Bad breath after wisdom tooth extraction is a common issue, and while it is usually not a serious concern, it can make many people feel uncomfortable and worried. If you’re dealing with bad breath after wisdom tooth removal, here’s what you should know and what to do about it.
Why Does Bad Breath Occur After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
There are several reasons why bad breath can occur after wisdom tooth extraction, but the most common cause is improper oral hygiene. After a wisdom tooth is removed, it is important to avoid disturbing the gum area to prevent affecting the sutured wound. This can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. As a result, many people experience bad breath for a short period after the tooth removal. Usually, once the wound heals (within about 5 days), normal oral hygiene can be resumed, and the bad breath should gradually improve.
However, in some cases, bad breath persists longer than usual. This could be a sign of an infection in the sutured area, which may lead to complications. Infections in the area where the tooth was removed often arise from the following reasons:
Direct contact or pressure on the sutured area, causing blood clot disruption, leading to infection and bad breath.
Inadequate sterilization of tools used during the tooth extraction, or improper cleaning before the procedure.
Poor suturing that creates gaps in the jawbone, allowing food particles to get trapped, leading to infection.
Habits like biting nails, using straws, or teeth grinding, which can irritate the healing area and cause infection.
Consuming hard, chewy, or hot/cold foods, or sugary items after extraction, which can negatively affect the healing process and lead to infection.
How Does Bad Breath After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect You?
Bad breath after wisdom tooth extraction can have undesirable effects, especially on communication and social interactions. It may create a negative impression when interacting with others. Additionally, persistent bad breath could signal other issues, such as:
Infected Sutures: The sutures from the extraction site might get infected, which could harm the tooth’s bone and affect neighboring teeth.
Gum Damage: The gums are vulnerable after tooth extraction, and there’s a higher risk of pain and discomfort during healing.
Tartar Buildup: Tartar buildup, especially near the sutured area, can cause bad breath and lead to gum inflammation, gum recession, and even bone loss.
Sign of Other Health Conditions: Bad breath could also be a sign of other serious health issues, such as stomach problems, esophageal inflammation, or even oral cancer.
What to Keep in Mind When Dealing with Bad Breath After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Avoid Direct Contact: Don’t use your fingers or objects like toothpicks to touch the extraction site. This can cause infections and worsen bad breath.
Clean the Area Gently: After meals, you can gently use a cotton pad with water to clean the wound area. Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site or using too much force.
Careful Eating: After the extraction, consume soft foods like porridge, soup, or smoothies to reduce jaw movement. Avoid hard, chewy, or sugary foods that can irritate the wound and cause bad breath.
Avoid Alcohol and Stimulants: Steer clear of alcohol, sugary items, or other irritants like smoking, as they can affect healing and contribute to bad breath.
Consider Scaling: After a period of healing, consulting with your dentist for a professional cleaning (scaling) may be necessary. This helps remove any tartar buildup and prevent bad breath, while also preventing further oral issues.
In general, bad breath after wisdom tooth extraction is typically caused by oral hygiene challenges and should improve once the jaw heals. However, if bad breath persists, it’s important to visit a dental center for further evaluation and treatment, as this could indicate more serious complications.
