Short Description
Inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, often affecting wisdom teeth and causing pain, swelling, and infection.
Long Description
Pericoronitis is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most commonly occurring around the lower wisdom teeth. When a tooth is only partially erupted, a gum flap can form over it, trapping food and bacteria, leading to irritation and infection.
Symptoms of pericoronitis include swollen and painful gums, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, and sometimes fever or swollen lymph nodes. If untreated, the infection can spread to nearby areas, causing more severe complications.
Treatment includes professional cleaning, rinsing with salt water or antibacterial mouthwash, and sometimes antibiotics. In severe cases, the affected gum tissue may need to be removed, or the wisdom tooth may require extraction to prevent recurring infections.