Why does a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown cause bad odor?
Jun 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Huijie
Introduction
Why does a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown develop a bad odor?
1. Food debris: The unpleasant smell from a porcelain crown may result from food particles remaining in the mouth, along with decomposing dead dental tissues fermenting in saliva, which can contribute to bad breath (halitosis).
2. Dental plaque: A thin film that forms on tooth surfaces, composed of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If plaque accumulates on the surface of a porcelain crown, it may also cause an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath associated with porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns refers to an unpleasant odor emanating from the surface or interior of the crown. This condition is generally caused by food debris retention, dental plaque, dental caries, periodontitis, pulpitis, etc.. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Food Debris Retention
If patients fail to clean their teeth promptly after eating, food particles may become trapped on the surface of the PFM crown or between teeth, leading to bad odor. Patients should maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing or brushing their teeth immediately after meals.
2. Dental Plaque
Dental plaque is a thin film that forms on tooth surfaces, composed of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. When plaque accumulates on the surface of a PFM crown, it can cause unpleasant odors. Patients can remove plaque through regular brushing, flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwashes.
3. Dental Caries
Dental caries is a disease characterized by progressive destruction of tooth hard tissues, potentially causing defects on the tooth surface. If caries progresses, it may affect the margin between the crown and natural tooth, resulting in odor. It is recommended that patients visit a dental clinic for professional application of fluoride to prevent further progression of decay.
4. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting tissues around the teeth, which may lead to gum recession and alveolar bone loss. These changes can compromise tooth stability and contribute to bad breath. Timely treatment is necessary to maintain periodontal health. Under medical guidance, patients may use antibiotic medications such as amoxicillin capsules, metronidazole tablets, or azithromycin capsules.
5. Pulpitis
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the inner dental pulp tissue, often causing tooth pain and swelling. If left untreated, pulpitis may spread to the interface between the crown and the underlying tooth, causing odor. Prompt medical consultation is advised. Root canal treatment should be performed by a qualified dentist, involving mechanical and chemical cleaning of infected material within the root canal, followed by tight sealing to prevent reinfection and promote healing of periapical lesions. The procedure typically costs between 600 and 3,000 yuan, with noticeable improvement expected within about 7 days; however, potential complications include infection or gingival injury.
Patients are advised to maintain good daily oral hygiene practices, including brushing teeth twice a day (morning and night) and rinsing after meals. Regular use of dental floss and interdental brushes is recommended to clean between teeth. Routine dental check-ups and professional cleaning at a dental clinic are also important. Additionally, avoid consuming overly sweet, acidic, or spicy foods to minimize irritation to teeth and gums.
