Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Bad Breath? (Yes, And Here’s What You Can Do)
Wisdom teeth are a common source of bad breath. Because they are located at the back of the mouth, and difficult to clean—a buildup of plaque, bacteria, decay, and infection around wisdom teeth can cause unpleasant odors that easily translate into your breath.
In this article, we’ll explore how wisdom teeth can cause bad breath, what signs to look for, and what to do about it.
How Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Bad Breath?
Because of their placement in the mouth, wisdom teeth are notoriously difficult to reach and clean properly. If your tooth is not fully erupted, flaps of gums may partially cover the tooth as well, creating the perfect shelter for plaque and bacteria to thrive. This can lead to decay and infection, resulting in foul odors around your teeth and, ultimately, your breath.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Causing Bad Breath?
Here are the most common reasons wisdom teeth can lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis.
When Teeth Are Hard to Reach, Bacteria Builds Up
Between wisdom teeth’s hard-to-reach location and their tendency to grow in partially or at an angle, it is difficult to keep them clean. The positioning of wisdom teeth makes them uniquely hard to brush and floss—even for people with good oral hygiene.
Plaque, bacteria, and food debris can quickly accumulate around wisdom teeth, triggering inflammation, infection, decay, and bad breath. The inability to access and clean these areas effectively is a direct contributor to halitosis.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Create More Bacteria Problems
When wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted, this can lead to flaps of gum tissue over the teeth, gum pockets, and pressure on the neighboring teeth. Gum flaps covering the teeth can trap food and bacteria inside, creating an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria to grow.
Bacteria trapped under gum flaps is one of the leading causes of bad breath associated with wisdom teeth.
Trapped bacteria can also lead to a gum infection called pericoronitis, which is very common with partially-erupted wisdom teeth. These infections contribute to noticeable bad breath.
Wisdom Teeth Related Sinus Problems May Cause Odor
Upper wisdom teeth have a unique complication: the possibility of pressing into or irritating the sinus cavity. Sinus irritation can cause post-nasal drip and mucus drainage into the throat, leading to an environment that supports bacterial growth and odor.
While this is a less-common reason for bad breath from wisdom teeth, it is still a cause for concern. You can learn more by reading: Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Problems?
Symptoms of Bad Breath From Wisdom Teeth
Common signs that wisdom teeth may be causing your bad breath include:
- Persistent bad breath even after brushing and rinsing
- Bad taste or metallic taste in the mouth
- Pain or tenderness near the back of the mouth
- Swelling or puffiness around your back molars
- Bleeding during or after brushing
- Pus, discharge, or signs of infection near the wisdom tooth
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath From Wisdom Teeth
If you suspect your wisdom teeth are causing bad breath, here are some steps for getting rid of bad breath from wisdom teeth.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
To help ensure that your wisdom teeth are clean, use floss and a soft toothbrush, taking extra time around the back molars. Water flossers and interdental brushes are especially effective in those hard-to-reach areas.
Consider using an antibacterial or alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse away food particles and bacteria. While these steps may not be enough to reach every nook and cranny of a deep impaction, they will help in most cases.
Treat Any Underlying Infection
Persistent odor, swelling, or pain may indicate infection in or around the tooth. See your dentist for a diagnosis and, if needed, antibiotic treatment. A mild infection may take as much as a month to fully heal; it’s critical to follow all of your dentist’s instructions to prevent the infection from returning.
Consider Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your bad breath persists despite your efforts to keep your wisdom teeth clean and healthy, extraction may be your best option. Wisdom tooth extraction is the best way to stop current issues and prevent future problems as well.
Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that, in the hands of a skilled oral surgeon, can be completed in a single brief visit. Once healing is complete, you’re left with fewer opportunities for infection and cleaner gumlines for better oral health overall.
Learn more about wisdom tooth extraction in NJ.
When Should You See an Oral Surgeon?
If you’re struggling with ongoing bad breath, swelling, bleeding, or difficulty chewing, it may be time to make an appointment with an oral surgeon. Bad breath is more common than most people admit, and it’s not something to be embarrassed about—but it does deserve attention.
Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in NJ specializes in identifying and treating exactly these kinds of problems. Trusted by patients and dentists for over 70 years, our dual-degree oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to resolve complex wisdom tooth issues, whether your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected.
If you believe your wisdom teeth are the cause of your bad breath, schedule a consultation at one of our four oral surgery centers in Bergen County. Early evaluation can prevent more serious complications down the road. Our team is ready to help from consultation to recovery with convenient, compassionate care in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood.
Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.
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Bad Breath from Wisdom Teeth – Answers to Your Questions
Your wisdom teeth may be causing bad breath. Here are some of the most common related questions we hear from patients, and their answers.
Can I fix bad breath from wisdom teeth without surgery?
Improving your hygiene or using antibacterial mouth rinses may help temporarily, but if the issue is due to an impacted, infected, or partially erupted tooth, bad breath is likely to return. In some cases, extraction is the most reliable fix for long-term relief.
How do I tell if my wisdom tooth is infected?
Common symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection are pain, swelling, pus, a bad taste, or foul breath. Infection can also cause redness or difficulty opening the mouth. These signs should not be ignored and typically need professional evaluation.
Related reading:
- Five Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
- Removing All Four Wisdom Teeth at Once
- Sedation Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal
