Normal eruption or infection?

Question

How can I tell the difference between the normal eruption of a wisdom tooth or if it's infected? I have heard that with both there will be swelling, redness, and pain. So how do you distinguish between the two?

Answer 1

hmmm.....call your dentist.

Answer 2

when a wisdom tooth erupts its hardly ever infected. The gum tissue around can become infected. Most of the time the swelling and redness is from the tooth pushing through the gums. Its stretching ligaments and breaking skin, so of course it will be red and sore. As for the pain, it hurts because the tooth is moving and pushing on teeth in front of it. It can make your face, eye, ears, and neck sore along with migraines. A tooth usually becomes infected from tooth decay or trauma.