Pericoronitis is the name given to the condition of inflamed tissues surrounding the erupting crown, the visible part, of a tooth. This inflammation can cause a lot of pain and can make opening your mouth and chewing quite difficult.
What Causes It?
Pericoronitis is most often caused by the partial eruption of the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. As wisdom teeth attempt to break through the gum tissue, a pocket forms between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Food debris, plaque, and bacteria can become trapped in this pocket. This buildup leads to an infection and causes the tissue to swell, resulting in pericoronitis. Pericoronitis is also known to occur around other partially erupted teeth, particularly those with large fillings, or crowns that have come loose or are otherwise defective.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of pericoronitis can include:
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Pain and swelling in the gums surrounding the affected tooth
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Redness and inflammation of the gums
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Difficulty opening the mouth
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Difficulty swallowing
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Tenderness in the lymph nodes in the neck
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Fever
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Bad breath
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A metallic taste in the mouth
Who Gets Pericoronitis and Why?
Although pericoronitis can affect any tooth, it is most often associated with the eruption of wisdom teeth. This occurs for the reasons stated above. People with poor oral hygiene habits are at an increased risk of developing pericoronitis because plaque builds up more quickly when you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly. Those individuals with weakened immune systems or those who smoke may be more susceptible as well.
How is It Treated?
The best treatment for pericoronitis depends on the severity of your condition. If your symptoms are mild, your dentist may recommend a course of antibiotics, analgesics to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, and an oral antiseptic rinse or gel to kill the bacteria in the area.
Home Care
You should also practice good oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water solution several times a day and brushing and flossing regularly, paying particular attention to the affected area.
Surgical Procedures
If your symptoms do not improve with treatment or if you experience recurrent pericoronitis, your dentist may recommend a more aggressive treatment approach. In some cases, they might recommend surgically removing the gum tissue covering the tooth to expose the tooth for better access and cleaning. Ultimately, your dentist may suggest removing the affected tooth.
If you have any symptoms associated with pericoronitis, it is essential to consult a dentist or an oral surgeon as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How Can Pericoronitis Be Prevented?
The following steps can help to prevent pericoronitis:
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Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
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See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations, especially if you have partially erupted teeth.
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Avoid chewing gum if it irritates the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth.
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Rinse with warm salt water to remove food debris from around partially erupted teeth.
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Have your dentist evaluate any wisdom teeth that have erupted only partially to determine whether or not extraction is the best course of action.
Pericoronitis is a painful and often preventable infection of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a tooth. However, practicing good oral hygiene habits, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding known irritants can often prevent pericoronitis or at least minimize its effects.
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Pericoronitis is the name given to the condition of inflamed tissues surrounding the erupting crown, the visible part, of a tooth. This inflammation can cause a lot of pain and can make opening your mouth and chewing quite difficult.