Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge during adulthood, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. When there's insufficient space for these teeth to erupt properly, it can lead to swollen gums, a condition known as pericoronitis.

What Is Pericronitis?

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are the final set of teeth to develop at the back of the mouth. For some, these teeth grow in normally and without issue, but for many, wisdom teeth grow abnormally, causing a condition called impaction.

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of problems, such as infections, cavities, gum disease, and swelling around the area. This swelling and inflammation around the wisdom teeth is known as pericoronitis. It’s a common issue for adults, especially during the early stages of wisdom tooth growth.

Causes of Pericronitis

The primary cause of pericoronitis is partial impaction, which occurs when the wisdom teeth do not fully emerge from the gums. This partial eruption creates an opening where bacteria can accumulate, leading to inflammation and swelling.

In addition to being caused by the growth of wisdom teeth, other factors that can cause swollen gums around wisdom teeth include:

• Being in your 20s
• Wisdom teeth that haven’t fully erupted
• Stress
• Excess gum tissue
• Pregnancy
• Poor oral hygiene

While pericoronitis itself is not contagious, the bacteria that cause the infection can be spread through saliva. Sharing eating utensils or kissing someone with pericoronitis may transmit the bacterial infection.

Symptoms Of Pericronitis

Pericoronitis can manifest as either acute or chronic. Symptoms of acute pericoronitis may include:

• Fever
• Severe pain near the back molars
• Swollen and red gums
• Pus discharge from the gums
• Pain when swallowing
• Jaw lock
• Swollen face
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Chronic pericoronitis may present with milder symptoms, such as:

• Temporary mild pain near the back molars
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth

Treatment for Pericoronitis

Treatment options for pericoronitis depend on the severity of the condition. Some home remedies include:

• Applying a cold compress to the swollen area
• Sucking on ice cubes
• Avoiding irritants like alcohol and tobacco

Medical treatments for pericoronitis may involve:

• Teeth cleaning to remove food particles and bacteria
• Prescribing antibiotics or antibacterial mouthwash
• Gum surgery to remove the infected tissue
• Wisdom tooth extraction surgery

Recovery times can vary from days to weeks, depending on the treatment and how well the condition is managed. Proper care can help prevent serious infections, while inadequate treatment increases the risk of recurring infections or swelling.

If you’re experiencing swollen gums due to wisdom teeth, it's best to consult a dentist or use the Ai Care consultation feature, available on the App Store and Play Store.

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