How to deal with infected wisdom teeth

The third molar is called the wisdom tooth because it is usually the last tooth to erupt at the end of adolescence. ^{[1] X Research Sources} However, there are some people who do not have wisdom teeth. ^{[2] X Research Sources} Wisdom tooth infections make you very uncomfortable and require immediate measures. Here are some steps for temporary pain relief before you have time to see the dentist.

Table of Contents

Care at home

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Recognize the signs. Periodontitis occurs when the gum tissue around a wisdom tooth becomes inflamed and infected. This condition occurs when only a part of the wisdom tooth “pulls out” from the gum, or when the crowding of the teeth here makes it impossible to floss or clean them. ^{[3] X Research Source} To know if wisdom teeth are infected, you must be aware of the accompanying signs and symptoms. Look for the following signs: ^{[4] X Research Source}

Bright red or red gums with white dots. The gum around that tooth is also inflamed.
Moderate or severe pain in the teeth that makes chewing food difficult. You may even see a small bump on your cheek that feels hot to the touch. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
There is an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth due to the accumulation of blood and pus at the site of the infection. This condition can lead to bad breath. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth. This condition indicates that the infection has spread from the gums to the muscles around the mouth. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Fever. A temperature above 37.8 degrees Celsius means you have a fever, which also means that your body is fighting an infection. In severe cases, in addition to infection, you may also feel muscle weakness. If you have these symptoms, you should see your dentist or doctor immediately.
In some cases, even the root of the tooth is infected, then it is more likely that the dentist has to extract this tooth. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Gargle with salt water. Salt is a natural antiseptic, you should gargle with salt water to kill bacteria in the mouth. ^{[9] X Research Source}^{[10] X Research Source} Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt in about 250 ml of warm water, dissolve completely before use. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Take a full sip and gargle the salt water in your mouth for about 30 seconds, focusing on the infection to kill bacteria.
After 30 seconds, you must spit out the salt water, do not drink. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times per day.
In addition to taking antibiotics prescribed by your dentist, you should combine gargling in this way.

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Use dental gel to reduce pain and swelling. You can buy dental gel at your local drugstore. If they don’t, you should go to the big drugstores. This is a substance that helps control infection and reduces pain and swelling. ^{[12] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

Before using the dental gel, you must rinse your mouth thoroughly, then put a drop or two directly on the infection and spread it evenly with the tip of a cotton swab.
Do not rub the medicine with your fingers because there is a risk of spreading more bacteria into the mouth.
Apply dental gel 3 to 4 times daily for best results.

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Pain relief. If the wisdom tooth infection causes severe pain, you should take pain relievers, which also reduce inflammation. You can easily buy non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the pharmacy without a prescription. ^{[13] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source}

Some common examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (Mofen-400, Ibuprofen), naproxen (Ameproxen), and aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age because it has been linked to the development of Reye’s syndrome, which damages the brain and liver. ^{[14] X Research Source}
Acetaminophen (paracetamp) is not an NSAID and does not reduce inflammation, but can relieve pain. ^{[15] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source}
Follow the dosage instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor, do not exceed the maximum allowable dose.
Remember that every medicine has some side effects, so you must read the information on the label carefully before taking any medicine. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if necessary.

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Apply an ice pack. If you don’t want or can’t take the medicine, you should apply a cold compress to the infected area. Cold compresses can reduce pain and inflammation while waiting to see a doctor. ^{[16] X Research Source} However, if the infection is too swollen, you should seek medical treatment right away.

Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap in a towel. Apply an ice pack over the painful area for at least 10 minutes.
You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables like beans or corn (don’t eat vegetables that have been thawed and re-frozen many times after applying).

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Go see the dentist. Most importantly, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible. Without appropriate medical intervention, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and body. ^{[17] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Periodontitis also carries a risk of several complications such as gum disease, tooth decay, and the development of fluid pockets. More severe complications include swollen lymph nodes, sepsis, systemic infection, and even death.
If the dental clinic is so crowded that you can’t see it right away, go to the emergency room or to the hospital. Many places have emergency dentists.

Visit the dentist for a dental checkup

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Discuss treatments with your dentist. They will examine the infection and take x-rays to assess the severity and find the best treatment. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

The doctor also examines the wisdom tooth to see if it has fully or partially erupted, and will note the condition of the surrounding gums.
If the wisdom tooth hasn’t come out yet, they have to take an x-ray to determine its location. These factors are the basis for them to determine if the tooth needs to be extracted.
Tell your dentist about any medications you’re allergic to so they don’t prescribe them.

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Ask about the costs, risks, and benefits of treatment. You need to know about the cost of treatment, as well as information about possible risks and benefits, and whether there are other treatment options.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You have the right to be clear about the treatment you are about to undergo.

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Let your dentist clean the infection. If the wisdom tooth is about to come out of the gum without any problems and the infection is mild, your dentist can clean the infection with a disinfectant solution.

They will remove infected gum tissue, pus, and plaque. If the gums have an abscess, they sometimes have to make a small incision to get the pus out.
After the cleaning is complete, the dentist will give instructions on how to care for it at home in the following days. They may give you topical gels to reduce inflammation, antibiotics to treat infections, and pain relievers if you’re still in pain. ^{[19] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to source} Commonly prescribed antibiotics are amoxicillin, clindamycin, and penicillin. ^{[20] X Research Source}

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Prepare for minor surgery. The main cause of wisdom tooth infection is when the gum covering the tooth (called the gum membrane) becomes infected due to plaque and leftover food trapped underneath. If the tooth is still under the gum (but in the correct position), it is easier to remove the infected gum than to have the tooth extracted. ^{[21] X Research Sources}^{[22] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

To remove the gingival membrane that covers the wisdom teeth, the dentist must perform a minor surgery called ‘gum resection’. ^{[23] X Research Sources}
After the cut is complete, you will easily clean up plaque and bacteria, greatly reducing the risk of wisdom tooth infection.
Before surgery, the dentist must inject anesthetic into the gums where the pain is. Next, they will remove the infected gum membrane with a scalpel, laser or electrocautery. ^{[24] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

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Consider tooth extraction. If the infection is widespread and the wisdom tooth doesn’t show any signs of coming out on its own, then you need to have the tooth extracted. Tooth extraction is also necessary if a severe infection occurs. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Depending on the position of the tooth, the extraction can be performed by a dentist or a surgeon. ^{[26] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}
They will give a local anesthetic before performing the extraction. ^{[27] X Research Source}
After tooth extraction, you may need to take antibiotics and pain relievers to prevent infection after surgery. You must follow your dentist’s advice on how to maintain oral hygiene.
Remember to go back to the dentist to monitor the healing process of the gums, to make sure there are no problems. In addition, they will check the position of the opposing wisdom tooth in case it also needs to be extracted.

Maintain good oral hygiene habits

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Brush your teeth twice daily. To prevent infection, you must maintain good oral hygiene habits. The first step is to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, not a hard-bristled brush to avoid wearing away enamel. ^{[28] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. ^{[29] X Research Sources}
Brush your teeth in a circular motion, do not push the brush back and forth, as this will damage the enamel.
Each brushing should last at least two minutes, remember to brush down to the gums and brush the teeth deep inside.

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Use dental floss every day. Flossing is just as important as brushing because it helps remove plaque and bacteria that build up between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. If you don’t remove plaque, the bacteria there easily cause tooth decay, infections, and gum disease. Do it at least once a day. ^{[30] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}^{[31] X Research Source}

Hold the floss firmly with both hands and gently pull back and forth between the teeth in the direction along the teeth. Try not to pull the “touch” thread down to the gums to avoid irritation or bleeding.
Bend the thread into a “C” shape close to the tooth, then slide it gently between the tooth and gum.
Hold the thread firmly and rub it over the teeth in a gentle back and forth motion.
Remember to clean in all teeth, including the inner molars. Always rinse your mouth after flossing to wash away plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.

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Use antiseptic mouthwash. Disinfectant mouthwash helps control the amount of bacteria in the mouth, while keeping breath fresh and fresh. If you live in the US, you should buy a mouthwash that has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval for oral hygiene. ^{[32] X Research Sources}^{[33] X Credible Sources National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

You can use mouthwash before or after brushing your teeth. Fill a bottle cap and pour it into your mouth, rinsing well between your teeth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Use a commercial antiseptic mouthwash product, or simply use an undiluted solution of chlorhexidine available at most drugstores. ^{[34] X Research Source}
If you feel that the mouthwash is too strong to cause burning, find another one that does not contain alcohol.

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Schedule a dental check-up. Scheduling regular dental checkups is the best prevention to avoid wisdom tooth infections and other dental problems. ^{[35] X Research Source}

You should have a dental check-up every six months, especially if your wisdom teeth haven’t emerged yet. Your dentist may recommend that you visit more often if you have health problems.

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No smoking. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products when you have infected wisdom teeth, as this will irritate the gums and make the infection worse. ^{[36] X Research Source}

Smoking is bad for your health in general, and of course, your oral health. Ask your doctor for advice on the fastest way to quit smoking. ^{[37] X Research Source}
Smoking also stains teeth and tongue, impairs the body’s ability to heal, causes gum disease and oral cancer. ^{[38] X Research Source}

Advice

It is not always necessary to have wisdom teeth removed, unless it is causing problems. The dentist will evaluate whether wisdom teeth should be extracted or not. ^{[39] X Research Source} People who have trouble with wisdom teeth are usually between the ages of 15-25. ^{[40] X Research Source}

Warning

Home care and treatments are unlikely to cure the infection. Any infection should be examined by a dentist as soon as possible for timely treatment or treatment.

Steps

Care at home

Visit the dentist for a dental checkup

Maintain good oral hygiene habits

Advice

Warning

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