16 June, 20261. What is pericoronitis and why is it common in young adults?
Pericoronitis (wisdom tooth gum infection) is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Between the ages of 17–25, the jawbone is already developed, often leaving insufficient space for the third molars to erupt properly. As a result, wisdom teeth may become impacted, misaligned, or partially erupted, creating a gum flap over the tooth.
This area easily traps food debris and bacteria, leading to infection, swelling, and pain.
2. Symptoms
- Red, swollen, and painful gum at the back of the mouth
- Bad breath and possible pus discharge
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Mild fever and swollen lymph nodes
3. Potential complications if untreated
- Damage to the adjacent second molar
- Spread of infection (cellulitis in facial and neck spaces)
- Dental cyst formation and jawbone loss
- Risk of systemic infection
4. Definitive treatment approach
Acute phase:
- Cleaning of the infected area and drainage of pus
- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication
Definitive phase:
- Operculectomy (gum flap removal): only if the wisdom tooth is properly positioned
- Wisdom tooth extraction: the most common and effective solution for impacted or misaligned teeth to eliminate infection and prevent recurrence
