Pericoronitis - Oris Dental Center

1. Pericoronitis Pericoronitis

2. AGENDA AGENDA • Overview of Pericoronitis • Common Symptoms of Pericoronitis • Causes of Pericoronitis • Home Remedies for Mild Pericoronitis • When to See a Dentist • Professional Treatment Options • Preventing Pericoronitis • Key Takeaways and Next Steps

3. Overview of Pericoronitis Overview of Pericoronitis What is Pericoronitis? What is Pericoronitis? ● Pericoronitis occurs when there is insufficient space for wisdom teeth to fully erupt through the gums. ● It mainly affects the soft tissues around the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. ● The condition causes inflammation and swelling of the gum tissue surrounding these teeth. ● It is more frequent in the lower jaw than the upper jaw due to space constraints. ● If untreated, pericoronitis can lead to infection and further dental complications.

4. Common Symptoms of Pericoronitis Common Symptoms of Pericoronitis Swollen, Red, or Tender Gums Swollen, Red, or Tender Gums Pain When Biting or Chewing Pain When Biting or Chewing Gums near the affected wisdom tooth become inflamed, appearing red and swollen, often feeling tender to the touch. Discomfort or sharp pain occurs especially when chewing or biting down near the back of the mouth where the wisdom teeth are located. Difficulty Opening Mouth and Swelling Difficulty Opening Mouth and Swelling Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste Pus drainage from the infected area can cause persistent bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth. Trismus or restricted mouth opening often accompanies swelling in the cheek or jaw area, sometimes with fever in severe cases.

5. Causes of Pericoronitis Causes of Pericoronitis Partial Eruption Partial Eruption Poor Oral Hygiene Poor Oral Hygiene Food Debris Accumulation Food Debris Accumulation When wisdom teeth only partially break through the gums, a pocket forms where bacteria can easily accumulate, leading to infection. Inadequate cleaning around wisdom teeth causes plaque buildup, creating an environment prone to bacterial infection and inflammation. Food particles trapped under gum flaps provide a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of pericoronitis. Stress or Illness Stress or Illness Trauma from Opposing Teeth Trauma from Opposing Teeth A weakened immune system due to stress or illness reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, facilitating pericoronitis development. Upper teeth may irritate or injure the gum flap covering lower wisdom teeth, causing inflammation and increasing infection risk.

6. Home Remedies for Mild Home Remedies for Mild Pericoronitis Pericoronitis Salt Water Rinse Salt Water Rinse Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse Over Over- -the the- -Counter Pain Relievers Counter Pain Relievers Rinse your mouth with warm salt water multiple times daily to soothe inflamed gums and reduce swelling thanks to salt's natural antibacterial properties. Use non-prescription pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain and decrease inflammation temporarily. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and gently rinse your mouth to kill bacteria and help clean the affected gum area. Ice Pack Application Ice Pack Application Maintain Oral Hygiene Maintain Oral Hygiene Apply an ice pack or cold compress on the outside of your cheek to numb pain and minimize swelling effectively. Brush gently around the affected area, avoid irritating foods, and keep the mouth clean to prevent worsening of infection.

7. When to See a Dentist When to See a Dentist Persistent or Worsening Pain Persistent or Worsening Pain Swelling Spreading to Cheek or Neck Swelling Spreading to Cheek or Neck If the pain around the wisdom tooth area continues or intensifies despite home care, it's essential to seek professional dental evaluation promptly. Noticeable swelling that extends beyond the gum area to the cheek or neck can indicate a spreading infection requiring urgent dental attention. Pus, Bad Taste, or Limited Mouth Opening Pus, Bad Taste, or Limited Mouth Opening Fever or Difficulty Swallowing Fever or Difficulty Swallowing The presence of fever or trouble swallowing signals a severe infection that needs immediate treatment by a dentist. If pus is draining, there is a persistent bad taste, or difficulty fully opening the mouth (trismus), professional care is necessary to manage the infection and prevent complications.

8. Professional Treatment Options Professional Treatment Options Wisdom Wisdom Tooth Tooth Extraction Extraction Operculect Operculect omy omy Professiona Professiona l Cleaning l Cleaning Antibiotics Antibiotics If the wisdom tooth is impacted or poses ongoing infection risks, extraction is recommended to permanently resolve pericoronitis. In cases of recurring pericoronitis, surgical removal of the gum flap covering the wisdom tooth is performed to eliminate the pocket where bacteria accumulate. Dentists clean beneath the gum flap to remove trapped food particles and bacteria, reducing inflammation and preventing infection progression. For significant infections, antibiotics such as amoxicillin or metronidazole are prescribed to control bacterial growth and treat infection. Debris removal Bacterial reduction Inflammation control Infection control Symptom relief Prevention of spread Gum flap removal Reduced bacterial pockets Decreased recurrence risk Removal of infection source Permanent resolution Improved oral health

9. Preventing Pericoronitis Preventing Pericoronitis Good Oral Hygiene Good Oral Hygiene Use Antibacterial Mouthwash Use Antibacterial Mouthwash Brush and floss daily, especially around the back molars, to prevent plaque buildup and reduce bacterial growth near wisdom teeth. Rinse regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria around partially erupted wisdom teeth. Regular Dental Visits Regular Dental Visits Follow Dentist Advice Follow Dentist Advice Schedule routine dental checkups to detect early signs of wisdom tooth problems and receive professional cleaning to prevent infections. Adhere to your dentist’s recommendations regarding the removal of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth to avoid complications.

10. Key Takeaways and Next Steps Key Takeaways and Next Steps Early intervention prevents complications and promotes faster healing. • Home remedies such as salt water rinses and pain relievers can ease symptoms but do not cure the infection. • Persistent or severe symptoms require evaluation by a dental professional. • Professional treatments may include cleaning, antibiotics, or minor surgery for lasting relief. • Visiting a trusted dental clinic ensures comprehensive care and prevention of future issues. •

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