Wisdom teeth often cause discomfort, swelling, and other oral health issues, but can they actually lead to fever or chills? Many patients experience mild aches or swelling, but when systemic symptoms like fever or chills appear, it’s natural to worry. Understanding the connection between wisdom teeth and your body’s response can help you determine whether it’s a normal reaction or a sign of infection that requires professional attention.

This article explores the link between wisdom teeth and fever, why these symptoms occur, and how to manage complications effectively. We’ll also discuss preventive measures, treatment options, and when to see a dentist or oral surgeon.

Why Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Discomfort

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually emerge between ages 17 and 25. Some people never develop them at all, which is a phenomenon explored in why some people never develop wisdom teeth.

For those who do, wisdom teeth can cause discomfort when they:

Are impacted and cannot erupt fully
Push against other teeth, leading to crowding
Develop cavities that are difficult to clean
Cause gum inflammation around the emerging tooth

When these situations occur, the body can react not only locally in the mouth but systemically, potentially triggering fever or chills.

Common Symptoms Associated With Wisdom Teeth

Before diving into fever, it’s helpful to understand common symptoms associated with wisdom teeth:

Mild to severe pain in the back of the jaw
Swelling around the gum area
Redness or tenderness in the surrounding tissue
Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth

Sometimes, pain from wisdom teeth can radiate, affecting front teeth as well.

While these symptoms are often manageable, the addition of fever or chills can signal an underlying infection.

How Wisdom Teeth Can Lead to Fever and Chills

Fever and chills usually occur when the body is responding to an infection. In the case of wisdom teeth, there are a few primary causes:

Pericoronitis: Infection Around Partially Erupted Teeth

One of the most common reasons for fever is pericoronitis, an infection in the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This occurs when bacteria accumulate under the gum flap covering the tooth.

Symptoms of pericoronitis include:

Swelling around the back molars
Red, tender gum tissue
Pain when chewing or swallowing
Fever or chills in more severe cases

Left untreated, this infection can worsen and spread, making professional intervention critical.

Abscess Formation

A dental abscess can develop if a wisdom tooth is severely decayed or the surrounding tissue becomes infected. Abscesses are pockets of pus that can lead to systemic symptoms, including:

Persistent fever
Chills or body aches
Swelling in the jaw or face
Difficulty opening the mouth

Abscesses are serious and require prompt evaluation, often including antibiotics or surgical drainage.

Other Causes of Fever Related to Wisdom Teeth

Even without an abscess or pericoronitis, erupting wisdom teeth can sometimes cause low-grade inflammation that may slightly raise body temperature. However, prolonged or high fever is rarely caused by the tooth alone and usually indicates infection.

When to Seek Professional Care

If you experience fever or chills along with wisdom tooth discomfort, it’s essential to contact a dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Other warning signs include:

Severe jaw swelling
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Intense, persistent pain
Pus or discharge from the gum

Delaying treatment can lead to complications like spreading infections, systemic illness, or worsening jaw pain.

Managing Wisdom Tooth-Related Fever at Home

While professional care is necessary for infections, some steps can help reduce discomfort before your appointment:

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Saltwater Rinses: Gentle rinsing can help clean the area and reduce bacterial buildup.
Cold Compresses: Applying a cold pack externally may help reduce swelling.
Soft Diet: Avoid hard or chewy foods that may aggravate the affected tooth.

These measures can temporarily alleviate symptoms, but they do not treat the underlying infection causing fever or chills.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Infection

Preventing wisdom tooth infections is the best way to avoid fever and other complications. Consider these tips:

Regular Dental Checkups: Routine visits allow dentists to monitor the development of wisdom teeth.
Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing, especially in the back of the mouth, can prevent bacteria buildup.
Timely Extraction: If a wisdom tooth is impacted or prone to infection, removal may be recommended.
Awareness During Pregnancy: Managing wisdom teeth during pregnancy requires special care.

Being proactive about oral health reduces the risk of serious complications, including systemic infections.

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back After Removal?

Some patients worry about whether fever or chills could occur even after removal. While rare, wisdom teeth can sometimes partially regrow or leave behind tissue that may cause problems. .

Understanding this helps patients recognize unusual symptoms early and take action to prevent infections.

Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Infections

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection:

Antibiotics

For infections causing fever or chills, dentists often prescribe antibiotics to manage bacterial growth before or after extraction.

Extraction

If the tooth is impacted, decayed, or causing recurrent infection, removal is typically recommended. Extraction not only resolves current symptoms but also prevents future complications.

Surgical Intervention

In cases of abscess or severe pericoronitis, minor surgery may be necessary to drain pus or remove affected tissue.

Long-Term Considerations

After recovery from a wisdom tooth infection, maintaining oral health is critical. Regular dental cleanings, monitoring for pain, and timely removal of problematic wisdom teeth can prevent recurrent fever and systemic symptoms.

Educating yourself about wisdom teeth, including how pain may spread or how infections develop, is key to avoiding complications.

Final Thoughts

While mild discomfort is normal during wisdom tooth eruption, fever or chills should never be ignored. These systemic symptoms often indicate an infection that requires professional care. Early intervention, preventive oral hygiene, and timely removal of problematic teeth can prevent serious complications and promote overall oral health.

If you experience fever alongside jaw pain, swelling, or pus, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Understanding the link between wisdom teeth and systemic symptoms empowers patients to act promptly and avoid potentially serious complications.