Pericoronitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment



Pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of gum tissue surrounding the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. This condition can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including pain, swelling, pus formation, and bad breath. It primarily affects the lower jaw more often than the upper jaw and is most common among individuals in their early 20s, as this is when wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge.

If left untreated, pericoronitis can lead to serious complications, making prompt dental care essential. Continue reading to learn more about home remedies for symptom relief and the professional treatment options available.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis occurs when wisdom teeth partially emerge, leaving a flap of gum tissue that can trap bacteria, food debris, plaque, and bacterial film. This leads to inflammation and infection in the surrounding gum tissue.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing pericoronitis, including:

  • Being in your early 20s
  • Partially erupted wisdom teeth
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Emotional stress and fatigue
  • Pregnancy
  • Excess gum tissue
  • Upper respiratory tract infections

Symptoms of Pericoronitis

The symptoms of pericoronitis vary depending on whether the condition is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Acute (Short-Term) Symptoms:

  • Intense pain around the affected tooth
  • Swelling and redness in the gums
  • Pus discharge from the gum flap
  • Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Fever and general discomfort
Chronic (Long-Term) Symptoms:
  • Persistent mild pain or discomfort
  • Occasional gum swelling
  • Bad breath due to bacterial buildup
  • A recurring unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene in the affected area


Home Remedies for Pericoronitis

  • While pericoronitis cannot be completely cured without professional dental care, certain home remedies can help alleviate minor symptoms:
  • Warm salt water rinse: Gently rinsing with salt water can help remove bacteria and soothe inflammation.
  • Hydrogen peroxide rinse: A diluted solution can help reduce bacterial buildup in the affected area.
  • Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw can reduce swelling and numb pain.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Ensure you follow the recommended dosage.
  • Good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing gently around the affected area can help prevent infection by removing bacteria and food debris.
  • Clove oil application: Clove oil, which contains eugenol, acts as a natural pain reliever with antibacterial properties.


What to Avoid When Affected by Pericoronitis

Along with following home remedies, avoiding certain habits can help speed up healing and prevent complications:

Skipping dental visits: Without professional treatment, pericoronitis can worsen, so timely consultation with a dentist is crucial.

  • Ignoring symptoms: Delaying treatment increases the risk of severe infection.
  • Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: These can irritate the gum flap and worsen pain.
  • Smoking and tobacco use: These slow down the healing process and increase infection risks.
  • Alcohol and sugary drinks: They can irritate the gums and promote bacterial growth.
  • Using sharp or hard objects to clean the area: This may cause further injury or infection.
  • Overusing pain relievers: Relying excessively on medication without addressing the root cause can delay proper treatment.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting proper cleaning can lead to bacterial buildup and worsen the condition.
  • Touching the affected area frequently: This can introduce more bacteria and increase the risk of infection.

Diagnosis of Pericoronitis

  • Dentists diagnose pericoronitis through a three-step process:
  • Clinical Examination: The dentist examines the gums for swelling, redness, or infection.
  • X-rays: Dental X-rays help assess the alignment and eruption of wisdom teeth.

Symptom Evaluation: The severity of symptoms determines whether the condition is acute or chronic.


Professional Dental Treatments for Pericoronitis

Following a diagnosis, a dentist may recommend the following treatments to promote healing:

  • Deep cleaning: Removing trapped food debris and bacteria from the gum flap.
  • Antibiotics: In severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed to control infection.
  • Pain management: Prescription pain relievers may be used if necessary.


Operculectomy (Gum flap removal surgery): If the condition recurs, excess gum tissue may be surgically removed.

Wisdom tooth extraction: Removal may be necessary in cases where the tooth is severely impacted or causing frequent infections.

Takeaway

Pericoronitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gum tissue around wisdom teeth. While home remedies can help alleviate symptoms, the condition does not resolve on its own and requires professional dental care. Consulting a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent complications.

For expert care and professional treatment of pericoronitis, schedule a consultation with Surya Dental Care today. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Red Spots on the Roof of the Mouth: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention - Surya Dental

Image
Red spots on the roof of the mouth can be alarming but are often harmless and resolve independently. Since the palate is a sensitive area, these spots can sometimes lead to inflammation. This blog post will explain the potential causes, treatment options, and preventive measures for red spots on the roof of the mouth . Causes of Red Spots on the Roof of the Mouth Erythroplakia Erythroplakia presents as red, velvety patches on the roof of the mouth or other parts of the oral cavity. These patches, which can be smooth or slightly raised, are typically painless. Erythroplakia is a precancerous condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider as it can precede oral cancer. Canker Sores  Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are small, painful lesions that can develop on the roof of the mouth. They are not contagious and are often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or minor mouth injuries. Oral Herpes Caused by the herpes simplex virus, oral herpes can lead to small,...
Read more

Understanding Bumps on the back of the tongue - surya dental care

Image
Discovering bumps on the tongue, especially on its sides or back, often goes unnoticed as they typically blend in with the tongue's color. However, when these bumps grow larger or become bothersome, they may signal underlying health concerns. Bumps at the back of the tongue can be particularly concerning, potentially indicating oral infections or injuries. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments for these blisters is crucial for maintaining oral health and overall well-being. What are Blisters at the Back of the Tongue? Blisters at the back of the tongue are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the posterior part of the tongue. They may present as white lesions or canker sores, causing discomfort and soreness. These blisters can arise from various factors, including trauma, infections, immune system disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms Common symptoms of blisters at the back of the tongue include: - Altered taste perception - Discomfort while eating, especially...
Read more

All you need to know about Composite Veneers?

Image
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry solution for concealing imperfections in natural teeth and achieving a perfect smile. Among the various types of veneers available, composite veneers stand out as a common and cost-effective option. In this guide by Surya Dental Care , you’ll learn everything you need to know about composite veneers, including their cost, application process, durability, pros and cons, and alternative options. What Are Composite Veneers? Composite veneers are thin layers of composite resin applied to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. The resin is sculpted and polished to resemble natural teeth, making composite veneers an excellent choice for enhancing your smile. Unlike porcelain veneers, the dentist typically applies composite veneers directly in a single appointment, offering a convenient and more affordable alternative to lab-fabricated porcelain options. How Much Do Composite Veneers Cost? The cost of composite veneers in India can va...
Read more