The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Typically emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood, wisdom teeth can cause several dental issues, including pain, infection, or misalignment.
One of the more concerning symptoms related to wisdom teeth is the presence of pus. If you notice pus coming from your wisdom tooth, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as this could be a sign of an infection.
In this article, we will discuss why pus might come out of your wisdom tooth, the potential causes of such an occurrence, and the steps you should take to treat the issue. By understanding the underlying reasons and solutions, you can ensure your dental health is properly managed.
What Is Pus?
Pus is a thick fluid that is typically yellow, green, or white in color. It forms as a result of an infection. Pus contains dead white blood cells, bacteria, tissue debris, and other waste products that the body produces in response to an infection. The presence of pus in or around your wisdom tooth is often a sign that there is an ongoing infection in the area.
When pus comes out of a wisdom tooth, it usually indicates that the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue is infected. It’s essential to take the proper steps to manage the infection to avoid further complications.
Common Causes of Pus Coming from a Wisdom Tooth
Several factors can contribute to pus coming from a wisdom tooth.
Understanding the potential causes will help you determine how to best address the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons for pus in the area of a wisdom tooth:
1. Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is an infection that affects the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This condition occurs when a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum, leaving a flap of tissue that can trap food, plaque, and bacteria.
As a result, an infection can develop, causing swelling, redness, pain, and, in some cases, pus.
Pericoronitis often occurs when the wisdom tooth is only partially erupted, making it difficult to clean the area properly.
The trapped debris can lead to bacterial growth and, eventually, pus formation. The infection may cause the surrounding gum to become inflamed and sore. If left untreated, pericoronitis can lead to more serious complications, including the spread of infection to nearby tissues.
2. Abscessed Wisdom Tooth
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. When an abscess forms around a wisdom tooth, it is typically a result of severe tooth decay or gum infection. An abscess can form if bacteria enter the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) or the surrounding tissues, leading to an infection.
If you have an abscess near your wisdom tooth, you might notice swelling, pain, and a bad taste in your mouth. Pus may drain from the abscess, either through the gum or around the tooth. An abscessed wisdom tooth can be quite painful and may require immediate treatment, such as a root canal or extraction, to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading.
3. Wisdom Tooth Infection Due to Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the tooth to properly erupt. As a result, the tooth may become trapped below the gumline or emerge at an angle, pushing against adjacent teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation, infection, and pus buildup.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to an infection. The infection may cause pus to form around the tooth, and in some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted to remove the source of the infection.
4. Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis)
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis in its early stage and periodontitis in its more advanced form, can also cause pus to develop around a wisdom tooth. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, while periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth.
When gum disease occurs around the wisdom tooth, bacteria can cause infection and inflammation of the surrounding gums, leading to pus formation. The infection can spread to the tooth itself, causing further complications and discomfort.
If untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss or further damage to the gums and bone structure.
5. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of dental infections, including those involving wisdom teeth. If a wisdom tooth becomes decayed, the bacteria in the cavity can infect the tooth’s pulp and surrounding gum tissue, leading to an abscess or infection that produces pus.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque and bacteria break down the tooth’s enamel, leading to cavities. If decay is not addressed promptly, it can progress to a severe infection that results in pus formation. The infection might also spread to other teeth if left untreated, leading to additional complications.
6. Trauma or Injury
Trauma or injury to a wisdom tooth can also lead to the formation of pus. If the tooth is cracked, broken, or injured in some way, bacteria can enter the tooth and surrounding tissues, causing an infection. This can result in pus draining from the affected area.
In cases of trauma, the surrounding gums and soft tissues may become swollen, and the injury could cause bleeding or discomfort. If left untreated, an infected wisdom tooth may need to be extracted to resolve the infection and prevent further complications.
Symptoms Associated with Pus Coming from a Wisdom Tooth
In addition to the visible pus around the wisdom tooth, several other symptoms can indicate an infection. These may include:
Pain: The infection may cause significant discomfort or pain around the affected wisdom tooth. The pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen when chewing or touching the tooth.
Swelling: The area around the wisdom tooth may become swollen, especially if there is an abscess or pericoronitis. Swelling may be noticeable in the gums or the surrounding tissues of the mouth.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: If pus is draining from the infected area, you may experience a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
Red or Inflamed Gums: The gums surrounding the affected wisdom tooth may appear red, inflamed, and swollen.
Fever: In some cases, an infection in the wisdom tooth can lead to a fever, indicating that the body is fighting off the infection.
What Should You Do If You Notice Pus Coming from Your Wisdom Tooth?
If you notice pus coming from your wisdom tooth, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. Pus is a clear indication of infection, and the longer the infection is left untreated, the higher the risk of complications.
Here are some steps you can take:
Contact Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to address the infection. Your dentist will assess the situation and determine the most appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics, a root canal, or extraction of the wisdom tooth.
Avoid Self-Treatment: Do not try to drain the pus yourself or apply home remedies without consulting a professional.
Draining the abscess improperly can lead to further infection or damage to the surrounding tissues.
Take Antibiotics (If Prescribed): If your dentist prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection, make sure to take the full course as directed, even if the symptoms improve. This ensures that the infection is completely eradicated.
Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort while you wait for your dentist’s treatment. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage and avoid applying heat or cold directly to the affected area unless advised by your dentist.
Treatment for Pus from a Wisdom Tooth
The treatment for pus coming from your wisdom tooth will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection before further dental procedures are done.
Drainage: In some cases, if an abscess has formed, the dentist may need to drain the pus to relieve pressure and allow the area to heal.
Root Canal: If the infection has spread to the tooth pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth.
Extraction: If the infection is severe or if the wisdom tooth is impacted, the dentist may recommend extraction to remove the source of the infection.
Conclusion
The presence of pus coming from a wisdom tooth is a serious sign of infection. It can be caused by various conditions, including pericoronitis, an abscess, impaction, tooth decay, or gum disease.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and to avoid complications that could affect your overall health. If you notice pus, contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation and appropriate treatment. With the right care, the infection can be managed, and your dental health can be restored.
