Problems around wisdom teeth are common. One is pericoronitis, inflammation of the gum around a partly erupted tooth. The area can be difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to accumulate. What causes it, how can you recognise it and what treatment is available?
What causes it?
Bacteria and food debris can collect beneath the gum flap over a partly erupted wisdom tooth. Because the area is difficult to reach with a toothbrush, inflammation can develop.
Risk factors
- Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Partly erupted wisdom teeth.
- Insufficient space for a wisdom tooth to erupt into a functional, cleanable position.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
- Pain: Pain around the tooth, sometimes radiating towards the jaw or ear.
- Swelling: The gum may become red, swollen and tender.
- Difficulty chewing: Pain may interfere with chewing or opening the mouth.
- Bad breath: An unpleasant taste or discharge may accompany the inflammation.
- Fever or feeling unwell: These can suggest a more significant infection and require prompt assessment.
How is it treated?
Treatment aims to control the local problem, relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence. It may involve:
1. Care at home:
- Gentle warm salt-water rinses may help keep the area comfortable while you arrange dental care. This advice is for an erupted tooth, not the first 24 hours after an extraction.
- Clean the area gently without aggressive scrubbing.
2. Dental treatment:
- The dentist can remove debris and irrigate beneath the gum flap.
- An antiseptic rinse may be recommended for a limited period when appropriate.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for spreading infection or systemic symptoms; they are not automatically required for every case.
3. A longer-term solution:
- If the tooth cannot erupt properly or repeatedly causes problems, removal may be recommended.
Will surgery be necessary?
In selected cases, removing the overlying gum flap may help if the tooth can erupt into a useful and cleanable position. If there is insufficient space or repeated inflammation, surgical removal of the wisdom tooth may be more appropriate. A dental examination and imaging guide the decision. Our wisdom tooth surgery page provides more information about the procedure and recovery.
How can you reduce the risk?
Good oral hygiene is important. Practical steps include:
- Brush regularly, paying attention to the area around the wisdom teeth.
- Use suitable interdental cleaning aids where they fit and ask your dentist how to reach difficult areas.
- Attend check-ups at the interval recommended for your individual needs.
When should you seek help?
Arrange prompt dental care for severe pain, significant swelling, fever or feeling unwell. Untreated infection can spread. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly increasing swelling, requires urgent medical attention.
Pericoronitis can usually be managed with appropriate care, but recurrence may require further treatment. Do not delay a dental assessment if your wisdom tooth is causing problems.
For more practical detail on this topic, see essential tooth extraction aftercare and swelling and healing after tooth extraction .