Pericoronitis: Symptoms & Signs

Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum issue that surrounds the crown portion of a tooth that is partially not erupted. It is usually seen around the lower third molar (wisdom tooth) where gum tissue overlaps the chewing surface of the tooth. In chronic pericoronitis, there is a persistent and long-standing inflammation of the gum tissue. In acute pericoronitis, an infection is present that leads to swelling, pain, and possibly fever. Pericoronitis is not the same as gum inflammation (or periodontitis) in that it occurs specifically around a partially erupted tooth that has not completely emerged.

Causes of pericoronitis

The primary cause for pericoronitis is trapping of bacteria and food debris in the space between the tooth and the overlapping gum. This overlapping gum is called an operculum.

Other pericoronitis symptoms and signs

• Appetite Loss
• Bad Breath
• Bad Taste in the Mouth
• Chills
• Difficulty Opening the Mouth
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
• Fever
• Gum Pain
• Gum Tenderness
• Jaw Pain
• Malaise
• Mouth Pain
• Pus in the Mouth or Gums
• Red Gums
• Swollen Gums
• Swollen Lymph Nodes

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