Pericoronitis, a common dental condition characterized by the inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, often causes discomfort and pain. While professional dental care is typically recommended, there are effective home remedies available to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In this blog post, we will explore pericoronitis treatment at home methods, offering practical medical advice to manage this condition. From proper oral hygiene practices to natural home remedies and over-the-counter medications, these home-based treatments can provide pain relief and prevent the escalation of symptoms until you can visit your dental professional. Also, we will discuss professional treatment options.
What is Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue surrounding wisdom teeth, especially those that are only partially erupted or not fully visible. The condition is more common in lower wisdom teeth than the upper ones. Symptoms of pericoronitis vary depending on the severity and progression of the condition. Pericoronitis symptoms include:
Acute symptoms of pericoronitis may include:
- Severe pain and tenderness around the affected tooth
- Swollen gum tissue around wisdom teeth.
- Redness of the gums.
- Jaw stiffness and difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
- Pus discharge with a foul taste or unpleasant smell
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Fever
Chronic symptoms of pericoronitis may include:
- Persistent mild discomfort to moderate pain around the affected tooth
- Ongoing gum inflammation and swelling
- Recurrent episodes of discomfort or soreness
- Occasional bad breath or unpleasant taste
- Slight difficulty in chewing or biting
- Recurrent mild infection signs without severe systemic symptoms
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a dentist as soon as possible. While you wait for your dental appointment, pericoronitis treatment at home can help ease the symptoms.
Possible Causes of Pericoronitis
Bacteria and food debris can accumulate around the partially erupted wisdom teeth, leading to infection and swelling of the dental operculum, which is a flap of gum tissue that covers partially erupted wisdom teeth. When pericoronitis occurs, this gum flap becomes irritated and inflamed.
Pericoronitis is more common in young adults, as their wisdom teeth are often not fully erupted. This condition is also prevalent among smokers and individuals with poor oral hygiene.
Various factors can increase the risk of pericoronitis, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, partially erupted wisdom teeth, and vitamin C deficiency. Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy, certain medical conditions like diabetes, medications causing dry mouth, and a suppressed immune system also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing pericoronitis.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s essential to see a dentist regularly so that they can monitor your wisdom teeth and pericoronitis. Also, home remedies can help prevent the development of pericoronitis.
Pericoronitis Treatment at Home
Periodontitis treatment at home doesn’t replace professional dental care, but it can provide temporary pericoronitis relief until you are able to see a dentist. Pericoronitis home treatment should be performed in addition to professional dental care, not instead of it. Home remedies for pericoronitis include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce oral pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain medications have also anti-inflammatory properties. Here is a list of Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Warm salt-water rinses: One of the most effective remedies is warm saltwater rinses, which help reduce swelling and flush harmful bacteria from the affected area. To make the solution, mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit the solution out and repeat it several times a day. You can also use an over-the-counter oral rinse to help control the infection and ease pericoronitis symptoms.
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide rinses: Hydrogen peroxide can help control the infection. To use this pericoronitis home treatment, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Rinse your mouth with the solution for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat this several times a day. A stronger concentration can cause irritation, so be sure to dilute it before using.
- Improve your oral hygiene practices: Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth. This pericoronitis home treatment will help remove and prevent the accumulation of bacteria and food debris under the gum flap covering your wisdom teeth.
Home treatment can help control the symptoms, but only professional dental care can treat the underlying cause of pericoronitis.
Professional Treatment and Home Remedies for Pericoronitis
The pericoronitis treatment usually involves a combination of professional dental care and home remedies. In most cases, pericoronitis will go away with professional teeth cleaning and home remedies. However, you may need more aggressive treatment if the pericoronitis is severe or does not heal.
Some of the dental treatments your dentist may recommend include:
- Professional teeth cleaning: This pericoronitis treatment involves removing the harmful bacteria and food particles accumulated under the gum flap covering your wisdom teeth.
- Antibiotics: If the pericoronitis is severe, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection.
- Oral surgery: In some cases, pericoronitis may require surgical removal of the gingival operculum (operculectomy). This pericoronitis treatment is typically reserved for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
- Removal of the wisdom tooth: If the pericoronitis is severe and does not respond to home remedies and treatments, your dentist may recommend the removal of the infected wisdom tooth.
Aftercare Instruction
Following aftercare instructions are crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery, maintaining optimal oral health, and preventing complications after surgery.
One of the key instructions is to maintain good oral hygiene by delicate brushing and flossing to keep the area clean and free from harmful bacteria. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can further aid in reducing the risk of infection.
It is advisable to consume soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. This minimizes irritation to the affected area and supports the healing process. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Regular dental visits are essential for monitoring the healing progress and addressing any issues that may arise. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings and check for signs of complications after surgery, such as infections or improper healing. Following their recommendations ensures that your oral health remains in good condition.
Pericoronitis Treatment at Home – Conclusion
Pericoronitis can cause significant discomfort and pain. While professional dental treatment is often necessary for managing pericoronitis, several effective home remedies can provide pain relief and support healing.
To manage the discomfort of pericoronitis, incorporating over-the-counter pain medications, a warm salt-water rinse, and consistent oral hygiene practices can be highly effective.
It’s important to note that these home remedies are not meant to replace professional dental treatment but are intended to provide temporary relief until you can see a dentist.
Seeking professional treatment from a dental professional is crucial to prevent complications and ensure complete recovery. By combining effective home remedies with professional treatment, you can effectively manage pericoronitis and maintain optimal oral health.
