What could cause gum problems around a wisdom tooth?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 19-year-old female, and all of my wisdom teeth erupted early without pain. They are in a healthy position and never cause any problems. For the past couple of days, I have been noticing discomfort around one of them, but not about the tooth itself, about the gum flap that somehow got halfway on top of it. I am not sure if that was there before, but if it was, it must have been way smaller since I have not noticed.

Again, not the tooth, but this gum flap hurts a little bit, especially today, as I have been subjected to a lot of sudden weather changes and had to stay outside in the cold for long hours. The lymph node on that side seems to be a tiny bit swollen, as well. There is no swelling on my face or no severe pain anywhere, just discomfort caused by the flap of gum. How should this be treated? Would dentist-prescribed antibiotics be enough? If they do not help, will the dentist remove the flap or the tooth itself? What can I do to help with the infection?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A picture of the same would have helped confirm the diagnosis, but I guess it is pericoronitis that you are trying to explain. In pericoronitis, a gum flap usually covers a tooth crown, which can be removed under a dentist's supervision, and you will be relieved. But one thing with pericoronitis is it may recur.

You may try to avoid or delay the same with the help of regular mouth rinsing. Make it a habit to rinse your mouth properly after every meal, and for now, rinsing with warm water and salt two to three times a day would surely be helpful for you. Massage your gums with fingers till the last wisdom tooth after teeth brushing.

I hope my answer was helpful to you.

Do revert back for more details and information.

Thanks and regards.