A bad smell coming from your back tooth is typically a sign of bacterial activity or other dental issues in that area.
Back teeth, especially molars and wisdom teeth, have many grooves and can be harder to clean effectively compared to front teeth. This makes them prone to trapping food particles and plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria.
Understanding the Cause: Bacterial Activity
One of the primary reasons your back tooth might smell bad is the presence of bacteria. As referenced, the bacteria present release volatile sulfur compounds as they break down food particles, which can contribute to the characteristic odor. These sulfur compounds are similar to those found in rotten eggs and are the same culprits behind bad breath (halitosis).
Think of food bits left between or around the tooth. Bacteria feed on these particles, and in the process, they release smelly gases.
Other Possible Issues
Beyond simple food trapping and bacterial breakdown, other dental problems can cause a persistent bad smell:
- Tooth Decay (Cavities): A cavity is essentially a hole in the tooth caused by acid-producing bacteria eroding the enamel and dentin. This decaying tissue and the bacteria within the cavity can trap food and produce a foul odor.
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): If the gums around the back tooth are inflamed or infected, pockets can form between the tooth and the gum. These pockets are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and can fill with pus, leading to a bad smell and taste.
- Food Impaction: Sometimes, food particles can become deeply wedged between teeth or under the gumline, especially around partially erupted wisdom teeth. This trapped food decays and attracts bacteria.
- Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums. An abscess can cause significant pain and a very foul smell if it drains.
- Issue with Wisdom Teeth: As the reference notes, in some instances, the presence of decay or infection around the wisdom tooth can also contribute to the development of a foul smell. Wisdom teeth are particularly hard to clean and are prone to issues like impaction, pericoronitis (inflammation of the gum around a partially emerged tooth), and decay.
What Can You Do About It?
Identifying the exact cause requires a visit to a dental professional, but here are steps you can take:
- Improve Oral Hygiene:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, paying extra attention to your back teeth.
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily to clean between teeth where a toothbrush can't reach.
- Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash, though this is a temporary fix and doesn't remove the underlying cause.
- Ensure Adequate Hydration: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
- See Your Dentist: This is the most crucial step. A dentist can:
- Perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
- Examine the tooth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, or infection.
- Take X-rays to check for issues beneath the gumline or within the tooth.
- Recommend appropriate treatment, whether it's a filling for a cavity, deep cleaning for gum disease, or addressing issues related to a wisdom tooth.
Ignoring a bad smell from a tooth is not advisable, as it often indicates a problem that won't go away on its own and could worsen over time.
