A wisdom tooth may be small, but its impact is huge on the body. Can’t eat or talk because of sharp pain at the back of your mouth? It could be due to a wisdom tooth infection.
What is Wisdom Tooth Infection?
It is the third molar, and the last to grow. Usually erupts between ages seventeen to twenty-five.
Since the permanent set of teeth have already made their space, there is not much left for the wisdom tooth. That’s why it grows at an angle, and some part stays under the gum, which causes several problems including wisdom tooth infection.
An impacted wisdom tooth is at greater risk of an infection since its expulsion through the gums is partial. They are hard to reach, making their cleaning extremely difficult. It serves as a playground for food debris and bacteria. Cleaning issues, along with the shape of an impacted tooth, makes it prone to infection.
Wisdom Teeth Infection Symptoms
- It is mostly pain or swelling in the gums/jaw which takes a person straight to the dentist’s chair.
- Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes right under the jaw due to the pile-up of white blood cells contesting the bacterial invasion.
- Difficulty to open mouth, jaw lock
- Foul breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
Prompt treatment is necessary because there is a chance of spreading the infection to the throat and adjoining areas. In rare cases, it may advance to a systemic infection affecting multiple tissues throughout the body.
Home Remedies for Infection
Home remedies can only help lessen the pain on a temporary basis. It is best to visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and targeted treatment for prolonged relief.
1. Saltwater rinse
Mix equal parts of salt and water, swish and swirl in the mouth for about a minute, then spit. Salt in the mixture slows the bacterial activity.
2. Cold compress
Placing ice packs on the cheek outside where there is inflammation can greatly help reduce the pain.
3. Clove oil
Clove oil acts as an anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent when applied to the tooth. These properties make it a very good option to help relieve wisdom tooth pain. Take a ball of cotton wool, dab it in some oil, and press gently on the affected area.
4. OTC drugs
Painkillers and numbing gels are available over the counter for prompt pain relief.
5. Use of hydrogen peroxide
Make hydrogen oxide solution with water by taking equal quantities of both ingredients. This solution can be used as an antibacterial mouthwash.
Treatment Plan
The line of treatment is usually a three-step process according to the severity of the infection.
Medication
Antibiotic treatment for clearing up the infection is very necessary before proceeding further. Repair or removal can only be done after the wisdom tooth infection is no longer there. A combination of painkillers and antibiotics often works best for this.
Repair
The next step is to analyze whether the tooth can be repaired or not according to the level of damage. A cavity can be filled or covered with a crown to prevent further impairment and possible recurrence of the infection.
Extraction
After the infection clears up, dentists often advise getting the wisdom tooth extracted to prevent recurrence in the future.
Pearland Family Dentistry is one of the best places to get your wisdom tooth infection treated in Houston, Texas. Get in touch, call at 832-649-7344 to book an appointment or more.