How Do I Know If My Wisdom Tooth Infection Is Spreading?
A wisdom tooth infection can start as mild pain or swelling in the back of your mouth — but if left untreated, it can spread to nearby teeth, your jaw, or even other parts of your body. Recognizing the early signs is critical for preventing serious complications.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to tell if your wisdom tooth infection is spreading, what symptoms to look for, when to visit a dentist, and how professional treatment can keep your oral and overall health safe.
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Infections
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, typically between ages 17 and 25. Because they often don’t have enough room to come in properly, they can become impacted — trapped under the gum or bone — and lead to infection.
When bacteria get trapped between the gum and a partially erupted wisdom tooth, it can cause an infection called pericoronitis. If not treated quickly, the infection can spread beyond the tooth and affect surrounding tissues.
Common Causes of a Wisdom Tooth Infection
- Impaction: When a tooth can’t fully erupt, bacteria collect under the gums.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Food and debris trapped around the wisdom tooth can lead to bacterial growth.
- Gum Tissue Overgrowth: Flaps of gum tissue can trap bacteria, leading to inflammation.
- Cavities or Decay: A partially erupted tooth is more prone to decay and infection.
Early Signs of a Wisdom Tooth Infection
In the beginning, an infected wisdom tooth might feel like a dull ache or irritation, but the symptoms often worsen over time.
Pain and Swelling Around the Tooth
A throbbing pain near the back of your mouth is the most common sign. It may spread to your jaw, ear, or temple, depending on how deep the infection runs. Swelling in your cheek or jawline is also common.
Red or Inflamed Gums
Your gums may look swollen, shiny, or tender to touch. You might also notice bleeding when brushing near the affected area.
Bad Taste or Smell in Your Mouth
Pus from an infection can leak into your mouth, leaving a bad taste or persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
If you find it hard to open your mouth fully (a condition called trismus), the infection might have spread to deeper tissues.
Tender or Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Swollen glands in your neck or under your jaw indicate your immune system is fighting off an infection.
How Do I Know If My Wisdom Tooth Infection Is Spreading?
Recognizing when the infection has gone beyond the tooth is crucial. Once bacteria enter your bloodstream or jawbone, the risks increase significantly.
Intense or Radiating Pain
Pain that spreads from the infected tooth to your ear, throat, or even the side of your face suggests the infection is moving into surrounding tissues.
Persistent Fever
A fever above 100.4°F is a clear sign that your body is fighting an infection. When it persists or gets higher, it may mean the infection has spread.
Swelling Extending Beyond the Jaw
If swelling moves from your jaw to your cheek, neck, or under your eyes, the infection is likely spreading. This can interfere with breathing or swallowing if not treated quickly.
Fatigue and Body Aches
Feeling tired, weak, or achy can indicate the infection is affecting your immune system and circulating in your bloodstream.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
This is a medical emergency. When infection spreads to the throat or neck, it can block your airway. Immediate dental or medical attention is required.
Health Risks of an Untreated Wisdom Tooth Infection
Ignoring an infected wisdom tooth can cause much more than oral pain. A spreading infection can turn into a serious health problem if bacteria enter your bloodstream or deep tissues.
Jawbone Infection (Osteomyelitis)
Once bacteria reach the bone, they can destroy bone tissue and cause chronic pain and swelling.
Dental Abscess
A collection of pus may form near the tooth root or gum, causing severe pain and facial swelling.
Sinus Infection
Upper wisdom teeth are close to the sinuses, and bacteria can easily spread upward, leading to sinus pain and congestion.
Sepsis
In extreme cases, a severe dental infection can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects the whole body.
When to See a Dentist Immediately
You should seek professional help as soon as you notice any of the following:
- Intense, throbbing pain near your wisdom tooth
- Swelling that spreads to your jaw, neck, or face
- Fever that doesn’t go away
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening your mouth
- Pus or a bad taste in your mouth
Even if the pain lessens on its own, the infection may still be present — and could flare up again.
Diagnosis of a Wisdom Tooth Infection
When you visit a dentist, they’ll perform a complete evaluation to confirm if your wisdom tooth is infected and whether it has spread.
Clinical Examination
Your dentist will check for redness, swelling, or discharge around the wisdom tooth and nearby gums.
Dental X-rays
X-rays help reveal the depth of infection, any abscesses, or bone loss around the tooth.
Medical History and Symptoms
They may ask about your pain level, fever, or other symptoms to assess how far the infection has progressed.
Treatment for a Spreading Wisdom Tooth Infection
Treatment depends on how advanced the infection is. The goal is to remove the source of infection, relieve pain, and prevent further spread.
Antibiotic Therapy
If the infection has spread, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics like amoxicillin or metronidazole to control bacterial growth.
Drainage of Abscess
If pus has built up, your dentist may drain it to relieve pressure and pain. This is usually done under local anesthesia.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
In many cases, removing the infected tooth is necessary to eliminate the source of the problem. Your dentist will discuss whether immediate or delayed extraction is safer based on your infection level.
Pain Management and Aftercare
Over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers can manage discomfort, and warm saltwater rinses can help reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
A wisdom tooth infection may start small, but it can quickly become serious if ignored. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or fever, it’s crucial to act fast before the infection spreads.
Timely care from a skilled Dentist in Springfield, MA can make all the difference — protecting your oral health, preventing complications, and keeping your smile healthy for years to come.
Ready to book an appointment?
Book a consultation today or make an appointment using our convenient online appointment scheduler.
We’re committed to your safety.
Enjoy the flexibility of paying through monthly payments.
A discount plan available to keep you and your family healthy.
Others Article
At our dental practice, we prioritize compassion and empathy toward our patients. Please read our blog and articles for tips on maintaining oral health and learn more about our commitment to providing exceptional dental care with a personal touch.