Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in your mouth. They usually appear when you are a teenager or a young adult. Some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, but for others, these teeth can get an infection. Infected wisdom tooth symptoms can be painful and cause discomfort.
It’s important to know the signs of an infected wisdom tooth so you can get the right care. In this article, you’ll learn about common symptoms, why infections happen, and how to feel better.
What Is An Infected Wisdom Tooth?
An infected wisdom tooth happens when bacteria get into the gum tissue around your wisdom teeth or third molars. This can cause swelling, pain, and other symptoms that may need treatment.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in your mouth. They are at the back of your mouth, making them harder to clean.
This can lead to pain, swelling, and other problems. It’s important to recognise the signs early so you can get the right care.
What Causes A Wisdom Tooth Infection?
A wisdom tooth infection can happen for different reasons. If bacteria get trapped around your wisdom teeth, it can lead to pain, swelling, and other problems. Here are some of the most common causes of wisdom teeth infections.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that don’t fully come through the gums because there isn’t enough room. Food particles and bacteria can easily get stuck around them since they stay partly or fully trapped under the gums. A fully or partially impacted wisdom tooth can lead to swelling, pain, and infection if not cleaned properly.
Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth
Having wisdom teeth erupt partially means the tooth only comes out partway. This leaves an opening in the gum tissue, where bacteria can enter. Over time, bacteria can cause gum disease or a tooth infection, leading to pain and swelling.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth are at the very back of your mouth, making them harder to clean. Food debris and plaque build-up can increase the risk of infection. Regular brushing and flossing are important to help prevent wisdom teeth infections.
Lower Immunity
If your immune system is weak, your body may have a harder time fighting off infections. This can occur because of stress, illness, or certain medical conditions. A weak immune system puts you at a greater risk of developing a wisdom tooth infection.
By understanding what causes a wisdom tooth infection, you can take steps to prevent it. Keeping your mouth clean and visiting a dentist can help reduce the risk of infection.
Common Infected Wisdom Tooth Symptoms
If you have an affected wisdom tooth, you might notice some uncomfortable symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you get the right treatment. Here are some of the most common signs of a wisdom tooth infection.
Persistent Or Severe Pain
Pain is often one of the first signs of an infected wisdom tooth. It might start as a mild ache and get worse. You could feel pain around the tooth, in your jaw, or even in your ear. The pain may come and go, or it could stay constant, making it hard to chew or talk.
Swollen Or Inflamed Gums
The gums around the infected tooth become red, swollen, and tender. You might notice puffiness or swelling near the back of your mouth. If your gums bleed whenever you clean your teeth, it could be a telltale sign of a gum infection.
Bad Breath And Unpleasant Taste
Food and bacteria can get stuck around partially affected wisdom teeth, causing bad breath. You might also feel a bad taste in your mouth because of infection or pus. No matter how much you brush or rinse, the bad taste might not go away.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Swelling and jaw pain from an infected wisdom tooth can make it hard to open your mouth fully. You may feel tight or stiff when you eat, talk, or even yawn. The pain can get worse when you chew, especially on the side where the infected tooth is.
Fever And General Discomfort
Some people may get a fever as their body tries to fight off the infection. You may also feel tired or unwell. A fever means the infection might be spreading and needs medical attention.
If you notice one or more of these signs, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is a good idea. Early treatment can help stop the infection from causing bigger problems.
Potential Complications Of An Infected Wisdom Tooth
If an infected wisdom tooth is not treated, it can lead to more serious problems. The infection might spread and lead to pain, swelling, and other dental issues. Here are some possible complications.
Spread Of Infection
The infection can move to other parts of your mouth, jaw, throat, or sinuses. If the infection gets worse, it may cause swelling and pain in other areas. In some cases, a severe infection may need urgent dental care.
Tooth Decay
An infected wisdom tooth can make spreading bacteria to other teeth easier. This can lead to tooth decay in nearby back teeth. Decay can cause cavities, pain, and sensitivity in the affected tooth.
Gum Disease
A wisdom tooth infection can irritate the gum tissue and cause gum disease. The gum line may become red, swollen, and painful. Gum disease can weaken the gums and affect other adult teeth if left unmanaged.
Catching an infected wisdom tooth early can help prevent these problems. If you have pain or swelling, it is important to see a dentist for the right care.
Treatment Options For An Infected Wisdom Tooth
If you have an infected wisdom tooth, there are different treatment options to help relieve pain and stop the infection. Your dentist will suggest the best treatment based on your symptoms and needs.
Pain Relief And Home Care
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water calms swollen gums. You can also use an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling and ease pain.
Antibiotics For Infection Control
Your dentist might give you antibiotics to help clear the infection. Antibiotics can help with the symptoms, but they might not fix the root problem of the infection.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If needed, your dentist will talk to you about removing the wisdom tooth through a simple surgical procedure. Removing the infected tooth can help prevent future infections and protect your other teeth.
Preventing Wisdom Tooth Infections
To prevent future infections, consider the following steps:
- Practise good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing well.
- Visit a dentist for routine check-ups.
- Wisdom teeth removal may be suggested if wisdom teeth can cause repeated infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an infected wisdom tooth heal on its own?
An infected wisdom tooth may feel better for a while, and the infection usually does not go away on its own. It’s important to see a dentist to prevent the infection from worsening.
How do I know if my wisdom tooth needs to be removed?
A dentist can assess whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary based on your symptoms and X-rays.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
Recovery varies, but most people heal within a few weeks. Following post-treatment care helps promote healing.
Conclusion
Recognising infected wisdom tooth symptoms early is essential for maintaining oral health. If you experience swollen gums, severe pain, or an unpleasant taste, it may be time to seek professional advice.
A dentist can identify the best possible treatment options, whether wisdom teeth removal or other care methods. By taking action early, you can prevent future infections and maintain a healthy smile.
If you’re feeling pain or think you have an infected wisdom tooth, contact Advanced Dental Care today at (02) 6188 7103 to speak with our friendly team. We’re here in Dubbo to help you feel better and get your smile back to its best.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Burch K. How To Know If You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed [Internet]. Business Insider. 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/dental/wisdom-teeth-removal
McPhillips A. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult
Brazier Y. What to know about impacted wisdom teeth [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/188660
