How Do I Know if I Have Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis pain? Know the signs and get relief

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If you have pain or swelling around a partially erupted tooth, you might have pericoronitis. Let’s explore what pericoronitis is, what causes it, and how to prevent and treat it.

What is Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis happens when the gum tissue around a tooth becomes swollen and infected. It often affects wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to grow in the mouth. Since these teeth come in later in life, there may not be enough room for them. This causes them to only partly break through the gums, creating a small flap of gum tissue where bacteria can get trapped, leading to infection and swelling.

What Causes Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis is mostly caused by bacteria. When a tooth is only partly in the mouth, like a wisdom tooth, food particles and bacteria can get trapped under the gum flap. The trapped food and bacteria irritate the gums and can lead to an infection. Poor oral hygiene or difficulty reaching the area with a toothbrush can increase the risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Pericoronitis?

If you think you have pericoronitis, look out for these common symptoms.

• Swelling: The gum around the partially erupted tooth may look puffy.

• Pain: You may feel pain around the area, which can also spread to your jaw or ear.

• Redness: The gum tissue around the tooth may look red and feel sore.

• Bad Taste or Bad Breath: This can happen if there’s pus or infection around the tooth.

• Difficulty Opening Your Mouth or Swallowing: If the infection gets worse, it can cause muscle tightness in your jaw.

If these symptoms are present, especially if they’re painful or persistent, it may be time to see a dentist.

How is Pericoronitis Diagnosed?

A dentist can diagnose pericoronitis by examining your mouth. They will check the area around the tooth and may use dental tools to gently press on the gum and see if there’s any pain or swelling. An X-ray may also be done to look at the position of the tooth and see if there are any underlying issues.

How to Treat Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis treatment can vary based on the severity.

• Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This can help clean the area and reduce swelling.

• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there’s an infection.

• Professional Cleaning: A dentist can clean around the infected area to remove trapped food and bacteria.

• Flap Removal: If pericoronitis keeps coming back, a dentist may suggest removing the gum flap.

• Tooth Removal: In severe cases, the wisdom tooth itself may be removed if it is causing ongoing issues.

How to Prevent Pericoronitis?

Preventing pericoronitis often involves keeping the area around the wisdom tooth as clean as possible. Here are some tips.

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Good oral hygiene can prevent food and bacteria buildup.

• Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: This can reduce bacteria in the mouth, especially around the wisdom teeth.

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: They can check on your wisdom teeth and clean areas that are hard to reach.

• Get Wisdom Teeth Checked: If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, your dentist might suggest removing them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can pericoronitis go away on its own?

Sometimes mild cases may go away with good oral hygiene and saltwater rinses. However, if the pain, swelling, or other symptoms persist, it’s best to see a dentist.

What causes pericoronitis to develop?

Pericoronitis is usually caused by food and bacteria getting trapped under the gum around a partially erupted tooth. Poor cleaning or limited access to the area can make it worse.

How can I prevent pericoronitis?

Regular brushing and flossing, using mouthwash, and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups can help prevent it. Keeping the area clean is key.

Is pericoronitis serious?

While it’s often treatable, untreated pericoronitis can spread to other areas, leading to serious infection. If left unchecked, it could even spread to other parts of the face or neck, so prompt treatment is essential.

Conclusion

Pericoronitis is a common issue, especially for people with partially erupted wisdom teeth. Symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness can be frustrating, but the condition is treatable and often preventable. By keeping up with good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist at Brush365, you can reduce your chances of developing pericoronitis and maintain a healthy smile.

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