The Bad Breath After Tooth Extraction: Causes and Treatment
Tooth extraction is a dental process that removes a tooth from its socket. It is usually done to treat decayed teeth. However, tooth extraction can sometimes cause bad breath, which can be unpleasant for the patient. Bad breath after tooth extraction can have multiple causes and solutions, depending on the condition of the problem.
The following post will explore halitosis, the causes of mouth odour, and how to deal with them effectively.
What is Halitosis?
The medical term for unpleasant breath is halitosis. Millions of people worldwide are afflicted by this illness, harming their social lives. Various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, diet, smoking, and dental problems, can cause halitosis.
Halitosis has two types: transient and chronic. Transient halitosis is temporary and usually disappears after brushing, rinsing, or eating. Chronic halitosis is persistent and does not improve with simple oral care measures. It is a severe underlying problem requiring dental intervention.
General Causes of Mouth Odor
There are many possible causes of mouth odour, some more common than others.
Here are some of the most frequent ones:
Drinking and Eating Certain Foods and Drinks
Some foods and drinks, such as garlic, onion, and spicy foods, can leave a strong odour in your mouth. These odours can linger for hours after consumption. They can also affect the quality of your saliva, making it more acidic and prone to bacterial growth.
Plaque Accumulation
A sticky film of germs called plaque develops on your teeth and gums daily. Plaque can become tartar if not routinely eliminated, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque and tartar can also trap food particles and produce foul-smelling gases that cause bad breath.
Infrequent Flossing
Flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene that helps remove plaque and food debris between your teeth and under your gum line. If you do not floss at least once daily, you may leave behind bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.
Tongue Bacteria
Your tongue is covered with tiny bumps called papillae that help you taste and feel food. However, these papillae can also harbour bacteria that feed on dead cells, food residues, and mucus in your mouth. These bacteria can produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that have a rotten egg smell and cause bad breath.
Smoking
Smoking harms your lungs, heart, and oral health. It can dry out your mouth, reduce saliva flow, and increase your risk of oral cancer. Smoking can also disturb the balance of bacteria in your mouth and cause bad breath.
Morning Breath
Morning breath is a common phenomenon that affects most people when they wake up. It results from reduced saliva production during sleep, which allows bacteria to multiply and produce odours in your mouth. Morning breath usually disappears after brushing your teeth.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can cause or worsen bad breath, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic bronchitis. These conditions can affect the quality or quantity of your saliva or create odours in your blood.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is when excess mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down the back of your throat. This mucus can become infected with bacteria or fungi that can cause bad breath.
Bad Breath Remedies and Treatments
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist is the best way to prevent or treat bad breath. However, some natural remedies and treatments can help you quickly freshen your breath.
Here are some of them:
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Eating raw fruits and vegetables can help stimulate your saliva production. It cleanses your mouth of food particles and neutralises the acids that cause bad breath. The best fruits and vegetables for this purpose are apples, carrots, and mint.
Sugar-free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can also help increase your saliva flow. It removes food debris from your teeth and masks foul odours with pleasant flavours. However, avoid chewing gum that contains sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Increase Your Water Intake
Water can help keep your mouth moist, flush out bacteria and food particles, and avoid dry mouth. Additionally, drinking water can aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Aim to consume eight glasses of water or more each day.
Identifying The Causes of Bad Breath After Tooth Extraction
Bad breath after tooth extraction is not uncommon and usually goes away within a few days. However, if the bad breath persists or worsens, it may indicate a complication that needs immediate attention.
Here are some of the possible causes of bad breath after tooth extraction:
- Bacterial Infection
- Post-Surgery Bleeding
- Dry Socket
- Bad Oral Hygiene
- Dry Mouth
- Medicines
How To Deal With Bad Breath After a Tooth Extraction?
Bad breath after tooth extraction can be unpleasant but treated easily with simple tips and tricks.
Here are some of them:
- Employ an oral irrigator
- Rinse your mouth with salt water
- Chewing on mint leaves
- Try to chew less from your rear teeth
- Don’t smoke
- Alcohol should be avoided
- Only include soft foods and liquids in your diet
When to Visit Your Dentist?
Bad breath after tooth extraction is usually temporary and harmless. However, suppose it persists for over two weeks, you should visit your dentist instantly. The dentist will check your mouth and the extraction site and determine the cause of your bad breath.
Dentists may take X-rays or perform other vital tests to avoid serious complications. They may prescribe antibiotics, painkillers, or other treatments to help you heal faster and prevent further problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do you have bad breath after tooth extraction?
Bad breath after tooth extraction usually lasts a few days or weeks until the wound heals completely. However, it may vary depending on the type and complexity of the extraction, your oral hygiene habits, and other factors.
Is it normal to have a bad taste in the mouth after tooth extraction?
Yes, it is expected because of the blood clot that forms in the socket and the healing process. The sour taste usually disappears within a few days. However, if the bad taste is persistent or foul-smelling, it may indicate a bacterial infection that needs attention.
What is the best mouthwash for bad breath after tooth extraction?
The best mouthwash for bad breath after tooth extraction contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), an antiseptic agent that kills bacteria and prevents plaque formation. CHX mouthwash can help reduce inflammation and infection and promote healing after tooth extraction. However, you should only use CHX mouthwash as directed by your dentist.
Can a dentist cure lousy breath permanently?
Dentists can cure bad breath permanently if they can eliminate its root cause. However, some causes of bad breath may be chronic or recurrent. In these cases, dentists can help you manage your bad breath by providing regular dental care.
Conclusion
Bad breath after tooth extraction is a common and usually harmless problem. However, if your bad breath is persistent, it indicates a complication that requires urgent dental attention.
Therefore, following your dentist’s instructions on caring for your mouth after tooth extraction is essential. Doing so can ensure a fast and smooth recovery and prevent further problems with your oral health.
