Are your wisdom teeth growing and causing problems? Are you also worried that the pain and swelling these are causing might even be an infection? Well, don’t worry; we will help you decide.
This blog post will provide you with detailed information about all the signs and symptoms of wisdom tooth infection. If most of these sound familiar, then you might be having an infection, and it’s time to see a doctor.
Reading and understanding these symptoms will enable you to diagnose a wisdom tooth infection yourself. Let’s quickly check out the details of these symptoms to help you understand them better.
Red Or Inflamed Gums:
The first and primary sign of wisdom tooth infection is red or swallowed gums. It is because when a wisdom tooth becomes infected, the gums surrounding it often display signs of inflammation. This redness happens as a result of increased blood flow to the affected areas. It happens due to the reaction of the body attempting to fight off the infection. It is often an early warning and sign of the infection.
Tender Or Bleeding Gums:
The next sign is tenderness or bleeding gums. As the infection grows, your gums may also become increasingly tender and sensitive. You can feel it while eating, brushing, or even gently pressing on the affected area. Due to the inflammation and weakened tissues, it can also cause bleeding. You may notice it during brushing, flossing, or generally in your saliva.
Facial Swelling:
The next symptom of a wisdom tooth infection is facial swelling. It particularly occurs around your jawline and cheeks. It happens as a result of the body’s inflammatory response. It causes fluid accumulation in the affected area. You may also notice clear facial appearance changes like puffiness and asymmetry as it grows. It can make your normal activities, like eating and speaking, very problematic. .
Pain And Sensitivity:
Another noticeable symptom of a wisdom tooth infection is persistent or increasing pain. You can feel it at the back of your mouth. You can feel it as a dull ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or throbbing discomfort, depending on the severity of your infection. Moreover, you may also notice heightened sensitivity to temperature changes as well. It usually happens when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
Pus Drainage:
The next wisdom tooth infectionsymptom we have is drainage from the gums. It usually happens in severe cases. Pus is a mixture of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. It is a visible sign of an active infection. It shows your body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection. You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice it.
Swollen And Sore Lymph Nodes:
As the body responds to a wisdom tooth infection, lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area may become swollen and tender to the touch. Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune system’s response to infection, acting as filtering stations that trap and destroy harmful pathogens. Swollen lymph nodes indicate that the body is mounting an immune response to the infection originating from the wisdom tooth.
Difficulty Opening The Mouth And Swallowing:
Another common symptom noted with this condition is difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth. This occurs when the infection affects your normal jaw function. It causes discomfort while doing any activity involving the jaw movement. It is also known as trismus. It can cause problems with eating, speaking, and performing oral hygiene tasks.
Fever:
Another common symptom of this condition is fever. Your body’s immune system raises the temperature while fighting the infection. This higher temperature may also be accompanied by chills, sweating, and fatigue as well. It also shows the infection has spread beyond the teeth and is affecting your overall body’s function as well.
Food Getting Stuck:
You may also notice food getting stuck in your teeth persistently as a wisdom teeth infection as well. You may notice difficulty cleaning your teeth as well. It happens because spaces and pockets are created due to swelling and inflammation of your gums. Moreover, it can also provide breeding grounds for bacteria and worsen your infection.
Bad Breath:
The last sign of wisdom tooth infection is bad breath or halitosis. It is characterized by an unpleasant odor from your mouth. It is because of the accumulation of bacteria and food debris around the infected area. These release sulfur compounds, which cause this smell. You may notice it despite regular hygiene. Moreover, you may also notice a bad taste accompanied by it. All this automatically vanishes with the treatment of the infection.
Final Words
These were the prominent wisdom tooth infection symptoms. These are very common, and if you are noticing most of these signs and your wisdom teeth are growing, then it’s probably an infection. Get a diagnosis to confirm it further and remove any doubts.
An infection is a serious problem, and not treating it properly can cause further complications. Follow your doctor’s recommended medicines, and they will advise you on how to treat it. Complete the course even if you start feeling better to prevent the risk of reinfection.