If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth come in or are experiencing discomfort around the back of your mouth, you may be wondering if it’s a sign of wisdom teeth infection. Wisdom teeth can cause a number of issues, and an infection is one of the more serious problems that can arise.
The signs of wisdom teeth infection are often subtle at first, but recognizing them early can help you avoid more serious complications. Dr. Alex Rubinov helps patients deal with the challenges of wisdom teeth issues, offering the right treatment at the right time.
Common Signs of Wisdom Teeth Infection
A wisdom tooth infection doesn’t always show up with obvious symptoms, but there are a few signs to look out for.
Swollen and Tender Gums
One of the most common symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth is swelling and tenderness in the gums around the area. If you notice that your gums are painful to touch or visibly swollen, it could indicate that your wisdom teeth are infected. Infected wisdom teeth can also lead to redness and warmth in the affected area, as your body fights the infection.
Pain and Discomfort Around the Wisdom Teeth
This pain can quickly go from a minor discomfort to severe pain that worsens when chewing or opening your mouth. The pain could radiate into your jaw or even cause headaches, making it hard to focus on daily activities.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
A foul taste or bad breath is often caused by food particles or bacteria trapped around the wisdom tooth or in the gums. If the infection is more severe, the unpleasant smell or taste may become more noticeable and persistent. This could be a sign that there’s an infection that needs attention.
Swelling and Jaw Stiffness
Swelling of the face, especially around the affected tooth, is a typical sign of wisdom teeth infection. You may notice that the side of your face feels puffy, and the discomfort can make it difficult to open your mouth fully.
Jaw stiffness can accompany the swelling, making it challenging to move your jaw freely. Both symptoms suggest that the infection is spreading or causing significant inflammation.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth or Swallowing
As the infection progresses, it can make simple tasks like opening your mouth or swallowing more difficult. This is due to the inflammation caused by the infection, which affects the surrounding tissues and muscles.
Gum Abscess or Pus Drainage
In some cases, a wisdom tooth infection can cause a visible abscess, which is a collection of pus that forms as a result of the infection. You may notice a bump or swollen area near the affected wisdom tooth, which may ooze pus if the infection is severe. Seek dental care immediately to treat the infection and prevent it from worsening.
How We Can Help You with Wisdom Teeth Issues
We offer comprehensive care for patients dealing with wisdom teeth problems, including infections. We assess the severity of the infection and determine the best course of action: antibiotics to clear up the infection or, in some cases, wisdom tooth extraction.
Seek Professional Care for Wisdom Teeth Infections
While some signs of wisdom teeth infection may seem minor at first, it’s important to address them early to prevent more serious problems. The sooner you recognize symptoms, the quicker you can seek treatment and begin the healing process.
If you’re experiencing any signs of wisdom teeth infection, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you get the treatment you need for a smooth recovery.
