What is it?
The flap of gum remaining over a partly erupted wisdom tooth creates a pocket underneath that cannot be cleaned. Food debris and bacteria entering it cause inflammation; the flap swells and biting on it with the opposing tooth makes matters worse.
Pericoronitis tends to recur. An acute episode can settle with antibiotics and irrigation, but while the cause remains it returns within months, so the decision is usually about the future of the tooth itself.
Signs
You will not necessarily have all of these at once.
Why does it happen?
- 01
A partly erupted tooth
When part of the gum keeps covering the tooth, the area beneath becomes unreachable with a brush.
- 02
Pressure from the opposing tooth
When the upper tooth bites the flap, trauma adds to the inflammation and the swelling grows.
- 03
Lowered resistance
Episodes become more frequent during fatigue, upper respiratory infections and periods of stress.
How is it treated?
In the acute phase the area is irrigated, an antibiotic is started where needed, and any trauma from the opposing tooth is relieved. The aim is to bring the infection under control; surgery is usually deferred at this stage.
Once the inflammation settles, the lasting decision is made. If the tooth can erupt properly the flap may be removed; if eruption is not possible or the episodes recur, extraction comes into play. The decision follows the X-ray and the state of the neighbouring tooth.
- Clear difficulty opening the mouth
- Pain on swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- Swelling spreading to the cheek or neck
- Fever and feeling generally unwell
How is it prevented?
- Try to clean the area with a small-headed brush, without forcing it
- A warm salt-water rinse helps clear debris
- With recurring episodes, ask for an assessment rather than waiting
Frequently asked questions
- Is an antibiotic enough?
- It settles the episode but does not remove the cause. While the flap or the tooth remains, the problem recurs.
- Can the tooth be removed while it is inflamed?
- The infection is usually brought under control first. That makes the procedure safer and more comfortable.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.