What should I do if I have bad breath after getting porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns?

Due to poor oral hygiene, many people develop dental caries. When caries affect the tooth surface, tooth extraction may become necessary. Many individuals opt for porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns after extraction. But what should one do if halitosis (bad breath) occurs after receiving PFM crowns?

What to Do If You Experience Halitosis After Receiving PFM Crowns

Halitosis following PFM crown placement may stem from gingivitis or periodontal disease, secondary caries, food impaction, or even underlying gastrointestinal disorders. In cases of gingivitis or periodontal disease, bacteria adhere to dental calculus or plaque; food debris and soft deposits can decompose, producing toxins that irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and subsequent halitosis. Secondary caries—caries developing beneath the metal substructure of a PFM crown—can also cause foul odor. Food impaction may occur when misalignment exists between the porcelain and metal margins of the crown; prolonged entrapment of food particles leads to decomposition and odor production, resulting in halitosis.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Poor oral hygiene promotes bacterial proliferation, increasing the risk of various dental diseases and toothache. It is recommended to brush teeth thoroughly twice daily—morning and night—and rinse with water after each meal. These practices help reduce oral bacterial load and maintain fresh breath. Dental caries is a common and widespread condition—and one of the leading causes of toothache. Therefore, preventing caries is key to preventing toothache. If caries are already present, prompt dental consultation and treatment are essential.

Patients are advised to limit intake of sweets and carbonated beverages, and to consistently brush teeth twice daily and rinse after meals. We hope this information proves helpful.