What is pericoronaritis?
Pericoronaritis is an inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth, usually a third molar (wisdom tooth). It occurs when the tooth fails to erupt completely, leaving a layer of gum over it, creating a space where bacteria, food debris and dental plaque accumulate.
Causes of pericoronaritis
- Impacted or partially erupted teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Trauma or irritation of the gum.
Symptoms of pericoronaritis
- Pain around the affected tooth.
- Inflammation and redness of the gum.
- Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus).
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Fever (in more severe cases).
Prevention of pericoronaritis
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Perform periodic dental check-ups.
- Treat any signs of inflammation or infection early.
Steps for treatment
Conservative treatment:
- Strict oral hygiene: Gentle brushing and flossing.
- Mouthwashes: With salt water or antiseptics such as chlorhexidine.
- Medications: Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotics: In cases of severe infection or spread of infection.
Dental intervention:
- Professional cleaning: The dentist can clean the affected area to remove food debris and bacteria.
- Tooth extraction: If the tooth is badly impacted or does not have enough space to erupt properly.
- Minor surgery: Removal of the gum flap (operculectomy) if inflammation is recurrent.