Sour metallic taste post wisdom tooth extraction: Infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

I just got all four of my wisdom teeth removed two days before and I have a bad taste in my mouth that tastes like sour dough but more like metallic. There is not really any pain there, my jaw is just sore from being held open for about an hour but the taste has been happening for about a day and a half. I am worried that it may be an infection even though I have been carefully brushing my teeth twice a day and using a lukewarm saltwater solution.

Is there really anything for me to worry about when it comes to that and is there a way to get this horrid taste out of my mouth so I can stop losing my appetite? I am also on contraceptives so that is why I am a little worried that it may be a dry socket but I do not have the excruciating pain which is what confuses me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is very strange that you have all your wisdom teeth removed at the age of 14. These teeth normally start to erupt or come through at the age of 18 years or later when they start to cause trouble and we think of getting them out. Anyway, if you had all the four removed or even one of them and had the wound closed with stitches, check in the mirror and see if the stitches are still there, in which case you are unlikely to be having a dry socket.

If you, however, find the socket or the hole that was holding your tooth open, it is more likely a dry socket and it is best to get back to your dentist where you had the operation to get it cleaned and covered with a dressing. Until then, continue brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with salty lukewarm water, or you may use an antiseptic mouthwash such as Listerine or Chlorhexidine instead.