Many people who are considering dental implants worry, “Will they cause bad breath?”. This question stems from the possibility of food debris accumulating, especially in the space created by the implant with the gums or neighboring teeth. Some patients say that if they wear a temporary or permanent bridge in the implant area, they notice a foul odor at the end of the day or in the morning. However, this is usually due to a lack of hygiene or insufficient cleaning of the implant site.
Food debris can accumulate, especially in small spaces under the implants or near neighboring teeth. The daily toothbrushing routine is often not enough to clean these areas thoroughly. Experts recommend special floss for these areas, so-called “super floss” with a thick tip, or waterpiks with a low pressure setting. If there is a temporary prosthesis, bridge or fixed tooth on top of the implant, your dentist should explain how you can clean hard-to-reach areas without having to remove this structure.
Some people report a very bad odor when the dentist removes the implant screw or abutment. This odor is the smell of trapped bacteria, which is often inaudible in your daily life and is only present during the “removal” of the implant. Even if the implant is intact, a small accumulation of bacteria or food debris in a completely enclosed space can cause this odor. In everyday life, it is likely to go unnoticed by your immediate environment.
Whether a dental implant causes bad breath depends on your oral care, the location of the implant and how well you follow your dentist’s advice. You can minimize bad breath by brushing regularly several times a day, using special methods of cleaning the spaces around the implant (such as floss, interdental brush, water sprayer) and routine dental check-ups. Also, if you notice unusual pain or swelling around the implant, it is important to consult your dentist, keeping in mind the risk of infection.
