How to Deal with Bad Odor from a Porcelain Crown

Dec 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Bad breath from porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns may originate from poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, inadequate fit of the crown, gingivitis, or pulpitis. For different causes, management methods include improving oral hygiene, and remake of the PFM crown. Patients should maintain good oral hygiene habits and undergo regular dental check-ups and cleaning to promptly identify and address bad breath issues related to PFM crowns.

  Bad breath from porcelain crowns may originate from poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, inadequate fit of the porcelain crown, gingivitis, or pulpitis. For different causes, management methods include improving oral hygiene, remaking the porcelain crown, and treating gingivitis or pulpitis. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  

  1. Poor oral hygiene: After installation of a porcelain crown, if the patient fails to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as timely brushing and flossing, food debris and bacteria can accumulate around the porcelain crown, leading to bad breath. It is recommended to improve oral hygiene by brushing at least twice daily, using dental floss to clean interdental spaces, and undergoing regular dental examinations and professional cleaning.

  2. Dietary habits: If the gap between the porcelain crown and adjacent teeth is improperly designed or the patient has不良 chewing habits, food residue can easily remain. These food particles ferment in the mouth, causing bad breath. Management includes adjusting the design of the porcelain crown to ensure appropriate spacing with adjacent teeth, and the patient should also improve chewing habits to avoid food impaction.

  3. Poor fit of the porcelain crown: If the porcelain crown does not achieve an ideal fit during fabrication or placement, bacteria may enter through gaps into the interior of the crown, causing infection or decay, which leads to bad breath. In such cases, it is necessary to remake and reinstall a well-fitting porcelain crown to eliminate the source of the odor.

  4. Gingivitis: After installation of a porcelain crown, if the patient does not maintain proper oral hygiene or if the crown's margin irritates the gums, gingivitis may develop. Gingivitis can cause redness, swelling, bleeding of the gums, and bad breath. Treatment involves professional cleaning to remove dental plaque and calculus, using mouthwash as an adjunct for inflammation, and, if necessary, undergoing periodontal scaling.

  5. Pulpitis: If pulpitis (infection of the dental pulp) occurs in the tooth beneath the porcelain crown, it can cause tooth pain, swelling, and bad breath. Management involves root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp tissue, followed by filling and sealing to restore the tooth's health.

  Patients should maintain good oral hygiene habits and undergo regular dental checkups and cleanings to promptly detect and address bad breath issues related to porcelain crowns.

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