Hello Doctor,
I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed almost 2 weeks ago. Last week Friday, they removed the sutures/stitches, and 2 days after that, I started having bad breath that doesn't go away. I thought there was something trapped and it's draining, but it's been 4 days, and still, bad breath. What could be the problem? I still have some swelling in my jaw and some pain. I just finished 1 week of antibiotic treatment also.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr.Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
The bad breath you are experiencing is likely due to an infection in the tooth socket following the surgical extraction of your wisdom molar. This condition, known as a dry socket or alveolar osteitis, can occur when the blood clot that forms in the socket dislodges or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. It is often associated with pain that can vary in intensity and may lead to foul-smelling breath.
Since you mentioned that you still have some swelling in your jaw and pain after finishing a week of antibiotic treatment, it’s essential to follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon. They can evaluate the extraction site and determine if further treatment is necessary. In the meantime, to help alleviate the symptoms, I recommend using a special local dressing and a mouthwash specifically designed to help combat infection and bad breath. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during this healing process.
If the bad breath persists or worsens, please seek professional advice promptly to ensure proper healing and to rule out any complications.
Thanks
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