Wisdom teeth are thus called because they are normally the last ones to appear and at a relatively late age.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath From Wisdom Teeth
The way to get rid of bad breath from a wisdom tooth is to treat what is causing it, and that starts with a dentist looking at the area. Food and bacteria can collect around a wisdom tooth that sits in a position that is hard to clean or has only partly come through the gum. After a wisdom tooth is removed, the healing area can also cause a bad taste or smell for a short time.
What you can do until your visit
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, taking extra care around the back molars.
- Use a rinse if you like. The ADA describes an over-the-counter mouthwash as a temporary solution for bad breath (ADA MouthHealthy). It does not fix an infected or trapped tooth, which needs a dentist.
- If you have just had a wisdom tooth removed, follow the aftercare instructions you were given. The American Dental Association advises rinsing gently, if you must rinse, in the first few days, and avoiding smoking and vigorous rinsing while the area heals (ADA MouthHealthy).
When bad breath from a wisdom tooth needs a dentist
Bad breath that does not go away, a bad taste, pain, swelling, bleeding that does not settle or a stiff jaw near a back tooth are all reasons to be seen. The ADA says that if you have pain from your wisdom teeth you should see your dentist right away (ADA MouthHealthy), and that swelling after an extraction means you should call your dentist right away (ADA MouthHealthy). Call (905) 420-1777 or contact us about scheduling an appointment. If the pain or swelling is severe, read about emergency dental care and call us to describe what is happening.
What happens at your visit
Our team will look at the area, ask about your symptoms and, when it is clinically appropriate, use an X-ray to see where the tooth sits. Based on what we find, we will explain your options. Depending on the exam, these can include cleaning around the tooth, treating an infection, keeping an eye on the tooth, or removing it. We do not recommend removal for every wisdom tooth.
In some instances, wisdom teeth or third molars don’t fully come out of the gums. In such cases, they are called impacted wisdom teeth. These impacted teeth may cause infection due to bacterial growth and even bad breath. This can be addressed by taking antibiotics and cleaning and treating the surrounding gums.
You might need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. This way, you can prevent problems in the future. Remember that if they are not removed, wisdom teeth can cause decay, bone and gum infection, and bone loss.
Why are wisdom teeth full of bacteria?
Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth are a little difficult to clean and they’re the perfect host to food particles and bacteria. Since bacteria thrive in warm and damp environment, impacted wisdom tooth can cause infections, cysts, and decay. As you can expect, all these can result to bad breath and an even off taste in the mouth.
If your wisdom tooth is submerged and causing bacterial profusion, the tiny air pocket between the tip of the tooth and the gum can be where bad breath is coming from. The sensitive gums surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth get infected easily and the bacteria in the wound can release sulphur compounds with foul odour.
Will the Wisdom Tooth Infection Get Better on Its Own?
You can’t expect an infection to get better without proper treatment. Some signs of wisdom tooth or gum infection include an awful taste in the mouth, pain, tenderness or swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath that doesn’t go away. Visit Pickering Square Dental to find out if your wisdom tooth infection needs immediate attention.
When Extraction May Be Necessary
Because impacted teeth are a potential cause of various problems, a dentist may recommend that they be removed. Extractions may be done one tooth per visit or multiple teeth can be extracted simultaneously.
Bad Breath May Be Caused by the Extraction
Wisdom tooth removal does not instantly stop bad breath. When your wisdom tooth is extracted, a blood clot is formed in the empty socket and when removed, it leads to a “dry socket”. Bacteria can get in there, lead to an infection, and bad breath.
Antibiotics and medicated creams may be prescribed by the dentist to clean the socket and aid in the healing process. Expect for the dry socket to take a few weeks to fully heal. Bad breath may seem persistent for some time after your wisdom tooth extraction, but with proper oral care, it should be gone soon. However, if you notice that it persists too long, you should take a trip to the dentist so it can be checked.
Whether it is caused by a wisdom tooth or not, bad breath is never a good sign. Schedule an appointment with us at Pickering Square Dental so we can assess the situation and help you bring your fresh breath back.
Looking for professional help? Learn more about our dental extraction in Pickering at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the American Dental Association: Wisdom Teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will bad breath from my wisdom teeth go away after they are removed?
It can improve once the problem tooth has been treated or removed. Healing can bring a brief change in taste or smell. Follow your aftercare instructions, and contact us if the taste or smell does not settle or you develop pain or swelling.
Can mouthwash get rid of bad breath from wisdom teeth?
Mouthwash can help for a short time, but it is only a temporary solution. If the cause is food and bacteria trapped around a wisdom tooth, or an infection, the cause needs to be checked and treated by a dentist.
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean provides care focused on clear communication and patient comfort. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham. Dr. Lean spent the last 20 years as the Dentist for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
