What Are Wisdom Tooth Infection Symptoms?

Wisdom teeth often get stuck or only come in halfway. This can trap food and bacteria, which leads to infection. At first, you may feel mild pain or swelling. Many people wait too long, and the problem gets worse. In this article, we explain all the wisdom tooth infection symptoms you should know.

5 Common Signs of a Wisdom Tooth Infection

There are different signs that show you have a wisdom tooth infection. Below, we tell you the most common wisdom tooth infection symptoms you should look for.

Severe Pain

Severe pain is a common sign of a wisdom tooth infection. The pain usually starts in the back of your mouth and can spread to other areas. Here’s what to watch for:

• Pain that spreads to your ear, jaw, or neck
• Pain when you chew or bite down
• Pain that makes it hard to sleep
• A steady ache that gets worse over time
• Pain that does not go away with regular medicine

Swelling And Redness

Another common sign of a wisdom tooth infection is swelling and redness in the gums. The gum around the tooth may look puffy and feel warm to the touch. You may also notice redness in that area or on your cheek. This swelling may make it hard to open your mouth or eat normally. Sometimes the swelling can spread to your face or neck and make one side look bigger than the other.

Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

When a wisdom tooth gets infected, the area around it can become very tight. You may have trouble opening your mouth all the way. This stiff feeling in the jaw may make it hard to eat, talk, or brush your teeth. The more the infection grows, the more your jaw muscles tighten. Some people also feel pain when they try to move their jaw.

Fever

Fever is a serious sign that the infection may be spreading. If you feel hot or cold and your body aches, you may have a fever from the infection. This means your body is trying to fight off bacteria. Fever can make you feel weak, tired, and confused. This is one of the wisdom tooth infection symptoms that needs fast care from the best dentist in Phoenix.

Bad Breath Or Unpleasant Taste

Bad breath can happen when there is pus around a wisdom tooth. The pus forms when bacteria grow under the gum. It may leak out and leave a bad taste you cannot get rid of. This bad smell may stay even after you brush your teeth. It often means the infection has been there for a few days or more.

What Causes a Wisdom Tooth Infection?

Here are the common causes of a wisdom tooth infection:

• The tooth does not come out all the way.
• Food and bacteria get trapped under the gum.
• The tooth grows in the wrong direction.
• The tooth presses against nearby teeth.
• A cavity forms in the wisdom tooth.
• The gums around the tooth become infected or swollen.

How Do Dentists Treat Wisdom Tooth Infections?

Dentists use a few simple steps to treat a wisdom tooth infection. The goal is to stop the pain and prevent the infection from spreading. Here’s what they may do:

• Clean the area to remove food and bacteria
• Give antibiotics to fight the infection
• Drain any pus to reduce pain and swelling
• Remove the wisdom tooth if needed
• Take x-rays to check the tooth and nearby areas

Let’s Recap

Wisdom tooth infection symptoms can start slowly but turn serious fast. Pain, swelling, fever, and jaw problems are all warning signs. It is important to know these signs and get help early. Do not wait until the pain gets worse. Early treatment can protect your health and save your smile.

FAQs