Pericoronitis: remedios caseros para tratar las bandas de la encía del diente permanente
Revisado por la Dra. Jody Bardash, DMD |
Noviembre de 2025 • 5 min de lectura
Revisado por la Dra. Jody Bardash, DMD |
Noviembre de 2025 • 5 min de lectura
Si usted siente dolor, hinchazón o un mal sabor en la parte posterior de la boca, especialmente alrededor de un diente de leche parcialmente salido, puede estar padeciendo pericoronitis. Esta condición puede aparecer repentinamente y hacer que comer, tragar o incluso abrir la boca resulten incómodos.
This guide explains safe home remedies for short-term relief, how to clean under a wisdom tooth gum flap properly, and when it’s time to call a dentist.
What Is Pericoronitis, Really?
Pericoronitis is inflammation or infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. The loose gum flap covering the tooth is called an operculum.
That flap creates a pocket where:
- Food gets trapped
- Bacteria multiply
- Toothbrush bristles cannot reach
Even excellent oral hygiene cannot fully clean under this flap.
Mild Irritation vs Active Infection
| Mild Pericoronitis | Active Infection |
|---|---|
| Tender or sore gum flap, slight swelling, discomfort when chewing, no fever or pus | Throbbing pain, visible pus or foul taste, swelling spreading to the cheek or jaw, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), fever or feeling unwell |
| Home care can often calm symptoms temporarily. | This requires professional treatment. Home remedies alone are not enough. |
| Mild Pericoronitis | Active Infection |
|---|---|
| Tender or sore gum flap, slight swelling, discomfort when chewing, no fever or pus | Throbbing pain, visible pus or foul taste, swelling spreading to the cheek or jaw, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), fever or feeling unwell |
| Home care can often calm symptoms temporarily. | This requires professional treatment. Home remedies alone are not enough. |
Pericoronitis Home Remedies That Actually Help
These steps can reduce pain and inflammation but are not a permanent cure.
Warm Saltwater Rinses: Can help reduce bacteria and swelling.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water
- Gently rinse 3 to 4 times daily
- Focus on letting the water sit near the area rather than vigorous swishing
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
- Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and pain
- Acetaminophen helps with pain if ibuprofen is not suitable
- Avoid aspirin placed on the gums
Cold Compress for Jaw Swelling: This reduces inflammation and discomfort.
- Apply ice to the outside of the cheek for 10 to 15 minutes
- Use a barrier like a towel to protect your skin
Soft Food Diet
- Stick to yogurt, soups, eggs, smoothies, and mashed foods
- Avoid chips, seeds, rice, and crunchy foods that lodge under the flap
The Oral Irrigation Guide: How to Clean Under the Gum Flap Safely
This is one of the most effective at-home steps when done correctly.
What You Need
- A plastic irrigation syringe with a blunt, curved tip
- Warm salt water or diluted hydrogen peroxide (half water, half peroxide)
Step-by-Step
- Fill the syringe with the solution
- Gently pull the cheek aside
- Aim the tip along the gum line, not straight into the tissue
- Slowly flush under the flap to remove trapped debris
- Let the solution drain out naturally
Do this once or twice daily. Never force the tip under the gum or use sharp objects.
Mouthwash: What Helps and What Doesn’t
- Therapeutic rinses (chlorhexidine, peroxide-based) help reduce bacteria
- Cosmetic mouthwashes mainly mask odor and offer little infection control
If your dentist prescribes a medicated rinse, follow directions carefully.
Why Pericoronitis Keeps Coming Back
Even when symptoms calm down, the gum flap remains. As long as that flap exists, bacteria can collect again. Home remedies act like a pause button, not a cure.
Permanent solutions include:
- Professional irrigation and antibiotics
- Removing the gum flap
- Extracting the wisdom tooth
When to Call a Dentist Immediately
Untreated infections can spread beyond the jaw and become serious. Do not wait if you experience:
- Febre o escalofríos
- Worsening swelling
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Pain spreading to the neck or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
What to Say When You Call a Dentist
Clear language helps you get help faster.
Diles:
“I have pain and swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth with a gum flap. I’m worried about pericoronitis and infection.”
Tu siguiente paso
Pericoronitis home remedies can bring temporary relief, but they rarely solve the underlying problem. If symptoms keep returning or worsen, professional care is the safest path.
Dentistry.com helps you find local dentists who can evaluate wisdom tooth infections and recommend the right treatment.
Find a dentist near you and get lasting relief, not just temporary comfort. Haga clic en aquí o llame (888) 597-3896 para encontrar un dentista cerca de ti.
Sobre la Dra. Jody Bardash, DMD
Sobre la Dra. Jody Bardash, DMD
La Dra. Jody Bardash es una clínica médica principal en Profesionales dentales de Fair Lawn, un consultorio de odontología familiar y cosmética en Fair Lawn, Nueva Jersey. Con más de 30 años de experiencia, se compromete a brindar atención médica compasiva y de alta calidad en odontología y estética facial.
Doctor Bardash, graduado del Instituto Isaac Brauer de la Universidad Yeshiva, se mantiene a la vanguardia de la innovación a través de una formación clínica avanzada y la educación continua. Es miembro de la AACD, ADA, AGD, American Academy of Facial Esthetics y la American Society for Dental Aesthetics. También es profesor clínico en el Centro Médico de la Universidad de Hackensack y en el Hospital de Englewood y ha sido reconocido por el Consejo de Investigación de los Consumidores de América durante 25 años como uno de los mejores dentistas y injertistas faciales de los Estados Unidos.
Need Help Caring for Pericoronitis?
Información relacionada
Planes de pago para dentistas: cómo financiar trabajos de emergencia
Las emergencias dentales rara vez vienen precedidas de advertencias. Una caries, un absceso o una corona fallida pueden convertirse en una factura de cuatro cifras en cuestión de horas. Cuando uno siente dolor, el estrés de encontrar la forma de pagarla puede ser tan abrumador como el propio problema dental.
Retainer permanente roto: ¿Es una emergencia dental?
Si bien un retenedor unido roto rara vez representa una emergencia médica, es recomendable programar una cita con el dentista para evitar molestias y movimientos dentales. La mayoría de los dentistas suelen poder resolver el problema con una sencilla restauración con adhesivo.
Costo del dentista de emergencia sin seguro: precios y soluciones económicas
El primer paso para aliviar el dolor dental agudo es una consulta odontológica de emergencia. Sin seguro médico, esto suele costar entre $100 y $300 dólares.
Esta cita permitirá el tratamiento inmediato del dolor. Si es necesario, usted y el equipo dental podrán planificar un tratamiento adicional y discutir formas de reducir el costo a lo largo del tiempo.