### What is Pericoronitis? Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar. This condition is more common in lower molars than in upper ones. ### Symptoms - **Pain**: Often severe and localized around the affected tooth. - **Swelling**: The gum tissue around the tooth may become swollen and tender. - **Discharge**: Pus or other discharge may be present. - **Bad Breath**: Due to the accumulation of bacteria. - **Difficulty Biting**: Pain and swelling can make it hard to bite down. - **Lockjaw**: In severe cases, you may experience difficulty opening your mouth. ### Causes Pericoronitis usually occurs when a wisdom tooth is partially impacted, meaning it has not fully emerged from the gum. Bacteria can accumulate around the soft tissue, leading to inflammation. ### Risk Factors - Partially erupted wisdom teeth - Poor oral hygiene - Food particles trapped under the gum flap ### Diagnosis Your dentist will examine your tooth to see if it’s partially erupted and check for a gum flap. They may also take an X-ray to get a better look at the tooth and surrounding tissue. ### Treatment Options 1. **Symptom Management**: If the tooth is expected to fully erupt on its own, your dentist may recommend managing symptoms with pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). They will also clean the gum tissue around the tooth to prevent plaque and food buildup. 2. **Antibiotics**: If there is swelling or infection, antibiotics like penicillin or erythromycin may be prescribed. 3. **Surgical Options**: Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to remove the gum flap or the tooth itself. In some cases, the flap may grow back, requiring a second surgery. ### Home Remedies - Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and soothe the gums. - Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. - Avoid using hot compresses and seek medical attention if you have a fever. ### Complications - **Pain and Swelling**: The main complications are localized pain and swelling. - **Infection Spread**: In rare cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth or even to the bloodstream, leading to serious conditions like Ludwig’s angina or sepsis. ### Prevention Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent pericoronitis. Your dentist can monitor the eruption of wisdom teeth and recommend early extraction if necessary. ### Recovery After treatment, most people recover within about two weeks. Symptom-specific treatments for acute pericoronitis usually result in recovery within one or two days. ### Conclusion Pericoronitis is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort but is generally treatable with proper dental care. Regular visits to your dentist can help manage and prevent this condition.