Do I Have an Infected Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the very last set of molars to come in at the back of your mouth, usually in your late teens or early twenties. But sometimes, they don't have space to emerge properly, causing other issues like infection.

Let’s discuss this and how you can identify and treat infected wisdom teeth.

Symptoms of Infected Wisdom Teeth 

An infected wisdom tooth can also mess with the surrounding healthy teeth. In rare cases, if an infection spreads, it can cause trouble breathing or even become life-threatening.

This is why we strongly advise visiting your dentist right away once you notice the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth.

The most common signs of infected wisdom teeth include:

• Pain ⁠— This is usually the first and most noticeable symptom. You might experience a constant, dull ache or sharp, throbbing pain that intensifies when you bite down.
• Swelling — The gum tissue surrounding the tooth becomes red, swollen, and tender. You might even notice swelling in your cheek on the affected side.
• Pus and bad taste — An unpleasant taste in your mouth or the presence of pus draining from the area are clear indicators of infection.
• Jaw issues — The infection can cause jaw stiffness or pain when opening your mouth wide. This is often due to the surrounding inflammation.
• Referred pain — In some cases, the pain might spread to other areas of your face, such as your ear or temple, even triggering headaches on the same side.

If you ignore the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth, the pain may worsen. When it does, that infection makes it very hard to do day-to-day tasks.

How is an Infected Wisdom Tooth Diagnosed?

When you visit your dentist for a diagnosis, they’ll check for signs of an infection⁠—redness, swelling, pus, and more. Doctors will also use X-rays to look under your gums to see how the wisdom tooth is positioned and if there's any damage.

Tell your doctors about your symptoms, too. When did your pain start? How bad is it? Those details help them make the right call.

Risk Factors for Wisdom Tooth Infections

Let's talk about why wisdom tooth infections happen in the first place and how your dentist figures out if that's what you're dealing with.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected So Easily?

Most mouths aren't big enough for those extra teeth in the back. Wisdom teeth get stuck under the gum or only poke out halfway, creating prime hiding places for bacteria.

The location of wisdom teeth makes them hard to brush properly. So food, plaque, and bacteria can build up even with your best efforts.

Who's Most Likely to Have This Problem?

While anyone can get a wisdom tooth infection, some things make you more at risk:

• Age ⁠— Most wisdom teeth issues happen in teens and twenties.
• Small jaws — If the space is crowded, there's no room for those wisdom teeth to come in right.
• Bad habits — Smoking and poor diet make it harder for your body to fight off infection in general.

Treatment Options for Infected Wisdom Teeth

The appropriate treatment for an infected wisdom tooth depends on the severity of the infection and your individual circumstances. Your dentist will typically recommend one or more of the following options:

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections. They can help reduce swelling, pain, and prevent the infection from spreading.

In mild to moderate cases, antibiotics can effectively combat the infection and promote healing. They’re usually prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.

2. Pain Relief

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and discomfort temporarily. Your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers if over-the-counter options aren't sufficient.

3. Cleaning and Drainage

A deep cleaning around the affected tooth and gum area may be necessary to remove debris and bacteria. Draining pus that has accumulated can help alleviate pain and pressure.

During this procedure, your dentist will also gently remove any damaged or infected tissue from the area.

4. Extraction

Removing the wisdom tooth (extraction) may be the most effective solution if the infection is severe, recurrent, or causing significant complications. This procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia, can prevent further issues.

5. Cold Compress 

While a cold compress won’t cure an infected wisdom tooth, it can help with symptoms. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary relief. It's most effective within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms appear.

How Can I Prevent Infected Wisdom Teeth?

After recovering from an infected wisdom tooth, prioritize your oral health to protect any remaining wisdom teeth. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are key, allowing your dentist to spot potential problems before they become painful infections.

If you have a wisdom tooth that's only partially erupted and keeps causing trouble, talk to your dentist about removing it. This proactive step can prevent future infections and save you a lot of discomfort down the road.

Infected wisdom teeth are something to take seriously. Seeing your dentist as soon as you notice any of those symptoms is the best way to prevent things from worsening. Dentists have lots of ways to help, and good oral care goes a long way in keeping them from causing problems in the first place.