You have surely heard of the phrase, “With age comes wisdom!” Well, in this article we are talking about the Wisdom Teeth or Third Molars. Just to add to this, we would like to tell you that the name “Wisdom Teeth” is derived from the fact that they're normally the last ones to come through, at a mature age. We guess some of you probably know this. But, there are some things about the wisdom teeth that many are not aware of or rather have questions about. For example, we have a lot of people asking us, if bad breath is linked to wisdom tooth removal?

What do you think?

Well, although there are plenty of reasons for bad breath, wisdom tooth removal is one of them. However, we would want you to read through the article to find out how bad breath is actually linked to wisdom tooth removal and what can you do to prevent this.

Let's get started!

Wisdom Tooth Removal and Bad Breath

Firstly, let us understand why wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. Extraction is necessary,

• if the tooth has not fully erupted, which is known as impacted wisdom teeth,
• if the pain is unbearable,
• if the eruption is causing a problem to the teeth around it,
• if there is repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth,
• if there are fluid-filled sacs (also known as cysts),
• if they are filled with cavities or gum disease
• or if your jaw has no more space for the extra molars.

The reason for the removal could also be otherwise, which may not have been listed above.

However, it is very important to note that having an impacted wisdom tooth that is partly stuck beneath your gums is also a leading cause of bad breath. Impacted wisdom teeth leads to infection due to bacterial overgrowth, and eventually causes bad breath. The sensitive gums surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth also get infected and the bacteria in the wound can release sulphur compounds with foul odour. This condition can be cured through antibiotics or by treating and cleansing the gums using hydrogen peroxide. But this is a temporary treatment, hence, you can't expect it to get better without proper treatment. And the proper treatment is wisdom tooth removal.

So coming to the main question –  would the removal of the wisdom tooth cause bad breath to stop? Or would the bad breath continue?

Wisdom teeth removal in itself would not easily stop your bad breath. As patients go through pain after the removal, bad breath is relatively normal during the process.

Why? What Causes Bad Breath After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

At the time of wisdom teeth extraction, a blood clot is created in the empty socket and sometimes that clot can dissolve in a couple of days after the extraction. This leads to a situation called dry socket or alveolar osteitis. Bacteria can get in there, leading to an infection and chances of causing bad breath or an unpleasant smell and taste in your mouth are high.

Patients who smoke, consume aerated drinks or drink using a straw after an extraction are more likely to be affected with a dry socket. If you think you have developed a dry socket, please contact your dental care clinic.

Other causes of bad breath after wisdom tooth removal:

Flow of blood: In the first few days after the procedure, there may be extra bleeding. This is another cause of an unpleasant taste and odour in your mouth. Try sipping water slowly to keep your mouth fresh.

Poor oral hygiene after extraction: During the early days after extraction, it might seem difficult to brush or floss the area as you must avoid disturbing the healing area. The absence of cleanliness in this area can cause plaque or tartar to build and eventually cause bad breath. Our suggestion: Gargle with lukewarm water to keep your mouth clean. Also, visit your dentist for a professional clean-up.

Medications: The medications taken during the healing process (which cannot be avoided) can make your mouth dry causing bad breath. Make sure to stay well-hydrated.

Ways in which you can help get rid of bad breath after wisdom teeth removal:

• Waterpik or Oral irrigators- Use this to clean away bacteria, food particles, and plaque between teeth and under the gumline. But remember, this is not a substitute for flossing and brushing
• Antiseptic Mouthwashes – Rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash is a good way to get rid bacteria from your mouth after a meal. Again, before going ahead with this, consult your dentist if you can use this method.
• Gargle – Gargle with lukewarm salt water every day

Now that you know wisdom tooth extraction does cause bad breath, you should also know the other reasons why some suffer from bad breath problems.

Other Causes of Bad Breath

So besides wisdom tooth extraction, other factors like health conditions, bad food habits, consumption of tobacco may cause bad breath. Some of the reasons are as listed below:

• Food: The breakdown of food particles around your teeth can increase bacteria growth and cause bad breath. This is especially true with byproducts of certain food such as garlic, onion, and spices. These enter the bloodstream during digestion and are carried to the lungs which then cause bad breath
• Poor dental hygiene: Irregular brushing and flossing results in the formation of plaque which causes bad breath to develop. Also, your tongue can trap bacteria and cause foul odour. It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene, especially flossing and brushing of teeth after every meal
• Dry Mouth: Saliva helps in cleansing the mouth. Decreased formation of saliva causes bad breath. Also, at times, dry mouth can be caused due to problems with your salivary glands. Further, certain medications also contribute to dry mouth condition
• Tobacco: Smoking and consuming tobacco can cause gum disease which can contribute to bad odour
• Infections: Gum disease or other mouth infections are other prominent reasons for bad breath
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD: Severe acid reflux can also contribute to bad breath
• Cryptic Tonsils: These tonsils are capable of trapping and accumulating debris within the tonsillar crypts, which creates tonsil stones or tonsilloliths. These tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are also responsible for bad breath.

As much as possible try to find ways to get rid of bad breath.

But remember, whether bad breath is caused by wisdom teeth removal or other causes, severe bad breath is never a good sign. Visiting a dental care clinic is a must to check for the underlying condition. Schedule an appointment with Bangalore's best dental care clinic – Dental Solutions Bangalore – and we will make sure to help you bring your fresh breath back.