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Pericoronitis symptoms include pain in the back of your mouth, bad breath, an unpleasant taste and swelling. It occurs when inflammation develops on a flap of tissue covering an erupting tooth.
Home treatments may help ease symptoms and hasten healing, especially among people between 20-29 whose wisdom teeth haven’t completely come in yet.
Pericoronitis Treatment at Home
Pericoronitis is a gum infection around a partially erupted tooth. While a dentist’s care is essential, these home remedies can help ease symptoms:
- Rinse with salt water: Gargle warm saltwater 3-4 times daily to reduce inflammation.
- Apply a cold compress: Reduce swelling and pain by using a cold compress.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Your dentist may recommend chlorhexidine mouthwash to eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Rinse with baking soda solution: Soothe the area with warm water and baking soda solution.
- Apply clove oil: Clove oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can provide relief.
Remember, home remedies do not replace professional dental care. See a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of pericoronitis.
Self-care
Pericoronitis occurs when a partially-erupting wisdom tooth gets trapped under a flap of gum tissue that covers it, trapping food and bacteria inside and leading to inflammation, pain and swollen gums. It typically affects people between late teens and early adulthood when their lower third set of molars (wisdom teeth) emerge.
Pericoronitis infections should be seen to by a dentist; however, self-care techniques such as warm salt water rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers and oral irrigators, regular dental hygiene care and regular appointments with your healthcare provider may also provide relief from its symptoms.
Antibiotics may be prescribed if your infection is severe, with fever, swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms indicative of spreading infection.
To be on the safe side and to ensure you can breathe normally without difficulty, seeing a dentist as soon as you notice signs of pericoronitis infection is best to stop further worsening and limit further breathing difficulties; left untreated it can even result in pericoronal abscesses which could be life threatening.
Saltwater rinse
Pericoronitis cannot always be avoided, but there are ways to manage or alleviate its symptoms. Diligent oral hygiene practices (brushing twice a day and flossing on a regular basis) help remove food debris and plaque from the area to lower infection risks, while regular dental check-ups allow dentists to spot potential issues before they become larger issues.
Pericoronitis’ primary symptoms are pain and swelling of gum tissue around a partially-erupted tooth, sometimes leading to formation of an inflamed flap of gum that covers its crown – creating a throbbing sensation and foul taste/odor in your mouth.
A dentist or oral surgeon typically will recommend warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort, or an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and keep the area clean. Ancient cultures were right: “pouring salt in the wound” can indeed help fight infections.
Antibiotics
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues around a partially erupted tooth that may result from various factors. While this condition can occur for any number of reasons, it’s most prevalent among people who still do not have their wisdom teeth (third molars) fully visible.
Common symptoms of this condition include localized pain and swelling in the back of the mouth, halitosis, purulent discharge, difficulty swallowing and more serious complications like fever or lymph node infection if the infection spreads further.
Pericoronitis symptoms can be managed or alleviated at home using various strategies, but it’s essential that you visit a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. A dentist can tell whether your issue stems from gum flap, recurrent bacteria infection or something else entirely and determine if antibiotics or professional care for pericoronitis will be required; for instance removal of gum flap or wisdom teeth extraction.
Dentist appointment
Pericoronitis may be managed or alleviated at home with good oral hygiene and consistent brushing of your teeth, while for more serious infections antibiotics and minor oral surgery may be required to address them.
An experienced dentist can evaluate the area where third molars are erupting to check for common signs and symptoms of pericoronitis such as pain, swollen gum tissue, halitosis, purulent discharge, limited mouth opening and difficulty swallowing in more advanced stages.
If these symptoms persist over time, medical attention may be necessary as they could indicate a spreading infection which can lead to life-threatening Ludwig’s angina complications.
Early intervention for pericoronitis is the ideal way to manage or alleviate its symptoms, with research showing it reduces duration, requires less antibiotics and allows sufficient healing time. A quick recovery means less stress and discomfort and has more positive outcomes – in most cases a simple oral surgeon procedure will suffice in solving this condition.
How Often Should You Rinse With Salt Water for Pericoronitis Treatment at Home
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater three to four times a day to soothe pericoronitis symptoms. Avoid overuse, as it may damage enamel. Remember, saltwater is not a substitute for professional dental care; consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Risks of Using Home Remedies for Pericoronitis
When attempting to manage pericoronitis, individuals often turn to home remedies for temporary symptom relief. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with this approach. Here are some considerations regarding the hazards linked to utilizing home remedies for pericoronitis:
Proper treatment delay can have adverse effects on pericoronitis. While home remedies provide temporary relief, they fail to address the underlying cause of the condition. It is essential not to prolong dental treatment as it can allow the infection to worsen and potentially lead to severe complications.
Incomplete relief persists when individuals resort to home remedies such as saltwater rinses or cold compresses for temporary respite from pain and inflammation. However, it is important to note that these measures may not fully address the infection or effectively prevent its recurrence.
Masking symptoms can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of pericoronitis. Home remedies may temporarily conceal the symptoms, making it challenging for dentists to accurately identify the condition and administer appropriate care.
The risk associated with self-medication should not be underestimated. When individuals opt to use over-the-counter pain relievers or mouthwashes without professional guidance, they run the risk of incorrect usage or dosage. This can result in ineffective treatment for the infection or even cause unwanted side effects. It is crucial to seek proper medical advice in
If pericoronitis remains untreated or is not properly managed, it has the potential for complications. These complications can include the spread of infection, formation of abscesses, and damage to surrounding teeth and tissues. It is vital to address pericoronitis promptly to avoid such serious outcomes.
It is crucial to bear in mind that home remedies cannot replace professional dental care. If you suspect having pericoronitis, it is highly recommended to consult a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Dentists are equipped to administer appropriate interventions, including cleansing the affected area, prescribing antibiotics, suggesting pericoronitis mouthwash, or even advising wisdom teeth removal if the severity calls for it.
Can Pericoronitis Be Treated at Home Without Seeing a Dentist
No, pericoronitis should not be treated solely at home without seeing a dentist. Home remedies can offer temporary relief but are not a substitute for professional dental care. Reasons to see a dentist include:
- Incomplete treatment: Home remedies don’t address the underlying cause and may worsen the infection.
- Risk of complications: Untreated pericoronitis can lead to serious complications.
- Delayed diagnosis: Home remedies may mask symptoms, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Lack of expertise: Dentists have the knowledge to diagnose and treat pericoronitis effectively.
If pericoronitis is a concern, seeking professional dental care becomes crucial. A dentist will thoroughly assess the situation and create a tailored treatment plan to effectively tackle the infection.
