Hi there, I'm Dr. Smith, a dentist with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in oral surgery and have treated countless cases of wisdom tooth infections. I'm happy to answer your question about how to identify if you have a wisdom tooth infection.

## Recognizing a Wisdom Tooth Infection:

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Due to their position at the back of the mouth, they are often impacted, meaning there's not enough room for them to fully emerge, leading to various problems, including infections.

A wisdom tooth infection, also known as pericoronitis, can be quite painful and disruptive to your daily life. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt dental care is crucial to avoid further complications. Here's what you need to be aware of:

1. Pain:

* Intense and Throbbing Pain: This is often the first and most prominent symptom. The pain is usually located in the back of your mouth where the wisdom tooth is erupting or impacted. It can be sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing.
* Pain that Radiates: The pain might radiate to your jaw, ear, or even your temple on the affected side.
* Increased Pain When Biting or Chewing: Even slight pressure on the area can aggravate the pain significantly, making it difficult to eat comfortably.

2. Swelling:

* Gum Swelling: You might notice significant swelling in the gums surrounding the affected wisdom tooth. The gum tissue can become red, inflamed, and tender to the touch.
* Facial Swelling: In some cases, the infection can spread, leading to swelling in your cheek and jawline on the affected side, making your face appear visibly swollen.

3. Other Signs of Infection:

* Bad Taste in Your Mouth: A persistent foul taste, often metallic or bitter, can indicate the presence of infection. This taste is caused by the bacteria and pus accumulating in the area.
* Bad Breath: The infection can cause persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, which doesn't go away with regular brushing or mouthwash.
* Difficulty Opening Your Mouth (Trismus): The swelling and inflammation around the infected wisdom tooth can make it difficult and painful to fully open your mouth. This can interfere with speaking, eating, and even oral hygiene.
* Swollen Lymph Nodes: You may notice tender and swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck on the side of the infected wisdom tooth.
* Fever: As your body fights the infection, you may develop a fever. This is your body's natural defense mechanism against infection.

4. Other Potential Symptoms:

* Headache: The pain from a wisdom tooth infection can trigger headaches, especially on the side of your head where the infection is located.
* Earache: The pain from the infection can radiate to your ear, causing discomfort and a feeling of fullness.
* General Malaise: You might feel unwell overall, experiencing fatigue, and a lack of energy.

When to See a Dentist Immediately:

It's crucial to seek immediate dental care if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they indicate a potentially serious infection:

* High Fever: A fever exceeding 101°F (38.3°C) can indicate a severe infection that requires prompt medical attention.
* Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: If you have difficulty swallowing, breathing, or experience swelling in your neck, seek immediate medical help as these could be signs of a spreading infection.
* Pus Discharge: The presence of pus discharge from the gums around the wisdom tooth is a clear sign of infection.

Remember: This information is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's essential to consult with a dentist or healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-treating can be dangerous, so seeking professional care is crucial for your health and well-being.

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Signs of gum infection caused by a wisdom tooth include:red, inflamed gum near the wisdom tooth.swelling.pain.pus coming from the gum.the lymph glands under the jaw become swollen and sore.it may become difficult to open the mouth and to swallow.fever.read more >>