I know this might sound like a strange question, but can implant dentures cause bad breath? I got my final denture in July, and since that time, I have smelled a distinct odor on my breath. Although the scent is not offensive, neither is it pleasant. My sense of smell is keen, so I noticed it before my wife did. Is this a known problem with some types of titanium implants or overdentures? Thanks for your help. Niccolò

 

Niccolò,

Thank you for choosing the Beverly Hills Institute for Dental Esthetics for your question.

Neither dental implants nor specific types of overdentures are known for creating a strange odor on your breath. But you mentioned that your nose is sensitive to odors, so we will discuss some factors to consider.

Do Dental Implants Have a Strong Odor?

Titanium implant posts do not have a strong odor. The fixtures are in your jawbone beneath your gumline, so even when your mouth is open, you should not be able to smell them. But you can ask your dentist to let you smell an implant fixture identical to yours to see if they are the culprit.

Unfortunately, if titanium dental implants are annoying you, a dentist or surgeon must surgically remove them. Afterward, your implant dentist or oral surgeon will allow healing time before replacing the implants.

What About Titanium Implant Allergies?

Although titanium implant allergies are rare, it is possible to be sensitive to the material. Anyone who thinks they might be experiencing an allergic reaction to titanium dental implants should contact their dentist right away

A November 2020 article published by Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) lists signs and symptoms experienced by patients with titanium dental implant allergies, including:

• Facial eczema
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Itching

But if your complaint is about an odor—not an allergic reaction—you and your dentist can explore other possible causes.

Do Implant Dentures Have a Strong Odor?

Implant dentures do not have a strong odor. But the list below of denture materials can help you decide if you are sensitive to any denture components.

• Denture base: Nylon, acrylic, metal
• Denture teeth: Acrylic

Debris Under a Implant Denture

Sometimes food debris can get stuck under an implant denture, and that might be the odor you smell. If you have a fixed implant denture, try using a water flosser to flush out anything that might be lingering beneath your implant denture.

Hydrogen peroxide is a good mouth rinse to get rid of bacteria, but it is not for extended use. Otherwise, you can get an oral yeast infection that will become more irritating than the odor you smell.

See Your Dentist

Schedule an appointment with your dentist about the odor you smell, and they will help you identify if the implant denture or another source is causing it.

Accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brian LeSage of the Beverly Hills Institute for Dental Esthetics, sponsors this post.