Bad breath is a common symptom of pericoronitis. It can cause embarrassing social situations and may be a sign of other dental problems. The cause of the bad smell is usually the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This can happen when food is caught in the teeth or on the gums. The bacteria release toxins that cause an unpleasant odor. In this blog post, We will discuss why pericoronitis causes a bad smell and what you can do about it.
What is Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gingival operculum, a flap of gum tissue covering a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth. The most common symptom of pericoronitis is dull pain and tenderness in the affected area. Signs of pericoronitis may include:
- Wisdom tooth pain; mild to severe pain
- Painful and swollen gum tissue around the wisdom tooth
- Redness of the gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- The discharge of pus (pericoronal abscess) causes bad taste
- Jaw pain
- Jaw stiffness; difficulty opening the mouth
Why Pericoronitis May Cause Bad Smell?
Pericoronitis usually occurs when food particles and bacteria become trapped in the gum tissue around a partially erupted or impacted tooth. Pericoronitis bacteria produce sulfur compounds, which are responsible for the bad smell. The trapped food also starts to decompose and can add to the bad smell. In addition, pericoronitis may also cause an abscess (a collection of pus) to form. The abscess can also contribute to the bad odor.
Factors Contributing to Pericoronitis & Bad Breath
Several factors can contribute to the development of both pericoronitis and bad smell, including:
- Poor oral hygiene practices: If you do not brush and floss regularly, the food particles and bacteria will build up in your mouth and increase your risk of pericoronitis and bad smell.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco products can increase your risk of pericoronitis because it dries out the mouth and decreases your body’s ability to fight infection. Besides, chemicals in tobacco mix with saliva and cause bad breath. You can read more about how smoking can cause periodontal disease.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria. If you have a dry mouth (xerostomia), there is less saliva to wash away the food particles and bacteria, which can lead to pericoronitis and a bad smell.
- Digestive system problems: An imbalance of bacteria in your digestive system can negatively affect oral health, contributing to pericoronitis and bad breath.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as during puberty or pregnancy, can make you more susceptible to gum disease and pericoronitis, which can lead to unpleasant smells.
- Some medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can lead to pericoronitis. Besides, dry mouth can also cause bad breath.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and respiratory tract infections, can make you more susceptible to pericoronitis and bad breath. Fruity-smelling breath can be a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.
Home Remedies for Pericoronitis
Several home remedies may help relieve the symptoms of pericoronitis and the bad smell, including:
- Practicing good oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene practices are the best way to prevent pericoronitis and bad breath. Regular brushing and flossing to remove food particles and bacteria.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash: Mouthwashes can help to kill the bacteria that cause pericoronitis and the bad smell. Antibacterial mouthwashes are recommended for only short-term use because they can kill both good and bad bacteria in your mouth.
- Pain relief: Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medications to help relieve the pain and tenderness associated with pericoronitis.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and wash away food particles and bacteria.
- Warm salt-water rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help soothe irritated gums and reduce bacteria. To make a salt-water rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be done several times a day for relief.
- Eat soft foods: A soft diet can help prevent further irritation of the gums around the affected tooth. Avoid crunchy foods that can get stuck and exacerbate the condition. Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups.
Home remedies for pericoronitis can effectively manage the symptoms and reduce mouth odor. However, it is crucial to seek professional dental treatment to address the underlying cause of the condition and prevent complications. Without proper dental care, there is a risk of the spread of infection, which can lead to more severe issues such as swollen lymph nodes and systemic infection. Therefore, while home remedies can provide temporary relief, professional intervention is essential for comprehensive and long-term management.
Treatment of Pericoronitis and Bad Smell
Good oral hygiene is the most important measure in preventing pericoronitis. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. If you are experiencing pericoronitis, you should see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent complications. Your dentist may recommend one of the following treatment options:
- Cleaning the affected area: Your dentist may perform professional teeth cleaning to remove the food particles and bacteria.
- Removing the gum flap (operculectomy): In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend oral surgery to remove the gum tissue flap, inflamed operculum, to allow access to the wisdom tooth so that it can be cleaned properly.
- Antibiotics for pericoronitis: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotic medication to help clear the bacterial infection.
- Wisdom tooth extraction: For severe or recurrent pericoronitis, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend wisdom teeth removal, especially in the case of tooth decay.
Pericoronitis Smell – Conclusion
Pericoronitis usually occurs when food particles and bacteria become trapped under the gum tissue flap covering a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds, causing bad breath.
If you are experiencing symptoms of pericoronitis such as swelling, pain, and a foul smell coming from the back of your mouth, it is recommended to seek professional dental care. Ignoring the symptoms or relying solely on home remedies can lead to further complications and potential oral health issues.
The dental treatment depends on the severity of pericoronitis, including professional cleaning, antibiotic medication, or operculectomy. For severe or recurrent pericoronitis, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction.
In addition to professional dental treatment, good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent pericoronitis and the bad smell associated with it. Also, visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, especially if you have partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth.
Remember, proper oral hygiene and timely intervention are key to preventing and managing pericoronitis and its associated bad breath. Your dentist can provide a personalized guidance and treatment plan to ensure overall oral health and fresh breath.
