Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth, typically during the late teenage years or early twenties. These teeth were once an essential part of our ancestors’ dental makeup, aiding in the chewing and grinding of coarse foods. However, as our diets have evolved and our jaws have become smaller, wisdom teeth now often pose more problems than benefits.
One common issue associated with wisdom teeth is their tendency to become impacted, meaning they do not fully erupt or emerge from the gum line. This can occur due to lack of space in the jaw, causing the tooth to grow at an awkward angle or remain partially covered by the gum tissue. When the wisdom tooth is impacted, it creates a trap for food particles and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection in the surrounding gum tissue.
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause various symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth. In some cases, it can even result in feverish symptoms, as the body’s immune response tries to fight off the infection. The body’s natural defense mechanisms can raise body temperature, resulting in fever, which is why some individuals may experience this symptom when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth.
To alleviate the feverish symptoms caused by impacted wisdom teeth, seeking professional dental care is crucial. Dentists may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection and recommend pain-relieving measures, such as warm saltwater rinses or over-the-counter pain medications. However, it’s important to note that these remedies provide temporary relief and do not address the underlying issue of impacted wisdom teeth.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 85% of people will eventually need to have their wisdom teeth removed due to complications. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that is typically performed by oral surgeons or dentists. Removing these problematic teeth can prevent future infections, reduce the risk of other dental problems, and relieve the associated feverish symptoms.
In conclusion, wisdom teeth have become more of a burden than a necessity in today’s dental landscape. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, causing feverish symptoms among other issues. Seeking proper dental care, such as extraction, is often the recommended solution to alleviate these symptoms and prevent further complications.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause a Fever? Exploring the Link between Wisdom Teeth and Fever
In this article, we unravel the connection between wisdom teeth and fever, providing valuable insights into whether or not the eruption of wisdom teeth can lead to a rise in body temperature. Often considered the last set of teeth to emerge, wisdom teeth can occasionally cause discomfort and complications. One such concern is whether they can induce a fever. Read on to learn more about the potential relationship between wisdom teeth and fever, and discover the factors that can contribute to a rise in body temperature during this dental development phase.
Can wisdom teeth make you feverish?
Many people experience pain and discomfort when their wisdom teeth start to emerge. In some cases, this eruption process can lead to various symptoms, including fever. While not everyone will develop a fever when their wisdom teeth come in, it’s essential to understand the possible reasons behind this occurrence.
Inflammation and Infection
One of the primary reasons why wisdom teeth can cause a fever is inflammation and infection. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Due to lack of space in the jaw, these teeth can become impacted or only partially erupt, leading to complications.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted, bacteria can easily accumulate around the tooth, leading to an infection. This infection, known as pericoronitis, can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause further complications.
Pressure and Dental Abscess
Additionally, the pressure exerted by wisdom teeth as they erupt can contribute to fever. As the teeth push through the gums and jawbone, they can create a pathway for bacteria to enter. This can result in a dental abscess, which is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. A dental abscess can lead to localized pain, swelling, and fever.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Sinus Infections
Another factor to consider is the proximity of the wisdom teeth to the sinuses. The upper wisdom teeth are close to the maxillary sinuses, while the lower wisdom teeth are near the mandibular sinuses. When the wisdom teeth become impacted, they can create a pathway for bacteria to enter the sinuses, leading to sinus infections. Sinus infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever.
Prevention and Treatment
- Regular dental check-ups: Visiting your dentist regularly allows for early detection of any issues with wisdom teeth.
- Proper oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly helps maintain good oral health and reduces the risk of infections.
- Warm saltwater rinses: Gargling with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotics: In cases of severe infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
- Wisdom teeth extraction: If you experience recurrent issues with your wisdom teeth, extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications.
According to a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, approximately 45% of individuals experienced fevers during the eruption of their wisdom teeth. This highlights the significant number of people who can potentially develop fever alongside other symptoms when dealing with wisdom teeth issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Can wisdom teeth cause feverish symptoms?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause feverish symptoms due to a condition called pericoronitis, which is an infection around the wisdom tooth. It can result in fever, swelling, pain, and difficulty in opening the mouth.
FAQ 2: How does pericoronitis develop?
Pericoronitis typically develops when the wisdom tooth partially erupts, allowing bacteria to enter the gum tissue surrounding it. This leads to an infection, which can cause feverish symptoms.
FAQ 3: What are the common symptoms of pericoronitis?
The common symptoms of pericoronitis include fever, swollen and red gum tissue, pain and tenderness around the wisdom tooth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
FAQ 4: Can the feverish symptoms from wisdom teeth go away on their own?
In some cases, mild symptoms may resolve on their own, but it is crucial to seek professional dental care to prevent the infection from worsening. Leaving the infection untreated can lead to more severe complications.
FAQ 5: How is pericoronitis treated?
Treatment for pericoronitis may involve antibiotic therapy to control the infection, warm saltwater rinses to alleviate symptoms, pain relievers, and in severe cases, extraction of the wisdom tooth.
FAQ 6: Can I prevent pericoronitis?
While it may not be entirely preventable, maintaining good oral hygiene can minimize the risk of developing pericoronitis. Regularly brushing and flossing around the wisdom teeth can help remove bacteria and reduce the chances of infection.
FAQ 7: Should I be concerned about a fever caused by wisdom teeth?
Yes, a fever caused by wisdom teeth should be concerning, as it indicates an infection. It is recommended to consult a dental professional to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
FAQ 8: Can I alleviate feverish symptoms at home?
You can try using over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate symptoms like fever and pain, but it is essential to visit a dentist for a proper evaluation and treatment.
FAQ 9: Can all wisdom teeth cause feverish symptoms?
No, not all wisdom teeth cause feverish symptoms. Fever and related symptoms generally occur when there is an infection or inflammation around the wisdom tooth.
FAQ 10: How long does the fever last with pericoronitis?
The duration of the fever can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual factors. Seeking dental care as soon as possible will help in resolving the fever and related symptoms more quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth can indeed cause a fever in some individuals. The eruption of wisdom teeth can lead to an infection in the surrounding tissues, known as pericoronitis, which can result in symptoms such as fever, swelling, and pain. It is important to consult a dental professional if experiencing a fever along with wisdom tooth eruption or any other symptoms of infection, as they can provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting a dentist for check-ups and cleanings can help prevent issues with wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth are causing recurring infections and symptoms like fever, extraction may be necessary to alleviate the problem. However, not all cases of wisdom tooth eruption will lead to fever, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. Therefore, it is important to remember that each person’s experience with wisdom teeth may vary. Overall, seeking professional dental advice is crucial when facing concerns related to wisdom teeth to ensure proper care and treatment.