Dental implants offer a great way to improve your smile, confidence, and even your oral health. However, it is important to mention that dental implants are not a replacement for good oral health practices. When you fail to keep your oral health a priority, foul-smelling breath might not be far behind. Learn about some of the things that can cause odors when you have implants.

Lack of Oral Hygiene 

Dental implants are not natural teeth. As a result, it is important to assume that you do not have to perform the same oral hygiene steps that you would with your natural teeth. However, this type of mistake can still lead to foul breath. When you do not brush regularly or floss, food particles can still collect inside your mouth and even settle around your gum line. 

These particles will interact with the bacteria inside your mouth and cause a bad smell or the particles could settle around your gum line and cause plaque buildup. Whatever the case, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices.

Infection

Another issue that could cause your breath to smell is an infection. When a person has their implants installed, their dental provider will offer in-depth instructions on how to properly care for the incision site. It is critically important for people to follow these directions. 

When an individual does not follow these guidelines, there is an increased risk of the incision area filling with bacteria and becoming infected. Not only will an infected incision area smell bad, but an infection in the mouth can be incredibly dangerous. If you suspect an infection, make sure you visit your dental provider as soon as possible. 

Underlying Medical Condition

Sometimes, foul-smelling breath after the installation of dental implants is an indication of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes. When unmanaged, elevated blood glucose levels can cause a breath odor that cannot seem to be rectified, even with regular brushing. In this instance, not until the person has their diabetes controlled will the odor leave. 

Keep in mind, medical conditions like diabetes also increase the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can cause gum tissue to deteriorate, which can cause the implants to fail, so make sure you find out about any underlying conditions.

If you have implants and you have concerns about bad breath, it is important to speak with your oral health provider to get to the bottom of the problem. Contact a dentist for more information about dental implants.