Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, usually between ages 17 and 25. While they are a normal part of dental development, wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to complications that affect more than just your mouth. Many patients report feeling generally unwell, experiencing fatigue, nausea, or even fever when their wisdom teeth become impacted or infected.
Understanding the connection between wisdom teeth and systemic symptoms like illness and fever is important. Many people mistake these signs for a cold, flu or other infections, delaying treatment and potentially worsening their dental health. In this article, we explore how wisdom teeth can make you feel ill, what causes fever, the signs to watch for and the treatments that can provide relief.
💡 At Whites Dental, we offer a full range of wisdom tooth extractions at our two London clinics. Visit us for an appointment.
Key Takeaway
- Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can trigger systemic symptoms, including fever, nausea, fatigue, and malaise.
- Infection (pericoronitis or abscess) is the primary reason for feeling unwell.
- Headaches, jaw pain, and swelling often accompany these systemic symptoms.
- Extraction or professional dental treatment is usually the most effective long-term solution.
- Early assessment can prevent serious complications such as spreading infection or sepsis.
How Wisdom Teeth Can Make You Feel Ill
Wisdom teeth can affect your body in ways beyond localized pain. The main reasons people feel ill when wisdom teeth are problematic include infection, inflammation, and stress on surrounding tissues.
Infection: Pericoronitis And Dental Abscesses
One of the most common complications of wisdom teeth is pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue partially covering a tooth. When bacteria become trapped under the gum flap, inflammation develops, causing:
- Redness and swelling around the wisdom tooth
- Pain that feels like its radiating to the head, ear or jaw
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
If untreated, infection can progress to a dental abscess, leading to:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the face or jaw
💡 In severe cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the head and neck, which is why early intervention is critical.
Immune Response And Systemic Symptoms
When your body fights a dental infection, it triggers a systemic immune response. This can include:
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
- General malaise and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
These symptoms are not the tooth itself but the body’s reaction to bacterial invasion and inflammation.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth And Chronic Discomfort
Wisdom teeth that cannot erupt properly are called impacted. Impacted teeth can press against surrounding teeth and gums, creating ongoing irritation and inflammation. Even without a full-blown infection, this pressure can contribute to:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low-grade fever in some cases
💡 Persistent discomfort may also make you feel generally unwell due to the stress and sleep disruption it causes.
Symptoms That Suggest Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Illness
If your systemic symptoms coincide with dental issues, it may indicate that your wisdom teeth are the source. Signs to watch for include:
Local Symptoms
- Swollen, tender gums at the back of the mouth
- Red or bleeding gum tissue
- Pain when chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
- Bad taste or foul odor from the area
Systemic Symptoms
- Fever, sometimes mild or moderate
- Chills or shivering
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Nausea or upset stomach
Secondary Symptoms
- Ear pain
- Headache or temple pain
- Swelling in the jaw or neck
- Lymph node tenderness
💡 Recognizing the combination of these symptoms early helps prevent complications and ensures timely treatment.
How Wisdom Teeth Infection Leads To Fever
Fever is a natural response by the body’s immune system. When bacteria from a dental infection enter the surrounding tissues, the body releases chemicals called pyrogens, which signal the hypothalamus to increase body temperature. Fever helps fight infection by:
- Enhancing immune cell activity
- Slowing bacterial growth
- Alerting the patient to systemic involvement
💡 In wisdom tooth infections, fever may range from low-grade (37.5–38°C) to high (over 39°C), depending on severity. Persistent or high fever is a warning sign that requires urgent dental attention.
Complications Of Ignoring Wisdom Tooth-Related Illness
Failing to address wisdom tooth infections can lead to more severe systemic issues:
Spread Of Infection
Infection can travel beyond the tooth and gums to surrounding tissues in the face, neck, or throat. This may result in:
- Facial cellulitis
- Ludwig’s angina (rare but life-threatening)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Sepsis
In extreme cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. This is a medical emergency, presenting with:
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
- Hypotension
Chronic Fatigue And Malaise
Even mild infections can cause prolonged fatigue and a persistent feeling of being unwell, affecting work, school, and daily activities.
When To Seek Immediate Dental Or Medical Attention
You should seek urgent care if you experience any of the following:
- Fever above 38°C persisting for more than 24–48 hours
- Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
- Severe, unrelenting pain
- Red streaks on the skin of the face or neck
- Confusion, dizziness, or general malaise worsening rapidly
💡 Prompt treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes significantly.
Diagnosing Wisdom Tooth-Related Illness
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Dentists will typically:
Review Your Symptoms
They will ask detailed questions about:
- Pain location and duration
- Fever and systemic symptoms
- Jaw movement and chewing issues
- History of previous dental problems
Conduct A Clinical Examination
This includes inspecting:
- Gums for swelling, redness, or pus
- Teeth alignment and eruption patterns
- Signs of infection spreading to surrounding tissues
Use Imaging
Dental X-rays or 3D scans help identify:
- Impaction of wisdom teeth
- Abscess formation
- Bone involvement
- Proximity to nerves
Accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment quickly.
Treatment Options For Wisdom Tooth-Related Illness
Once the cause is identified, the dentist will recommend treatment based on severity.
Antibiotics
If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce bacterial load and systemic symptoms. However, antibiotics do not resolve the underlying impaction or remove the infected tooth.
Pain Management
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage discomfort until definitive treatment is provided.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Extraction is the definitive solution for infected or impacted wisdom teeth. Removing the tooth eliminates the source of infection and pressure, often resolving systemic symptoms quickly. The procedure may be:
- Simple Extraction: Tooth is removed with minimal intervention, usually under local anaesthetic.
- Surgical Extraction: For impacted teeth, an incision and minor bone removal may be necessary.
💡 Aftercare involves rest, ice packs, soft foods, and prescribed medications to reduce swelling and discomfort.
How Quickly Symptoms Improve After Extraction
Most patients notice significant improvement within 24–48 hours:
- Fever and systemic malaise resolve as infection is removed.
- Jaw pain and swelling decrease.
- Headaches related to pressure dissipate.
- Full recovery usually occurs within 1–2 weeks depending on the complexity of extraction
💡 Proper post-operative care is essential for smooth recovery.
Home Care Measures To Reduce Discomfort
While professional treatment is essential, home care can support recovery and reduce minor discomfort:
- Saltwater Rinses: Gently rinse to reduce bacterial load
- Soft Diet: Avoid hard, spicy, or hot foods for several days
- Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake
- Rest: Allow your body to heal and fight infection
- Avoid Smoking or Alcohol: Both impair healing and can exacerbate symptoms
💡 Home care is supportive but not a substitute for dental intervention.
Why Whites Dental For Wisdom Tooth Infection And Illness Relief?
Whites Dental provides wisdom teeth removal experts for patients experiencing systemic symptoms caused by wisdom teeth.
Specialist Assessment And Extraction
Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing complex cases where fever, nausea, or malaise is linked to dental infection.
Advanced Imaging
We use X-rays and 3D scans to locate impacted teeth and assess infection, ensuring safe and precise treatment.
Gentle, Patient-Focused Care
Extractions are performed with comfort and safety as top priorities, including sedation options when needed.
Two Convenient London Locations
- Whites Dental Waterloo – 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER, 020 8616 0590
- Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2) – 52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP, 020 3576 2325
💡 With central locations, flexible scheduling, and expert clinicians, Whites Dental ensures rapid relief and safe extraction for patients experiencing illness from wisdom teeth.
Preventing Future Wisdom Tooth Infections
Even after extraction, preventive measures are important for oral health:
- Maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing near the back molars
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
- Address early signs of infection promptly
- Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet
💡 Proactive care reduces the risk of systemic symptoms and long-term complications.
Conclusion
Yes, wisdom teeth can make you feel ill and cause fever. Infection, impaction, and inflammation are the primary culprits. Systemic symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea and general malaise, often accompanied by jaw pain and headaches. While temporary relief may come from medications, professional dental assessment and extraction are the definitive solutions.
💡 Whites Dental provides expert evaluation, precise imaging, gentle extractions and comprehensive aftercare at both Waterloo and Marble Arch, ensuring patients regain health, comfort, and peace of mind.