10 Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms You Will Regret Ignoring

A regular person's jaw doesn't have room to accommodate the extra wisdom tooth. According to a study, around 53% of individuals who enter the age bracket of 25 get one wisdom tooth.

The eruption of a wisdom tooth is a painful situation altogether. 

On top of that, reaching the nooks and crannies of the newly emerged wisdom tooth is nearly impossible.

If not dealt with at the right time, you may become susceptible to wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

That would just be another cloud on the horizon. 

In this wisdom tooth infection symptoms, we put our heads together on all the details and, of course, the diagnosis and treatment. 

Why Do Wisdom Tooth Spring Up?

The final set of teeth to erupt are the third molars, also referred to as wisdom teeth. 

They typically appear by tearing up the gums when a person reaches the age between 17 and 25 years. At this stage, the jaw has stopped growing, and other teeth have filled the mouth.

Wisdom teeth may erupt without any alarming signs in the jaw. 

Sometimes, they get totally or partially lodged in your jawbone or gums. Impaction is the term used to describe its emergence. 

Some wisdom teeth are either impacted, which means they have not grown completely, or misaligned.

An impacted wisdom tooth affects about 90% of the American population. This may result in an infection known as pericoronitis, gum disease, plaque accumulation, cavities, and deterioration.

Occasionally, wisdom teeth may never present an issue if they erupt normally, work well, and don't hurt or get cavities. 

So, if you have heard that someone in your family circle is doing just fine with wisdom teeth, it is possible.

However, that does for only one person in three cases.

Wisdom teeth require removal because they don't have enough space to erupt correctly.

Related Blog: Are You Ready for Wisdom Teeth Removal? Here's What to Expect

Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

There are two types of impaction: complete and partial. They are further divided into more categories. 

Let's get to the low-down on the types and which one commonly gets the wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

Completely impacted wisdom teeth cannot erupt because they are entirely submerged beneath the gum line. These are usually hidden, so you can't spot them.

Wisdom teeth that erupt partially through the gum tissue but are still partly underneath it are included in the second type. 

The wisdom tooth infection symptoms are more likely to occur with a partially impacted wisdom tooth. 

This is because degradation is more prone to occur due to the form and odd angle in partial impaction.

When germs proliferate and create holes in the hard enamel covering the outside of teeth, it leads to cavities or tooth infections.

10 Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Infection

There are several telltale wisdom tooth infection symptoms that an individual should never miss.

Not paying heed to the wisdom tooth infection symptoms can mimic other problems affecting your overall health.

1.Experiencing Sensitivity More Than Usual

Singlehandedly, sensitive teeth may not always signify a dental infection. Sometimes, the cause is the erosion of tooth enamel due to carelessness in dental care. 

Nevertheless, if you discover that your back teeth are suddenly more sensitive to heat and cold, it can be one of the wisdom tooth infection symptoms. 

2.Intense Pain In Teeth 

Inflammation of the pulp, the tooth's interior layer, is what causes a toothache. It is from the most uncared-for wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

An inflammatory state of the nerves in your teeth is indicated by a toothache that can cause extreme discomfort.

If the gnawing pain doesn't let you carry out the daily activities, it is best to see an orthodontist in Waterloo.

3.Gums Are Visibly Swollen 

Indeed, gum disease and wisdom tooth infection symptoms are not related. But they can happen simultaneously. 

The possibility of gum inflammation because of the bacterial activity spreading to the gums. 

The gums may become red, swollen, and sensitive to the touch if they are inflamed. 

Some individuals may also experience gum bleeding as the wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

If it is a gum disease, you may be able to cure it at home. But for an infection, 

4.Pain Around the Face 

When a wisdom tooth springs up, it won't be surprising to experience tooth pain. 

However, if the throbbing pain extends to the face, you may be dealing with wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

The cheeks and jaw may start to hurt. It is a serious situation as it may stipulate that the infection penetrates the cheek skin. 

This disease is called cellulitis, and swelling in the cheek is its key indicator. 

5.Formation of Pus on the Gums 

Since wisdom teeth are present in the back of your mouth, it could be difficult to see, but an abscess may develop around the tooth. It resembles a red or white cyst and is defined as a pocket containing a pus called an abscess. 

If you peek inside your mouth, you can discover a small circular structure on your gum line. 

It can weaken the jawbone in the long run.

An abscess tops the list of wisdom tooth infection symptoms that pave the way toward oral surgery.

6.Constant Weird Taste in Mouth

An individual can have a salty or other disagreeable taste if an abscess surrounding the wisdom teeth starts to leak. 

Abscesses are normally from the wisdom tooth infection symptoms that go undetected.

A sudden unpleasant taste signals the wisdom tooth infection symptoms you turned your back on.

7.Increase in Body Temperature

Just like wisdom tooth infection symptoms, fever is a part of many other oral diseases. Therefore, only an expert can figure out the underlying cause using the diagnostic approach.

If your body temperature rises beyond 100.4 °F, and you have wisdom tooth infection symptoms on our list, it is crucial to act early and not wait.

It is a dangerous situation dawning upon you indicating that a wisdom tooth infection has advanced. 

8.Shivers Tingling Up and Down the Body

You will usually have a fever and chills at the same time. 

However, chills come before a fever and maybe a predictive sign that you may get a fever. 

So, if you also have chills and shaking for no apparent reason, you are showing wisdom tooth infection symptoms. 

9.Enlargement of Lymph Nodes 

The neck's lymph nodes are beneath the jaw. 

They are a component of the lymphatic system. The body uses them as a filtration component against foreign toxins.

Lymph nodes can enlarge if there is an infection within the body. 

The lymph nodes swell up as extra white blood cells flood in to fight off an invading virus. 

Apart from a respiratory illness, an infected wisdom tooth may trigger these wisdom tooth infection symptoms. 

When there isn't any outward swelling, you can have facial pain that doesn't go away.

Consequently, speaking, swallowing, and lying on the side are uncomfortable. 

10.Stiffens the Jaw

As you get the wisdom tooth infection symptoms, you may feel stiffness, pain, and swelling in the jaw.

It becomes tough to open the jaw, and on touching it, you feel pain.

Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms For Broken Teeth

When a wisdom tooth breaks and chips off, you need to keep an out for wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

The main symptoms of broken wisdom tooth infection symptoms are:

  • Gum abscess 

  • Intolerable pain in teeth 

  • Sensitivity 

  • Swollen face 

  • Fever and chills

Factors That Increase the Chances of Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms 

Some people are at a higher risk of getting wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

The elements that can elevate the risk include:

Poor oral hygiene: Not going for regular dental check-ups, insufficient flossing, and occasional brushing can all contribute to wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

Alignment: As mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth that are partially impacted are more likely to become infected as they squeeze between the teeth and gum, causing crowding. Also, they are harder to clean and accumulate more bacteria.

Odd Tooth Angles: Wisdom teeth that erupt unevenly or at an angle may leave gaps and pockets that are perfect for the growth of bacteria. This can allow multiple wisdom tooth infection symptoms like toothache, abscesses, etc.

History of Oral Problems: People with dental problems, such as cavities, decay, or gum disease, may be more susceptible to wisdom tooth infections. Many situations facilitate the spread of wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

Other Ailments: Some medical disorders can make you more vulnerable to wisdom tooth infection symptoms, including those that damage your wisdom teeth. These diseases usually have a role in weakening the immune system.

Hereditary Factors: Wisdom tooth infections can be a combination of genetic and family history factors. There is a larger risk for people with other blood relations who have had issues with their wisdom teeth.

Prevention of Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms 

Anyone with a wisdom tooth can get an infection. To prevent it, you can follow some effective tips:

Ensure excellent oral hygiene: don't neglect the wisdom tooth because it sits at the back of your mouth. Proper brushing and flossing are essential for it to keep away from wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

Don't consume sugary drinks and candies: anything high in sugar can serve as food for bacteria, giving rise to wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

See a dentist at least twice a year: frequent dental clean-ups allow the orthodontist in Waterloo to identify the wisdom tooth infection symptoms and other issues.

Diagnosis of Wisdom Tooth Infection

If you have wisdom tooth infection symptoms, the orthodontist in Waterloo will ask you to get an X-ray.

After getting the reports, the orthodontist in Waterloo will analyze the severity of the infection.

Then, they will tell if the problem is solvable with medications and postpone the extraction surgery.

Approach For the Treatment

The three treatments for handling wisdom teeth infection:

1.Antibiotics for Medication

Certain antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, penicillin, metronidazole, etc, can help with the wisdom tooth infection symptoms.

These medications stunt the growth of bacteria.

The dentist may also prescribe pain-relieving medications if you have severe toothache or jaw pain.

2.Dental Work

The Orthodontist in Waterloo will assess the situation of your wisdom teeth. According to that, they decide if you need dental cleaning or a surgery.

3.Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery

Normally, the surgery for wisdom tooth removal takes around 25 to 35 minutes. 

Overall, the surgery duration depends on the situation's complications.

For instance, if the infection has reached the bone surrounding the teeth, it will take longer.

First, the orthodontist in Waterloo will inject local or general anesthesia.

Then, they open the tissues enveloping the wisdom tooth.

They may break the wisdom tooth into smaller pieces to simplify the process.

After the extraction, the depression is filled, and the area is stitched.

The doctor will instruct you to maintain a soft diet after the surgery to protect your mouth.

Learn More: 18 Things to Avoid After Tooth Extraction in Canada

Wisdom tooth extraction Infection Symptoms 

After the procedure, most patients experience swelling in their cheeks or mouth and cannot open their mouth completely for several hours or even days. 

Many people have pain, although it usually passes quickly. Some remedies work wonderfully for pain relief.

However, the incision may get infected if the pain comes back after four or five days, worsens, and is accompanied by swelling or bad breath. 

This may occur if the wound is exposed. 

The use of antiseptic mouthwashes or gels is a big help in warding off infections.

Blood vessels and nerves may sustain injury throughout the process, which may start bleeding. 

Even though it is rare, major infections may happen. 

One in a hundred patients may experience long-term issues following the surgery, such as nerve damage or damage to neighbouring teeth. 

FAQs

Can I live with wisdom tooth infection symptoms?

No. Get the treatment if you don't want other health diseases to destroy your oral and overall health.

Does tooth removal become more painful if someone has wisdom tooth infection symptoms?

Although it is difficult to remove an infected wisdom tooth, the surgeon will give you pain relievers post-procedure and will use sedatives during it to avoid discomfort.

Are headaches one of the symptoms of wisdom tooth infection?

Yes, the excruciating pain in the cheek and jaw can cause headaches.

Summary 

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth infection symptoms, seek immediate dental attention. 

The signs of infection, such as cellulite, abscess, swollen and bleeding gums, and pain in different areas, won't subside on their own.

If you wish to get your wisdom tooth checked, feel free to reach out to our helpful staff.

Our experts guarantee that the patients go back to their everyday routine just as normal and wise as they were pre-surgery!

Muhammad Aslam