Have you ever heard of pericoronitis? It's a fancy way of saying the area around a tooth is infected. While it can happen to any tooth, it most commonly affects wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to erupt. This article will discuss everything you need to know about pericoronitis, including its causes, symptoms, and prevention tips.
What Is Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is an infection of the soft tissues surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most commonly wisdom teeth. These teeth are located at the very back of your mouth and often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, sometimes these teeth don't have enough room to fully erupt or they erupt at an angle, causing a flap of gum tissue to partially cover the tooth. This creates a space where bacteria can easily build up and lead to an infection.
What Causes Pericoronitis?
The primary cause of pericoronitis is poor oral hygiene. When you don't brush and floss properly, food particles and bacteria can become trapped under the flap of gum tissue covering the erupting tooth. This can lead to inflammation, infection, and pain. Other factors that can contribute to pericoronitis include:
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Impacted teeth: When a tooth is impacted, it is unable to fully erupt through the gums. This can create a space where bacteria can easily collect.
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Crowded teeth: If your teeth are crowded, there may not be enough space for your wisdom teeth to erupt properly. This can lead to them becoming impacted or erupting at an angle.
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Dental trauma: Injury to the gums or teeth can also increase your risk of developing pericoronitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, including:
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Pain: This is the most common symptom of pericoronitis. The pain may be localized to the affected area or it may radiate to other parts of your face or head.
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Swelling: The gums around the affected tooth may be swollen and red.
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Bleeding: The gums may bleed easily when you brush or floss.
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Bad taste in your mouth: You may notice a foul taste in your mouth if you have pericoronitis.
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Difficulty opening your mouth: The swelling may make it difficult to open your mouth wide.
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Fever: In some cases, pericoronitis can cause a fever.
How Is Pericoronitis Diagnosed?
If you have any of the symptoms of pericoronitis, it is important to see your dentist right away. They will be able to examine your mouth and take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, they may also order a CT scan to get a better look at the affected tooth and surrounding bone.
How Is Pericoronitis Treated?
The treatment for pericoronitis depends on the severity of the infection. In some cases, your dentist may be able to treat the infection with antibiotics and thorough cleaning of the affected area. However, if the infection is severe or the tooth is impacted, you may need to have the tooth extracted.
How Can You Prevent Pericoronitis?
The best way to prevent pericoronitis is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist. They will be able to monitor your wisdom teeth and advise you on the best course of action.
Prevention Dentistry: The Key to Avoiding Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis can be a painful and inconvenient condition, but it is preventable with proper oral care. By practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for regular checkups, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition. If you do develop pericoronitis, it is important to see your dentist right away so they can provide you with the appropriate treatment.
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Have you ever heard of pericoronitis? It's a fancy way of saying the area around a tooth is infected. While it can happen to any tooth, it most commonly affects wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to erupt. This article will discuss everything you need to know about pericoronitis, including its causes, symptoms, and prevention tips.