Can wisdom teeth cause bad breath?

Jun 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've been having a strong bad odor in my mouth lately. After a hospital checkup, I was found to have wisdom teeth. Could wisdom teeth cause bad breath?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Whether wisdom teeth cause bad breath depends on their growth condition and oral hygiene habits. If wisdom teeth grow normally and there is sufficient space around them, they generally do not lead to bad breath. However, when wisdom teeth grow abnormally—such as becoming impacted or misaligned—they can create hard-to-clean areas between the teeth. Food impaction in these areas may ferment over time, resulting in bad breath. In addition, the growth of wisdom teeth may trigger oral conditions such as pericoronitis, dental caries in the wisdom teeth, or pericoronal abscesses, all of which are common causes of halitosis. Whether wisdom teeth contribute to bad breath must be determined based on the specific condition of the teeth and an individual's oral hygiene practices. To prevent bad breath, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene and promptly address any issues related to wisdom teeth.