I have bad taste in mouth after wisdom tooth removal. Is it infection or dry socket?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I got my wisdom teeth out on Tuesday. I am not in much pain, but I have a horrible taste in my mouth, and my breath is horrible. I have brushed my teeth twice a day, and I use a saltwater rinse like 15 times a day. And I use an alcohol-free mouthwash. I cannot tell if I have an infection or a dry socket, and I am freaking out. The sockets look like they still have the clot, but it is white, not red. Kindly help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Since you do not have pain or fever or any other major symptoms, there is not much to freak out about.
Coming on to the bad taste and bad odor, it could be due to any deposits in the socket or anywhere else in the mouth. Even a dry mouth can cause it. But if you feel it is really extreme, you can visit your dentist, who will irrigate the socket and also find out the reason after a clinical examination.
If it is a dry socket, by any chance, a sedative dressing will be given. Usually, dry socket gives these symptoms, but along with severe pain, by the second to the third day of tooth removal.
Ultimately, it is not an emergency. You can continue lukewarm salt water gargling and limit the usage of mouthwashes. If pain or this bad taste and odor continues, visit your nearby dentist.
Even if it was an infection, you would have had pain or lymph node swelling at least mildly. So, you will be fine.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
I am having excruciating pain and swelling post wisdom tooth extraction. Why?
Why is there pain at the site of wisdom tooth extraction?
Can I have dry socket even after placing bone graft in the extracted socket?
How can bad breath be stopped and prevented?
I have bad breath, and my tongue has a white coating. Why?
Can dry socket occur due to smoking?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.