The two most common causes of a wisdom tooth infection include:   • Tooth Impaction Tooth impaction is one of the leading causes of wisdom tooth pain and infection. Though wisdom teeth often come through without causing problems, many times they will erupt at the wrong angle. This can put pressure on the gums and the molars beside them. This can trap bacteria in between the teeth and cause gum inflammation. • Improper Cleaning Because wisdom teeth come in at the very back of your jaw, they can be much more difficult to thoroughly clean. A buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food particles can cause serious gum infections and lead to tooth decay. To effectively clean your wisdom teeth and prevent infection, we recommend you use an electric toothbrush. Compared to traditional toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes can be a much more efficient tool for reaching difficult places to clean.