Wisdom tooth pain

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is a problem involving an erupting wisdom tooth and the surrounding gum. When a wisdom tooth is “partially erupted” it may still have some gum covering part of the crown of the tooth. Difficult access for tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene or food trauma to this gum can make it inflamed and even badly infected.

Symptoms most commonly experienced are localized swelling and pain, redness, foul taste and pus. More major symptoms include difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, limited mouth opening and cellulitis.

Pericoronitis is often a recurring condition, as the wisdom tooth may be stuck or “impacted”, meaning the infection can return again and again.

Treatment for a minor case can be as little as rinsing with a chlorhexidine mouthwash or warm salty water, but the more serious cases require antibiotics. It is always best to seek dental advice if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms so the condition can be managed and the underlying problem solved.