Wisdom tooth inflammation warning: How to avoid the "molar crisis"? Remember these points!

During the Chinese New Year, Ms. Wang found that she always had food stuck in her teeth while enjoying delicious food. At first, she used dental floss to solve the problem at home, but after a week, the toothache became unbearable. She finally went to the hospital for a check-up and found that her wisdom tooth was inflamed and filled with flesh, and even had cavities.

After the diagnosis by Cui Gaodi, chief dentist of Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital) , Ms. Wang had the wisdom tooth removed. Today, we will take Ms. Wang's experience as an example, and Cui Gaodi, chief dentist of Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital) , will explain the causes and hazards of wisdom tooth inflammation and meat plugging, as well as the care after tooth extraction.

1. From food stuck in teeth to tooth extraction

When Ms. Wang was eating meat during the Chinese New Year, she found that food always got stuck behind her teeth. At first, she used dental floss to clean it, thinking it was just a common problem of food stuck in the teeth. A week later, Ms. Wang's toothache gradually worsened and even became unbearable. She found that her gums were red and swollen, and her mouth had a strong bad smell, so she had to go to the hospital for treatment.

After examination, the doctor found that Ms. Wang's wisdom tooth was partially erupted, the surrounding gums were inflamed, and the space between the wisdom tooth and the adjacent teeth was filled with food residues, forming a cavity. Due to the severe inflammation, the doctor recommended the removal of the wisdom tooth.

2. Causes of wisdom tooth inflammation and meat plugging

1. The special position of wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are located in the deepest part of the mouth. There is often insufficient space when they erupt, and they are prone to growing at an angle or partially erupting, forming "impacted wisdom teeth."

2. Difficult to clean

Wisdom teeth are located far back, making them difficult to clean thoroughly with daily brushing. Food debris can easily accumulate, breed bacteria, and cause inflammation.

3. The dangers of stuffing meat

Food debris (especially meat fibers) stuck around wisdom teeth can cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and even affect the health of adjacent teeth if they remain there for a long time.

3. Symptoms and hazards of wisdom tooth inflammation

1. Common symptoms

- Red, swollen and painful gums, which may radiate to the ears or head in severe cases.

- Difficulty in opening the mouth, pain aggravated by chewing.

- Bad breath, which may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes.

2. Potential hazards

- Repeated inflammation may lead to pericoronitis of wisdom teeth and even infection of maxillofacial space.

- Long-term use of tooth fillings may cause tooth decay and damage wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth.

- In severe cases, cysts or tumors may form.

4. The necessity of tooth extraction

1. In what cases do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

- Recurrent inflammation or pericoronitis.

- Wisdom teeth decay or cause decay in adjacent teeth.

- Impacted wisdom teeth may affect bite or cause misalignment of teeth.

- Cysts or tumors around wisdom teeth.

2. Timing of tooth extraction

- It is not recommended to extract teeth immediately during the acute inflammation phase. The inflammation must be controlled before extraction.

- Before tooth extraction, an X-ray or CT scan is required to assess the position of the wisdom tooth and its relationship to the nerve.

5. Post-extraction care

1. Within 24 hours after surgery

- Bite the gauze tightly to stop the bleeding and spit it out after 30-60 minutes.

- Avoid gargling, sucking or licking the wound to prevent the blood clot from being dislodged.

- Avoid eating overheated or hard food. It is recommended to eat warm or cool liquid food.

- Avoid strenuous exercise to prevent bleeding from wounds.

2. 2-3 days after surgery

- You can rinse your mouth gently to keep it clean, but avoid rinsing vigorously.

- Take antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection and relieve pain.

- Avoid chewing food on the side where the tooth was extracted.

3. Within 1 week after surgery

- Avoid smoking and drinking as they may affect wound healing.

- If severe pain, swelling or fever occurs, seek medical attention promptly.

4. Long-term care

- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot baths within 3 days after tooth extraction.

- Check regularly to ensure wounds are healing well.

6. How to prevent wisdom tooth problems

1. Regular dental check-ups

Have a dental check-up at least once a year to detect wisdom tooth problems early.

2. Pay attention to oral hygiene

Use dental floss, water flosser and other tools to clean around wisdom teeth to reduce the accumulation of food debris.

3. Deal with issues promptly

If you find that your wisdom teeth are erupting abnormally or are repeatedly inflamed, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible and have them removed if necessary.

Yang Zhaoxia, director and chief physician of the Department of Stomatology at the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province (Provincial Brain Hospital), reminds us that wisdom tooth problems should not be ignored. If you find symptoms such as food stuck in your teeth and swollen and painful gums, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid the problem from getting worse. Through scientific prevention, timely tooth extraction and correct postoperative care, you can effectively avoid the troubles caused by wisdom teeth. If you have similar problems, it is recommended to consult a professional dentist as soon as possible to obtain personalized diagnosis and treatment advice.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tan Shuangli, Publicity Department, Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital)

Follow @湖南医聊 to get more health science information!

(Edited by YT)