Have you ever questioned why your breath has become unpleasant following the extraction of your wisdom teeth?
It is highly likely that you are not effectively removing all the food particles that are leftover in your mouth following each meal.
It’s not the food that remains in your mouth that creates such a rotten smell; rather, it is a kind of bacteria that make your breath smell terrible.
Bad breath after wisdom teeth removal is quite common, and most often it recovers as the area heals. Most people experience bad breath after wisdom teeth removal Sydney, which can be caused due to a number of reasons, but it can also be reduced by a number of methods.
Causes of bad breath after a tooth removal
1. Flow of blood: The extraction site may have occasional bleeding for the first two days, which can cause both an odour and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
To prevent this, it is advisable to drink water slowly once the bleeding has ceased, as this will help maintain a fresh mouth. However, it is important to refrain from using mouthwash during the first day after the extraction.
Most dentists recommend using mouthwash or warm salt water to rinse your mouth only after 24 hours.
2. Cleanliness: The first couple of days after extraction, you cannot thoroughly brush or floss your teeth, since it is important that the site should remain undisturbed during initial healing. This can also cause bad breath.
– Tips: Try to brush your teeth using a soft bristle toothbrush and make a habit of gargling with lukewarm water.
3. Pain Medications: Most prescribed medicines will fasten the healing process but make your mouth dry, resulting in bad breath.
– Tips: Stay hydrated to get rid of this type of bad breath. Consume fresh juice to keep your body hydrated and eat healthy foods even after completing the healing process.
4. Dry Socket: If you experience unpleasant breath or taste within two to four days after getting your wisdom teeth removed, it is possible that you have developed a dry socket. A dry socket refers to a situation where the blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged, resulting in exposed bone and nerve tissue, leading to intense, pulsating pain.
Methods to Eliminate Unpleasant Breath
Having unpleasant breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and affect your confidence. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to eliminate unpleasant breath. Here are some effective approaches:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is crucial in combating bad breath. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, focusing on all tooth surfaces, the tongue, and gum line. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth.
- Clean Your Tongue: The tongue can harbour bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Use a tongue scraper or a toothbrush to gently clean your tongue daily to remove any buildup and bacteria.
- Stay Hydrated: Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and to promote saliva production. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth and neutralise odours.
- Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages: Some foods and beverages, such as garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol, can leave a lingering odour in your mouth. Limit your consumption of these items, or make sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth afterwards.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking not only causes its own distinct smell but also contributes to dry mouth and gum disease, which can lead to bad breath. Quitting smoking will not only improve your breath, but also benefit your overall health.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can identify and treat any underlying oral health issues that may be causing bad breath.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash or a natural rinse like saltwater to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute after brushing and flossing.
- Watch What You Eat: Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots can help stimulate saliva production and naturally cleanse your mouth.
- Manage Dry Mouth: If you frequently experience dry mouth, consider using saliva substitutes, chewing sugar-free gum, or using products specifically designed to combat dry mouth symptoms.
- Address Underlying Health Issues: Bad breath can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as gum disease, sinus infections, or gastric reflux. If you have persistent bad breath despite following good oral hygiene practices, consult with your dentist or healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, staying hydrated, and addressing any underlying issues are key to eliminating unpleasant breath.