Pericoronitis (Wisdom tooth pain)
Last updated: 16th April 2024
Written by Dr Zaeem Jafri and Dr Alice Jamison
Everything you need to know about Pericoronitis (Wisdom tooth pain)
When your wisdom tooth comes through, the gum around your wisdom tooth can become loose and trap food and plaque. The gums will then start swelling up and cause pain.
The pain usually feels like a dull ache around your wisdom tooth, which is constantly there. You may also notice some tenderness, bad taste and smell.
Pericoronitis is usually mild, but it can sometimes become infected, where it becomes much more painful and harder to handle.
Pericoronitis is a really common issue when you have impacted wisdom teeth.
Mild pericoronitis
Probe showing the loose gum
How to manage pericoronitis at home
Most of the time, Pericoronitis will go away on its own in 3-5 days. You don’t need to rush to see your dentist as long as you follow the steps below:
Stop smoking if you are a smoker
Clean the area thoroughly four times a day with a small brush
Rinse the area thoroughly with salty water or Corsodyl mouthwash (only use Corsodyl for seven days at a time, it can stain your teeth if you use it for longer)
Take painkillers for the pain (Ibuprofen or paracetamol)
If you have a thin-tipped syringe at home, then you can use that to clean around the wisdom tooth, this is highly effective and it’s what most dentists will do when you go to see them. A single tufted toothbrush may make it easier to clean under the gum.
Pericoronitis mouthwash
If you are looking to get some mouthwash to help clean the area, we recommend using Corsodyl as it contains chlorhexidine digluconate, however, just make sure you are buying the right one. It needs to be Corsodyl and not Corsodyl Daily.
Make sure you only use Corsodyl for a maximum of 7 days in a row as prolonged use can cause your teeth to stain.
Corsodyl mouthwash
Dental syringe
Single tufted brush
Using a good quality electric toothbrush will also help you prevent pericoronitis as the power from the brush will help clean under the gum around your wisdom tooth. We’ve written a guide with our favourite electric toothbrushes which you can read here.
When to see the dentist with wisdom tooth pain
If it has been a few days and the pain is not getting better, or if the pain is severe then you may need to go see your dentist where they will use a scaler and a syringe to get right underneath the gum and give the area a thorough cleaning. In very rare cases if there is a lot of gum swelling your dentist may want to cut the gum back which will make it easier to clean the area.
If your dentist notices the area is infected and that the infection is spreading, then they may prescribe you a course of antibiotics to take.
Signs that you may need antibiotics
A large swelling in the area which is spreading
You are unable to open your mouth comfortably
You have a fever or you have started to feel generally ill
The lymph nodes around your neck on that side are hard and swollen
The antibiotics used to treat pericoronitis infections are usually Metronidazole or Amoxicillin.
Should my wisdom teeth be removed?
Pericoronitis can happen repeatedly. When the tooth is coming through the gum usually in your 20’s it can be at its worst, but it usually settles down later on. Dentists in the UK will not routinely remove wisdom teeth because of pericoronitis unless:
It’s happened more than 3 times in 1 year
It’s extremely severe
The wisdom tooth is impacted, and your dentist thinks it could cause harm to the tooth in front of it.
Any questions?
If you want to know more about wisdom tooth pain, need more personalised advice or if you want to get your wisdom teeth taken out. Speak to our online dentists.
We’ll help you find the best care possible for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can pericoronitis go away on its own
Yes, most of the time, Pericoronitis will go away on its own after 3-5 days, especially if you follow the self-care advice above on this page. If it persists after a week, that is when you should go to see your dentist. Food and plaque may be trapped under the gum that you can’t clear away.
How long does Pericoronitis last?
Pericoronitis usually lasts around 3-5 days before it goes away. If your wisdom tooth is hurting for longer than that, seek treatment from a dentist. After a dentist has scaled out the build-up from under the gum, you usually get instant relief from the pain.
What triggers pericoronitis?
Food and plaque bacteria that is stuck under the loose gum around a wisdom tooth
How do you know if you have pericoronitis?
If you have pericoronitis, you will notice pain around your wisdom tooth, loose gum, bleeding, swelling, pus and in bad cases, you will have a fever and swollen neck.
Is pericoronitis serious?
Most of the time, no. As long as it is mild and you clean the area well, it should go away. It can get serious if you develop an infection and don’t go to see a dentist in time.
What is the fastest way to cure pericoronitis?
Saltwater rinses or Corsodyl mouthwash (for up to 1 week only) to flush out the area using a safe syringe a few times daily. If that doesn’t cure it, see a dentist who can irrigate and scale under the gum and issue you antibiotics if needed.
Do I need antibiotics for Pericoronitis?
You only need antibiotics for pericoronitis if the area is infected and the infection is spreading (swollen lymph nodes, fever, severe swelling, limited mouth opening and pus). Your dentist will assess and give you the right antibiotics for you, but generally, pericoronitis is treated with Metronidazole or Amoxicillin.
Antibiotics won’t get rid of the infection straight away. They can take 2-4 days to take effect.
What’s the best mouthwash for Pericorontis?
You can use salty water or mouthwash through a dental syringe to clean the gum around your wisdom tooth.
Corosodyl mouthwash is the most effective. However, ensure you don’t use it for over a week, as it can stain your teeth!
Is pericoronitis common?
Pericoronitis is a very common condition, especially for people between 18-24 years old, as this is when the wisdom tooth typically starts to come through the gum.Is pericoronitis common?
Can Pericoronitis kill you?
This is a commonly asked question, don’t be scared. No, pericoronitis will not kill you. The only theoretical risk to life from pericoronitis would be if the area was infected and left untreated. Any untreated infection can spread to your bloodstream and other parts of your body. Alternatively, if the area around your wisdom tooth swells up to the point that you can’t breathe, then if you go to A&E straight away they will be able to drain the swelling.
Recommended dentists for wisdom teeth extractions
The following dental practices are part of our trusted network and have experienced oral surgeons who can deal with even the most complex wisdom teeth extractions.