Pericoronitis - Oris Dental Center
                     Pericoronitis
AGENDA
• Overview of Pericoronitis
• Common Symptoms of Pericoronitis
• Causes of Pericoronitis
• Home Remedies for Mild Pericoronitis
• When to See a Dentist
• Professional Treatment Options
• Preventing Pericoronitis
• Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Overview of Pericoronitis
What is Pericoronitis?
●Pericoronitis occurs when there is insufficient space for wisdom 
teeth to fully erupt through the gums.
● It mainly affects the soft tissues around the third molars, 
commonly known as wisdom teeth.
●The condition causes inflammation and swelling of the gum 
tissue surrounding these teeth.
● It is more frequent in the lower jaw than the upper jaw due to 
space constraints.
● If untreated, pericoronitis can lead to infection and further 
dental complications.
Common Symptoms of Pericoronitis
Swollen, Red, or Tender Gums Pain When Biting or Chewing
Gums near the affected wisdom tooth become Discomfort or sharp pain occurs especially 
inflamed, appearing red and swollen, often when chewing or biting down near the back of 
feeling tender to the touch. the mouth where the wisdom teeth are located.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste Difficulty Opening Mouth and Swelling
Pus drainage from the infected area can cause Trismus or restricted mouth opening often 
persistent bad breath and a foul taste in the accompanies swelling in the cheek or jaw area, 
mouth. sometimes with fever in severe cases.
Causes of Pericoronitis
Partial Eruption Poor Oral Hygiene Food Debris Accumulation
When wisdom teeth only partially Inadequate cleaning around wisdom Food particles trapped under gum 
break through the gums, a pocket teeth causes plaque buildup, flaps provide a breeding ground for 
forms where bacteria can easily creating an environment prone to bacteria, increasing the risk of 
accumulate, leading to infection. bacterial infection and pericoronitis.
inflammation.
Stress or Illness Trauma from Opposing Teeth
A weakened immune system due to Upper teeth may irritate or injure 
stress or illness reduces the body’s the gum flap covering lower wisdom 
ability to fight infection, facilitating teeth, causing inflammation and 
pericoronitis development. increasing infection risk.
Home Remedies for 
Mild Pericoronitis
Salt Water Rinse Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water Use non-prescription pain medications Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water 
multiple times daily to soothe inflamed like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to and gently rinse your mouth to kill 
gums and reduce swelling thanks to alleviate pain and decrease bacteria and help clean the affected 
salt's natural antibacterial properties. inflammation temporarily. gum area.
Ice Pack Application Maintain Oral Hygiene
Apply an ice pack or cold compress on Brush gently around the affected area, 
the outside of your cheek to numb pain avoid irritating foods, and keep the 
and minimize swelling effectively. mouth clean to prevent worsening of 
infection.
When to See a Dentist
Persistent or Worsening Pain Swelling Spreading to Cheek or Neck
If the pain around the wisdom tooth area Noticeable swelling that extends beyond the 
continues or intensifies despite home care, it's gum area to the cheek or neck can indicate a 
essential to seek professional dental evaluation spreading infection requiring urgent dental 
promptly. attention.
Fever or Difficulty Swallowing Pus, Bad Taste, or Limited Mouth Opening
The presence of fever or trouble swallowing If pus is draining, there is a persistent bad 
signals a severe infection that needs immediate taste, or difficulty fully opening the mouth 
treatment by a dentist. (trismus), professional care is necessary to 
manage the infection and prevent 
complications.
Professional Treatment Options
Wisdom 
Professio Tooth 
nal Antibioti Opercule Extractio
Cleaning cs ctomy n
Dentists clean beneath the gum For significant infections, In cases of recurring pericoronitis, If the wisdom tooth is 
flap to remove trapped food antibiotics such as amoxicillin or surgical removal of the gum flap impacted or poses ongoing 
particles and bacteria, reducing metronidazole are prescribed to covering the wisdom tooth is 
inflammation and preventing control bacterial growth and performed to eliminate the pocket 
infection risks, extraction is 
where bacteria accumulate. recommended to 
infection progression. treat infection. permanently resolve 
pericoronitis.
Debris removal Infection control Gum flap removal Removal of infection source
Bacterial reduction Symptom relief Reduced bacterial pockets Permanent resolution
Inflammation control Prevention of spread Decreased recurrence risk Improved oral health
Preventing Pericoronitis
Good Oral Hygiene Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
Brush and floss daily, especially around the Rinse regularly with an antibacterial mouthwash 
back molars, to prevent plaque buildup and to help reduce plaque and bacteria around 
reduce bacterial growth near wisdom teeth. partially erupted wisdom teeth.
Regular Dental Visits Follow Dentist Advice
Schedule routine dental checkups to detect Adhere to your dentist’s recommendations 
early signs of wisdom tooth problems and regarding the removal of impacted or partially 
receive professional cleaning to prevent erupted wisdom teeth to avoid complications.
infections.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
• Early intervention prevents complications and promotes faster healing.
• Home remedies such as salt water rinses and pain relievers can ease 
symptoms but do not cure the infection.
• Persistent or severe symptoms require evaluation by a dental professional.
• Professional treatments may include cleaning, antibiotics, or minor surgery 
for lasting relief.
• Visiting a trusted dental clinic ensures comprehensive care and prevention of 
future issues.
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