Foul Smell from Wisdom Tooth Stitches
Age: 20, Gender: Female, Height: 5'4", Weight: 130 lbs, Currently only on birth control. I had my wisdom teeth extracted nine days ago, and I noticed that my stitches began to loosen around six days after the procedure. I’ve just lost the third set of stitches, and they emit a truly unpleasant odor. It’s quite startling as I didn’t notice any smell from the previous two sets. This particular row seems to have a somewhat chunky texture, which I find quite distasteful. While I don't detect any bad smell from my mouth overall, the odor from the stitches is definitely off-putting. I’m unsure if this is a cause for concern. For additional information, I am no longer experiencing significant pain in the extraction sites.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 3:21:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about foul smells and changes in your stitches after wisdom tooth extraction. Here's a breakdown of the main points regarding your situation.
Main Points:
- The foul smell from the stitches likely indicates some degree of irritation or infection.
- Losing stitches is common, especially if they are dissolvable, and it can lead to changes in the healing site.
Explanation:
After wisdom tooth extraction, it’s normal for stitches to dissolve and fall out, especially if they are the dissolvable type. However, an unpleasant odor can signify that there might be a bit of food debris, bacteria, or even slight infection in the area. It's good that you're not experiencing significant pain, but the smell can be a signal that the site needs some attention, especially if it’s combined with other symptoms like swelling or discharge.
Next Steps:
-
Maintain Oral Hygiene:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2 to 3 times daily. This can help cleanse the area and reduce odor.
- Continue to brush your teeth regularly, avoiding the extraction site to not disturb it.
-
Monitor for Changes:
- Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the smell persists, or if you start to notice increased swelling, pain, or discharge, it may indicate a more significant issue.
-
Stay Hydrated:
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your mouth moist and can aid healing.
-
Avoid Certain Foods:
- Stick to soft foods that don't require much chewing and avoid anything overly spicy, acidic, or crunchy until the extraction sites have fully healed.
If the odor does not improve in the next few days or if you notice any concerning symptoms, it would be wise to seek further evaluation from your dentist. Your comfort and health are the priority, so don't hesitate to take action based on your symptoms. Keep me updated if you have any more questions or concerns!
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