How can you know the difference between pericoronitis and just your teeth growing in?

See your dentist: A pericoronitis is a localized infection associated with the coronal portion or crown of a tooth due to the inability to keep the area clean resulting in pain and swelling, most commonly associated with a wisdom tooth. As a tooth is erupting or attempting to erupt into the mouth, you may have some tenderness of the tissues overlying the tooth, but an infection may not necessarily be present.

Level of pain: Pericoronitis usually has moderate-severe pain and inflammation often accompanied by localized swelling and possible bleeding. Teething is just annoying mild pain with little to no inflammation. If in doubt see your dentist.

Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis is an infection. It is most common over lower 2nd molars or wisdom teeth. A loose flap of gum tissue overlying the back part of the tooth is called a pericorneal flap. When food gets trapped under the tissue and/or when you chronically injure the tissue by chewing on it, it will become infected ( pericoronitis). See your dentist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.