The answer is yes if you’re wondering whether your wisdom teeth can cause a fever. While wisdom teeth don’t typically cause serious health problems, a gum or tooth infection can increase your body temperature and make you feverish.
See a dentist for an evaluation if you have a fever and think it may be related to your wisdom teeth. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need antibiotics or other treatment.
This article explores everything you should know about wisdom teeth infection, fever, and how to prevent wisdom teeth infection. Keep reading to learn more!
What is fever?
Fever is a temporary rise in the body’s temperature and a natural response to an illness or infection.
Usually, the body temperature should be between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C); a temperature above this range is considered a fever.
Signs of fever may include sweating, chills and shivering, headache, loss of appetite, dehydration, and general body weakness.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt from your gums, and they are at the furthest back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth typically grow between the ages of 17 and 25.
While some wisdom teeth emerge without causing any issues, others are problematic and may require removal in extreme cases.
How will I know when my wisdom teeth are coming out?
Below are some common signs associated with wisdom tooth eruption. You can keep tabs on one or more of them.
Gum irritation
One of the first signs that your wisdom teeth are coming through is tenderness around the back of your mouth. You may also notice swellings in the gum around your second molars.
Jaw ache
Emerging wisdom teeth often cause a dull pain at your jaw corners.
Earaches and headaches
Wisdom teeth growth may sometimes prompt headaches and facial pain, especially when stuck under the gums.
Redness
If you notice a color change in the gums around your last molar, such as a red or dark pink coloration, it suggests that your wisdom teeth are growing.
Small white specks
Using a flashlight, look out for signs of any white lump or swelling around your second molars. It might just be an emerging wisdom tooth.
How do wisdom teeth cause fever?
Fever is usually associated with the presence of an infection.
Of the three molars in the mouth, the wisdom teeth are most susceptible to infection as they are hard to reach, permitting food to get trapped around them. As a result, harmful bacteria build up in the wisdom teeth causing cavities and infection.
It is only in this case that wisdom teeth can trigger a fever. These types of infections are known as periodontal infections.
How do I know if wisdom teeth caused my fever?
If a wisdom teeth infection causes your fever, you’ll likely experience the following;
- Jaw pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Facial pain
- Bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating
- Difficulty opening the mouth
Home remedies for wisdom teeth fever
- Over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help lessen the fever and make you feel better.
- Drink plenty of fluids. However, avoid alcohol, tea, or coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration.
- Take a tepid bath. Avoid taking cold showers as this may cause shivering.
- Wear light clothing.
- Take plenty of rest, including bed rest.
- Eat soft meals.
Tips to prevent wisdom teeth infection
- Avoid very sugary foods and drinks
- Brush twice daily with a mouthwash
- Floss regularly
- Drink plenty of water to help keep the mouth clean
Frequently asked questions
Can wisdom teeth make you sick?
Yes, but this rarely happens. If your wisdom teeth are infected or impacted, you may begin to feel unwell.
Do wisdom teeth get infected easily?
Because of their location, wisdom teeth are tricky to clean. Food and bacteria often get stuck between the tooth and surrounding tissue, causing infection.
What’s the solution to fever caused by wisdom teeth?
An ideal dosage of antibiotics will resolve your wisdom teeth infection and any resulting fever. However, if the infection persists, you may consider extracting them.
How long does wisdom teeth fever last?
A wisdom tooth fever can last for about 3-4 days. See a dentist if it persists despite using OTC drugs and antibiotics.
Can a wisdom tooth fever go away on its own?
Your fever won’t go away if it’s caused by a wisdom tooth infection. Do something about the infection, and you should be fine no.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth eruption does not cause a fever. However, wisdom teeth can raise your body temperature if you have a tooth or gum infection.