I received 3 dental implants in October 2020. They healed well by the end of winter in 2021. I’m really diligent about good oral hygiene, but since I’ve had the dental implants, my breath has a really strong odor. Even I can smell it when I talk. Fortunately, I’m single, but I notice that sometimes when I’m talking with friends, they back away from me – more than an arm’s length.
This has been so embarrassing that 2 weekends ago, I asked one of my good friends to come to my house so we could talk. I asked her about my breath, and she said it is very strong. She said that she didn’t want to hurt my feelings about it, but she was thinking of a way to mention it to me. She was glad that I asked her to visit me.
I scheduled an appointment with my dentist last week, but he suggested I’m not cleaning my mouth and teeth well enough. My hygiene habits are not the problem. I brush twice daily and floss every night. Sometimes I floss in the morning, too. Could something be going wrong with one or more of my dental implants?
Thanks, Heather. Yonkers, NY
Heather,
It is not normal for dental implants to cause bad breath. If you are diligent about your oral hygiene habits, negligence on your part is not the problem.
Did your dentist examine your dental implants closely or simply recommend that you practice better hygiene? There may be an infection around one of your dental implants, but a dentist needs to examine your implants to determine that.
Good oral hygiene habits promote healthy dental implants
We understand that your hygiene habits are good, but below is some information that our readers can benefit from also.
Preventing Bad Breath with Dental Implants
How can you prevent bad breath if you have dental implants?
- Hygiene at home – Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice daily and flossing between your teeth. If you find flossing difficult, consider purchasing a water flosser to remove debris between your teeth and gums. The water stream is very effective for cleaning between teeth.
- Oral exams and cleanings – Maintain your regularly scheduled appointments for cleanings and exams with your dentist. The examination can detect early signs of infection, tooth decay, or periodontal (gum) disease, which can also cause bad breath.
- Medical exams – Medical conditions and some medications can cause breath odor. Systemic diseases and certain prescription medications can cause dry mouth, promote bacteria, and cause a strong breath odor. Maintain a regular schedule for annual physical exams for prevention and early detection of medical problems.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to increase saliva production and loosen food debris in your mouth.
What’s Next?
Schedule an appointment with your dentist. Act quickly to determine what is causing the strong odor on your breath. If they are unwilling to take a closer look and find out what is causing the problem, we suggest you find another dentist and get a second opinion. If neither dentist can determine the cause of the problem, schedule an appointment with your medical doctor.
Monroe, Louisiana dentist Dr. David Finley, sponsors this post.
