Any pericoronitis sufferers here?

[eggontoast78]

I have a partially erupted wisdom tooth on my lower right side. There is a flap of gum that hangs over it and usually it doesn’t cause me any issues. Occasionally it gets a bit tender and sore but salt water rinses and mouthwash for a few days usually resolves it. I had some dental work done a few weeks ago and since then the whole area has been so red and sore. I woke up last week and it was all very swollen so I went back to the dentist and was given antibiotics for a week to clear the infection.

This has happened to me maybe two or three times in my adult life but when it does happen it’s so painful. Dentist said it’s caused by food and bacteria getting caught under the flap but I feel like this time the dental work might have triggered it as it’s a bit of a coincidence.

Because it’s infrequent and the tooth itself isn’t decayed or causing issues they have recommended not extracting it yet but I’m so worried about it flaring up again especially as I travel a lot and can’t always get to the dentist quickly. It’s agony and can spread quickly. Does anyone have any tips to avoid this happening again?

Yeah I used to get this with a partially erupted wisdom tooth.

Peroxyl mouthwash really helped whenever it flared up. Plus getting one of those little brushes that clean round braces to clean that area.

But in the end I just paid to have it removed (my dentist said I didn’t meet the criteria for referral to have it taken out on the NHS, and that once I did meet the criteria, which I think was based on number of infections requiring antibiotics, it was a 2 yr waiting list). It wasn’t causing massive issues, but when it did it was painful, it meant trying to dentist appointment. I had a painful couple of months where it seemed really bad, like never fully going away, so just had it out.

If I can avoid having out I’d like to, but I also don’t want repeated flare ups like this and I know it’ll be a really long waiting list with it being a complex extraction. I will try to manage it for now. I think I’ve been lucky to have only two over the past 8-10 years but this one was particularly bad and still feels tender even after the course of antibiotics. I’m going on holiday soon and would hate it to flare up while I’m away.

I get this as well. Regular brushing with a small brush and mouthwash will help. Also I got a set of emergency antibiotics online which I keep in the cupboard in case it flares up and I can't get to a dentist. Arguably you need to see a dentist each time for a prescription but I take the view that I know what it is, what works, and happy to take the risk to avoid lots of pain etc. Good luck x

I think having something like this would give me peace of mind. It’s not always easy to see a dentist and it can come on very quickly. How did you get your emergency stash if you don’t mind me asking?

There are quite a few online pharmacies that will prescribe but this is one General Infection - MyChemistPlus https://share.google/j8SRcFxlX7gqTQvyW

I do think ideally you should see a dentist but the NHS isn't helpful where i am. If you get a prescription they will write to your GP to let them know. That's all.

Oh yeah I would always use dentist as first point of contact but sometimes it’s not possible to see one the same day. The waiting lists for extractions are ridiculous and it’s good to know there are ways to treat it quickly if needed.

My dentist got rid of the flap which worked