pain and discomfort, but it can also lead to dental problems such as decay or gum disease. Here are the main reasons your wisdom teeth may be infected, and how they can be treated.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Without regular brushing and flossing, food and bacteria can build up over time and cause infection. Good oral hygiene is especially important in your late teens, when your wisdom teeth start coming in.
- Plaque Buildup: Plaque is a thin film that forms on your teeth, and it can be difficult to remove. If plaque builds up over time and isn’t cleaned, it can cause infection and decay.
- Trauma: Your wisdom teeth may become infected after an injury, such as a blow to the face or jaw. This injury can damage the tissue around your wisdom teeth and cause further infection.
- Impacted Wisdom Tooth: An impacted wisdom tooth isn’t able to erupt through the gums, and this can increase your risk of infection.
Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms & Home Remedies
Treating an infected wisdom tooth at home is never a good idea. You may be able to reduce some of the pain and discomfort caused by the infection, but it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. You will need an x-ray, antibiotics, and you may also need to have your wisdom teeth removed. Delaying treatment can cause the infection to spread further, leading to even more serious complications.
If you think your wisdom teeth may be infected, start by scheduling an appointment at a dentist’s office near you. The dentist will remove any food or bacterial buildup around the tooth and prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. In some cases, they may also need to remove your wisdom teeth. If you have any of the wisdom tooth infection symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to seek treatment right away.
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