Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in a mouth, usually when a person is in their late teens or early 20s. Wisdom teeth become infected when they are impacted or not properly cleaned.
Impacted wisdom teeth, or when a wisdom tooth grows either at an angle or into the gum or tooth next to it, can be painful. Brushing these teeth can be difficult as well, as food and bacteria often get stuck between the wisdom tooth and the adjacent tooth, which can lead to infection.
Dental professionals will often recommend removing wisdom teeth, as early removal may help prevent future problems. For individuals who still have their wisdom teeth, catching an infection early can mean the difference between a little discomfort and a lot of it.
Below are 6 signs you may have an infected wisdom tooth.
1. Fever
Fever is the body’s natural response to infection and is one of the clearest signs of a dental infection. If a patient is experiencing other symptoms of wisdom tooth infection and develops a fever, she should visit her dentist to determine whether the cause of the fever is a dental infection.
2. Facial or jaw pain
Pain in the jaw or at the sides of the face could be referred pain from a wisdom tooth that has become infected or is impacted. You may also experience muscle spasms in the jaw.
3. Bad breath
Consistent bad breath that is not caused by inadequate brushing or inconsistent flossing could be a sign of a tooth infection. The foul odor could be a sign that the tissues around the infected tooth are releasing pus.
4. Pus
The presence of pus in the mouth is a sign of a tooth or gum infection. If there is an infection deep inside a wisdom tooth, chances are high that pus won’t be visible. However, if the infection is in the gum or near the surface of the tooth, brushing may break the abscess and cause pus to be released on the inside of the mouth.
5. Painful, bleeding gums
Tooth infections will sometimes spread to the gums surrounding the tooth. If gums appear to be swollen or red, or if they are painful to the touch, it could mean there is an abscess present that is filled with pus.
Similarly, if gums bleed easily after a slight touch or if a patient notices that gums bleed after eating or brushing, it could mean gums are infected. Healthy gums should be pink and tough enough that there is no blood in the mouth after brushing or eating.
6. Toothaches
Tooth pain can be caused by any number of reasons, but if a patient is suffering from a constant throbbing on the inside of a tooth, it could be a sign of an infection. If the pain isn’t relieved by over-the-counter pain medication or other at-home remedies, contact your oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Minimal Discomfort Wisdom Tooth Removal in Colleyville, TX
Let Dr. Tye at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists guide you through wisdom tooth care with as little pain as possible. When necessary, Dr. Tye will gently and effectively remove the wisdom teeth to relieve you of any pain or discomfort from an infection. Call (817) 552-3223 or conveniently book a consultation through our website today.
