Look Out for These 7 Signs of an Early Stage Wisdom Tooth Infection!
Almost everyone has dealt with the pain of a wisdom tooth, especially before it even starts to erupt. It’s like one day you just wake up, and there’s a third molar suddenly pushing against your gums, itching to grow out. But while you may think that is painful, a wisdom tooth infection is something much worse.
Plus, since these molars are situated at the very back of your mouth, cleaning and taking care of them can be a little hard. This typically causes bacteria to fester and grow, leading to an internal infection. The only way to avoid ruining your oral health is by spotting the wisdom tooth infection while it is still in its early stages.
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Signs of an Early Stage Wisdom Tooth Infection
When your wisdom tooth is just starting to erupt, your gums tend to cover most of it, which is where the bacteria commonly sneak up. However, by keeping your eye out for the following signs, you can make sure that there is no dental abscess taking root in your gums. If there is, make sure to visit a dentist immediately to get the infection under control.
- Foul Breath
If your breath starts stinking really bad, no matter how many times you brush your teeth or gargle with mouthwash, it’s probably because of an abscess. - Bitter Taste in Your Mouth
Bad breath followed by bitter taste in the mouth is a surefire sign of an infection. The pus pocket of the abscess probably started leaking, causing the foul taste to mingle in your mouth. - Difficulty Eating
A half-erupted wisdom tooth is painful and can make it difficult to chew. But if you cannot move your mouth at all because it hurts so much, the pain is probably because of an infection, not a molar. - Swollen and Tender Gums
Red and swollen gums are the biggest indicator that something is wrong with your oral health. Visit a dentist as soon as you can to get it looked at. - Jaw Pain
Sometimes, the pain from the infection gets referred to your jaw. This can make it incredibly hard to move your mouth. - Swollen Cheeks
A wisdom tooth infection doesn’t just cause your gums to swell, but it can also affect your cheeks, making them appear puffy on the infected side. - Throbbing Pain
Pain is a given factor when it comes to wisdom teeth. However, irregular bouts of pain, which make your mouth feel like it’s throbbing, are a cause for concern.
How to Get Rid of a Wisdom Tooth Infection?
A wisdom tooth infection is often considered to be a dental emergency. This is because if you do not get it drained in time, it could burst in your mouth and spread to other teeth, causing a domino effect. Thus, the best way to wash your hands off a wisdom tooth infection is by visiting an emergency dentist and having the pus-pocket drained. You could also try taking medications if the infection is in its early stages. The sooner you catch it, the less compilations you’ll have to face
They performed an emergency extraction for me, rescuing me from extreme pain from an exposed nerve. They are professional, compassionate, comprehensive and good! Couldn’t ask for better service from an emergency dental visit!
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Final Takeaway
In short, the best way to identify the early stage of a wisdom tooth infection is by paying close attention to your teeth and gums. The instant you notice swelling or discoloration, reach out to LifeLine Dental of Houston at (281) 409-3777 immediately. You can also drive over to our clinic located at 1147 Clear Lake City Blvd, Houston, TX 77062, United States.