Pericoronitis is an infection that often involves wisdom teeth. It involves the gum tissues around the top of the wisdom tooth, usually when it is partially erupted.
Pericoronitis can cause severe pain and can be life-threatening in rare cases.
When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted or partially impacted, the gum tissue over it won't pull back completely to reveal the full chewing surface. The result is a small flap of gum tissue remaining that covers a portion of the wisdom tooth. This tissue flap is known as the "operculum".
Unfortunately, it’s usually impossible to clean under the operculum. As a result, food debris and bacteria become lodged under the gum flap, which can lead to infection or ulceration. Over 90% of pericoronitis cases are associated with a lower wisdom tooth.
Pericoronitis is caused by bacteria that have been trapped under the operculum (gum flap) over wisdom teeth. It could be described as gingivitis in overdrive. Gingivitis can then progress into periodontal disease. In this instance, however, the gums around the top of your wisdom teeth are infected instead of the roots of the tooth, as is common with periodontitis.
Pericoronitis is more common in people with diabetes than in those without. But, other conditions such as stress, mental health, respiratory tract infections, or hormonal conditions can also play a role.
Although most cases of pericoronitis are related to wisdom teeth, they can also involve other teeth throughout the mouth, especially if crowding or impaction is a concern.
Like periodontal disease, pericoronitis causes an immune response and inflammation, which can lead to other oral health concerns.
If your student is home from college over the holiday break, now is a great time to see your family dentist to discuss a wisdom tooth evaluation to prevent pain or infection while they’re away at school.