Common Causes and Risk Factors of Pericoronitis

Young Adults With Poorly Erupting Wisdom Teeth

Young adults with poorly erupting wisdom teeth are at an increased risk of developing pericoronitis. When the wisdom teeth only partially move through the gums, there's an opening left behind that allows bacteria to fester. Some young adults experience a recurrence of the infection or more severe inflammation. In these cases, the dentist might recommend oral surgery that removes either the affected wisdom tooth or the gum flap. In addition, inflammation and pain might be reduced through the use of a low-power laser. There are many ways tooth position might lead to pericoronitis. The most common one is with the partial eruption causing an opening for bacteria. Also common is when a tooth bites into an individual's operculum, which exacerbates pericoronitis.

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