Ever felt a throbbing pain in the back of your mouth that makes chewing a nightmare? You might be dealing with pericoronitis—a surprisingly common issue tied to your wisdom teeth.Pericoronitis is an inflammation of gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, often a wisdom tooth. Over 80% of people in their 20s face wisdom tooth issues, and pericoronitis is a top culprit.This guide breaks down symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips—plus, real stories from sufferers.What Is Pericoronitis? Bacteria and debris get trapped under a gum flap (operculum), causing swelling, pain, or infection. It can be acute (severe pain, fever) or chronic (mild, recurring discomfort). Think of it like a splinter under your skin—small but painful if ignored.Signs and Symptoms you Can’t Ignore includes bad breath, jaw pain, swelling, difficulty chewing, fever, or pus.Vikrant, 24, thought his sore jaw was just stress—until her dentist diagnosed pericoronitis. Untreated cases can lead to abscesses or spread infections.Causes and Risk Factors Causes could be partial tooth eruption, poor oral hygiene, or trauma from chewing.Risk groups include teens and young adults (15-26), especially those with crowded jaws.Treatment Options Home Care: Rinsing with warm saltwater, over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen), and gentle brushing.Dental Visits: Professional cleaning, antibiotics for infections, or operculectomyExtraction: Removing the wisdom tooth for recurrent cases.Pros and Cons: “Home remedies ease pain fast but won’t fix the root issue.”Prevention Tips :Oral hygiene: brush twice daily, floss, use antiseptic mouthwash. You can use an electric toothbrush https://amzn.to/3G9Vhtp , mouthwash https://amzn.to/42uH6Xc , Water Flosser https://amzn.to/42pJlLuRegular dental checkups to catch issues early.