Answers From Your Dentist: Do Crowns Cause Bad Breath?

Chances are we all can recall a time when we were alarmed by our own breath. Perhaps you still can recall that moment quite clearly. Sometimes it is a distinct smell that we can pinpoint and other times it seems to strike us out of the blue with no definite reason. It may seem strange that your beautiful porcelain crown can cause bad breath, but it is possible. Here are a few reasons why your crown might cause bread breath and few ways to help combat the bad breath, from the experts here at Riverside Dental Care.

How Can My Crown Cause Bad Breath?

A stinky smell coming from your crown is not normal. If you find yourself or someone you love in this position, it should raise a level of concern. While the reasons for a smelly crown can vary, none of them are reasons that should be ignored.

Poor hygiene can lead to plaque and buildup that forms around the crown. If this happens, the bacteria present can produce bad breath. Poorly sealed crown margins may lead to leakage in which bacteria can seep under the crown and cause decay. Decay around or under a crown can also lead to bad crown smells. In addition to this, crowns that don’t fit properly can trap food and bacteria. Over time, a poor-fitting crown can even lead to problems with the gum tissue that surrounds the crown. In severe cases, this may involve some gum disease. Gum disease can also produce bad breath.

My Crown Fell Off, What Should I Do?

If you notice that your crown fell off, it’s a good idea to get in with your dentist soon. It’s possible that the cement on your crown let loose and you just need your crown cleaned up a little and recemented on. Most times though, a crown falls off because there is decay present. If this is the case, you may even notice a not so pleasant scent.

Can I Get An Infection Underneath My Crown?

Yes, it is very possible to get an infection under your crown. If the crown margin is not sealed well, it is possible that bacteria gets under the crown and causes decay. If the decay is not caught in the earlier stages, it will continue to spread. If decay reaches the center of the tooth and into the pulp chamber where the nerve and blood supply the tooth, an infection will result.

I Need A Crown, Can I Avoid Getting Bad Breath?

There are a few suggestions when it comes to getting a crown and avoiding bad breath. Finding a good dentist is important as crown dentistry really is a work of art. You want your crown to look good but you also want to be sure that your crown is shaped well and fits well. Overhanging margins and any gaps around the crown provide areas where bacteria can live and food can get trapped. Different types of crowns offer different materials and some may be better for your specific situation. This is something that you can discuss with your dentist. Once you find a good dentist to do your crown, you will want to do your part at home to care for the crown by keeping the area clean.

How Do I Stop My Crown From Smelling?

When it comes to bad breath, many have tried to mask the smell. Yes, there is gum, mints, and toothpaste available to fight bad breath. As with most things that are aimed at masking symptoms, they only go so far. The best solution for stopping your crown from smelling is to address the actual cause of the smell. For most people, this will involve a trip to the dentist. Your dentist can take an x-ray and perform an exam to check for signs of decay, infection, or gum disease. If such things exist, then treatment can be performed to remove decay, infection, or disease. This should eliminate the bad smell.

Sometimes the smell is not coming from one of these things and it could be that homecare needs some extra attention. Thorough brushing and flossing is sometimes all that is required in these cases. Once the bacteria is better controlled, the smell resides.

The best prevention in keeping your crown from causing bad breath is to be brushing and flossing well. If you find yourself with bad breath despite good home care, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist. To schedule your next appointment, please call us or schedule an appointment online. Your dentist will do a thorough exam and possibly take an x-ray to determine if decay, infection, or periodontal disease may be the culprit of bad breath.