Our third molars burst through our gums and usually bring a lot of painful symptoms. Hence, if you’re facing wisdom teeth swelling, you’re not alone. Many people experience swollen gum behind their wisdom teeth, which is typically painful and can cause trouble eating. Why exactly does a swollen wisdom tooth occur, though? Carry on reading to know the reasons and how you can treat this condition.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Swelling?
Multiple factors can contribute to the swelling in your wisdom teeth, which is also known as pericoronitis. Your dentist can help you understand the cause of your inflamed wisdom tooth gums and offer a treatment plan accordingly. Nonetheless, here are common reasons why you have an inflamed wisdom tooth gum:
1. You Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
If your mouth doesn’t have enough space for the third molar to erupt, it can get blocked by your jawbone or other teeth. As a result, this prevents the wisdom tooth from breaking through your gums and leads to an ‘impacted’ wisdom tooth. In addition to other symptoms, fluid-filled pockets or cysts can develop around the impacted wisdom tooth. Over time, as the tooth roots grow, wisdom teeth swelling can occur.
Sometimes, the additional molar manages to erupt partially — known as a partially erupted wisdom tooth. If this is the case, redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain might occur around the affected region.
2. You Have a Wisdom Tooth Infection
Since our third molars are located at the very back of our mouth, it can be hard to clean them. Moreover, flossing around the wisdom tooth can become a problem too. Therefore, bacteria and debris can easily accumulate there, leading to issues like cavities and infections. A wisdom infection comes with many symptoms, including swelling. Other signs of an infected wisdom tooth are:
- Jaw pain
- Tooth pain
- Red gum around the tooth
- Bad breath
- Fever
- Trouble chewing
- Opening the mouth is difficult
- Swollen lymph glands
- Yellow or white discharge from the socket (after wisdom tooth removal)
3. Your Gums are Irritated
Gum tissues can get irritated when wisdom teeth erupt. On top of that, food particles that get trapped in the area irritate the gums further. Consequently, you experience wisdom tooth gum pain along with symptoms. In short, wisdom tooth eruption can irritate gums and cause swelling.
How To Reduce Wisdom Teeth Swelling
Your dentist can help treat the swollen gums in the back of your mouth. Nonetheless, you can try these to reduce wisdom teeth swelling:
- Cold and warm compresses
- OTC painkillers
- Saltwater rinses
- Sucking on ice cubes
- Avoiding alcohol consumption, smoking, and other things that can irritate your gums
- Clove Oil
- Soft or liquid food diet, especially if swelling occurs after wisdom teeth extraction.
What Should I Do?
If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth swelling, there are multiple causes that lead to this condition. These include infections, partially erupted or impacted teeth, and irritated gums. Visit a reputable dental clinic, like Modena Dentistry & Orthodontics, to reduce the symptoms. Dial (346) 966-3362 to give us a call and get started on improving your oral health today