How To Tell if You Have an Infected Wisdom Tooth

How To Tell if You Have an Infected Wisdom Tooth

Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS

Reading time: seven minutes.

You are going about your day, and then suddenly, a dull ache begins creeping up in the back of your mouth. 

Maybe it feels like pressure, maybe it stings when you bite down, or perhaps it is even radiating to your jaw or ear. 

It could be an infected wisdom tooth, also known as pericoronitis!

In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for an infected wisdom tooth. We will also provide tips on how to prevent this painful condition from happening in the first place.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

The key signs of infected wisdom teeth include persistent pain at the back of the mouth, swollen or red gums, bad breath or an unpleasant taste, swollen lymph nodes, jaw stiffness, and sometimes visible pus around the tooth.

Causes of Infected Wisdom Teeth

Infected wisdom teeth are a common dental issue, especially during late adolescence or early adulthood.

Your wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. 

Sometimes, these teeth do not fully erupt or grow in at odd angles, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. This makes wisdom teeth more prone to infection.

Here are some causes of infected wisdom teeth:

  • Food debris and plaque: The back of your mouth is difficult to clean properly, leading to a buildup of food particles and plaque that can harbor bacteria.
  • Gum tissue irritation: If your wisdom tooth is partially erupted, a flap of gum tissue may cover part of it, trapping food and bacteria, and leading to infection.
  • Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are often at risk of decay due to their location, making them more vulnerable to infections.
  • Improper oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to bacterial buildup around the tooth, increasing the risk of infection.

Signs and Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth

If you suspect that you may have a wisdom tooth infection, keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms.

1. Pain

One of the most common symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection is persistent or severe pain at the back of the mouth.

This pain can radiate to your jaw or even reach up to your ear. If you notice pain that is hard to relieve with standard pain relievers, it could be an indicator of infection and should not be ignored.

2. Swelling and Redness

Swelling is another major sign of a wisdom tooth infection.

You may notice that the gums around the affected area are swollen, red, and sensitive to the touch. This inflammation can extend beyond the gum tissue and even cause visible swelling in your cheek or face near the infected tooth.

Swelling often indicates that your body is trying to fight off bacteria in the area, so it is essential to get it checked by a dental professional.

3. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

A common but sometimes overlooked symptom of an infection is persistent bad breath or an unpleasant, bad taste in the mouth.

It is caused by trapped food particles and bacteria around the infected area, as well as by the presence of pus.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes

In addition to localized swelling, you may experience swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw area.

Lymph nodes play a key role in your body’s immune response, so when they swell, it often indicates that your body is trying to combat an infection.

5. Jaw Pain or Stiffness

Infected teeth can lead to discomfort in the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth or chew.

Jaw pain or stiffness may feel like a deep ache or soreness around the affected tooth, and it can spread along your jawline.

6. Pus or White Fluid

Pus or white fluid around the area is a strong indicator of bacterial infection.

You may notice a small gum abscess or white buildup near the tooth, which signals that your body is attempting to fight off an infection. If you see any discharge, especially if it has a bad odor or taste, it is best to seek professional dental care promptly.

7. Tooth Sensitivity

Another potential sign of an infected tooth is heightened sensitivity in the affected area.

You might notice pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down, particularly on that side of your mouth. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can also point to infection or inflammation around the tooth.

Quick Quiz: Is Your Wisdom Tooth Infected?

Answer these questions to help you determine if your tooth may be infected:

  • Do you have pain or swelling near your back teeth?
  • Is there a foul taste or bad breath that you cannot get rid of?
  • Are your gums tender or inflamed near your wisdom teeth?
  • Have you noticed pus or fluid around the area?
  • Are your lymph nodes swollen?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time to consult with a dental professional to get a definitive diagnosis and explore treatment options.

How Is an Infected Wisdom Tooth Diagnosed?

Your oral surgeon will perform a physical examination and may take an X-ray to confirm if your tooth is infected.

X-rays help identify if there is any tooth decay, gum disease, or infection that has spread to neighboring teeth.

Treatment Options for an Infected Wisdom Tooth

If your wisdom tooth is infected, your oral health professional will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of the infection. Here are some common treatment options:

  1. Antibiotics
    • If the infection is mild, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the bacteria and reduce swelling.
  2. Pain relievers
    • You can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For more intense pain, a prescription pain medication may sometimes be needed.
  3. Wisdom tooth removal
    • If the infection is severe, or if your wisdom tooth is impacted (unable to fully emerge), wisdom tooth extraction may be required. This is often the most effective treatment option to prevent future infections.
  4. Gum tissue cleaning
    • Your dental specialist may clean around the infected tooth to remove any trapped food particles and plaque that could be causing the infection.

Complications if Left Untreated

If an infected wisdom tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread and cause serious complications, including:

  • Abscess formation: A painful collection of pus that can spread to other areas of your mouth or face.
  • Severe infection: Untreated infections can lead to the spread of bacteria throughout your body, potentially affecting other organs.
  • Damage to nearby teeth: The infection may spread to neighboring teeth, causing them to decay or become infected.
  • Jaw stiffness: In severe cases, the infection can lead to jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth.

Prevention of Wisdom Tooth Infections

You cannot always prevent wisdom teeth from becoming infected, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent food debris and plaque buildup around your teeth.
  • Use antibacterial mouthwash: Swish mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth, and lower the risk of infection.
  • Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Do Not Wait—Book an Appointment Today!

If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection in your wisdom teeth, it is important to see a dental professional.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, call (415) 392-8611 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 490 Post St, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA.