How to Get Rid of Bad Smell from a Dental Crown: 7 Effective Tips

 A bad smell emanating from a dental crown can be unpleasant and concerning. This odor is often due to trapped food particles, plaque buildup, or improper fitting. Here are seven detailed tips to help you eliminate the bad smell from your dental crown and maintain good oral hygiene.

How to Get Rid of Bad Smell from a Dental Crown

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is crucial in preventing bad odors from a dental crown:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth thoroughly, including the area around the crown.
• Floss Daily: Floss around the crown to remove any trapped food particles and plaque. Consider using a floss threader if the area is hard to reach.
• Use Mouthwash: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.

2. Clean Underneath the Crown

Food particles and bacteria can get trapped under the crown, causing bad smells:

• Interdental Brushes: Use interdental brushes or picks to clean the spaces between your teeth and around the crown.
• Water Flossers: Consider using a water flosser to flush out debris from under the crown and between teeth.

3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health and addressing issues with crowns:

• Professional Cleanings: Schedule professional cleanings every six months to remove tartar and plaque buildup that can cause odors.
• Check for Fit and Seal: Have your dentist check the fit and seal of the crown. An improperly fitted crown can allow bacteria to enter and cause bad smells.

4. Use Dental Products Designed for Crowns

Special dental products can help keep the area around your crown clean and odor-free:

• Crown-Specific Toothpastes: Some toothpastes are specifically designed for cleaning around crowns and dental work.
• Antimicrobial Rinses: Use rinses that contain antimicrobial agents to reduce bacterial growth around the crown.

5. Avoid Foods That Cause Bad Breath

Certain foods can contribute to bad breath and odors from your crown:

• Garlic and Onions: These foods contain sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath.
• Sugary and Sticky Foods: These can get stuck around the crown and promote bacterial growth.
• Hard Foods: Avoid biting on hard foods that could damage the crown or create gaps where food can get trapped.

6. Stay Hydrated

Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, so staying hydrated is important:

• Drink Water Regularly: Sip water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and help cleanse it.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help clean your teeth.

7. Consider Crowns Made from Different Materials

If bad smells persist despite good oral hygiene, the material of the crown might be contributing:

• Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These materials are less likely to harbor bacteria compared to some metal crowns.
• Discuss Options with Your Dentist: Talk to your dentist about the possibility of replacing the crown with one made from a different material that might be less prone to odors.

Conclusion

Getting rid of bad smells from a dental crown involves maintaining excellent oral hygiene, cleaning under and around the crown, visiting your dentist regularly, using dental products designed for crowns, avoiding foods that cause bad breath, staying hydrated, and considering different crown materials if necessary. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dental crown remains clean, odor-free, and contributes to your overall oral health. Regular dental check-ups and proper care are key to preventing and addressing any issues related to your crown.