Bitter Taste and Bad Odor After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Know

Q: Bitter Taste and Bad Odor After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Know

Hello： Oral wounds typically exude blood or gingival crevicular fluid accompanied by saliva, which is often dark red or bright red. <br>Purulent discharge would appear yellow-green and have an unpleasant odor. <br>Additionally, it may also reflect the color of antibiotic powder.

After wisdom tooth extraction, there is a strong bitter taste in the mouth and an unpleasant odor?

Hello doctor, I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted on the 21st, and on the 23rd, I started experiencing a very bitter taste, even dreaming about eating bitter foods.
I only began eating after noticing the bitter taste, and I don't think it's due to food debris.
Today, I used a cotton swab to clean the two teeth in front of the extraction site and found some shallow yellow liquid that had a very foul odor, but the wound itself doesn't feel uncomfortable, and I don't have much pain.
What could this be? Is it normal tissue fluid?

Tian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/25

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: Oral wounds typically exude blood or gingival crevicular fluid accompanied by saliva, which is often dark red or bright red.
Purulent discharge would appear yellow-green and have an unpleasant odor.
Additionally, it may also reflect the color of antibiotic powder.
Medication side effects can cause a bitter taste and other discomforts you described.
If you are still concerned, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment for a more accurate examination by a physician.

Reply Date: 2022/11/25

More Info

After a wisdom tooth extraction, experiencing a bitter taste and bad odor can be concerning, but it is not uncommon. The symptoms you describe—bitter taste, foul odor, and the presence of a yellowish fluid—can be attributed to several factors related to the healing process and potential complications.

Firstly, the bitter taste you are experiencing could be due to a few reasons. One possibility is that it is related to the healing process itself. When a tooth is extracted, the body initiates a healing response, which can sometimes lead to the release of certain biochemical substances that may alter your taste perception. Additionally, if there is any food debris or bacteria trapped in the extraction site, it can lead to an unpleasant odor and taste, even if you are not experiencing significant pain.

The yellowish fluid you noted could be a sign of several things. If it is a clear or slightly yellow fluid, it may be part of the normal healing process, known as serous fluid, which is a type of tissue fluid that can accumulate at the site of injury. However, if the fluid has a strong odor, it could indicate the presence of infection or necrotic tissue. Infections can occur if bacteria enter the extraction site, leading to a condition known as dry socket (alveolar osteitis), where the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.

Even though you mentioned that you do not feel much discomfort, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. The absence of pain does not always mean that everything is healing well. The presence of a foul odor and unusual discharge warrants further investigation. It is advisable to contact your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss your symptoms. They may recommend a follow-up appointment to examine the extraction site, ensure that it is healing properly, and rule out any potential infections.

In the meantime, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and may reduce the risk of infection. Avoid using cotton swabs aggressively in the area, as this could irritate the site further. Instead, focus on gentle rinsing and avoiding hard or crunchy foods that could disturb the healing tissue.

In summary, while some changes in taste and odor can be part of the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction, the symptoms you describe should not be ignored. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that there are no complications and to receive appropriate care. Early intervention can help prevent more severe issues and promote a smoother recovery.

Similar Q&A

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Dealing with Odor and Discomfort

About 5 to 6 days after having my wisdom teeth removed, the sutured area has a foul odor. There is no bleeding or pain, and it seems like there is some fluid oozing out, but it smells bad. I read on other websites that this could be normal tissue fluid, but does that mean I have ...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: The extraction site will take at least one week to show initial healing. If you experience symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing, it is advisable to seek medical attention. For general discomfort at the wound site, it is recommended to monitor the situa...

Dealing with Bad Odor After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Tips and Advice

I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted last Thursday, but starting from the third day, I noticed a foul and sour smell coming from the area. Brushing and rinsing haven't helped. What should I do? Can I use mouthwash to rinse?

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello: Wisdom teeth are often removed due to infection and pain. The oral microbiota can easily infect the alveolar bone at the surgical site, leading to localized alveolar osteitis. Mouthwash can be used, but it only suppresses bacteria. Please have the physician perform a medic...

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Blood Taste, Swelling, and Bad Odor Concerns

Hello Doctor, I had two wisdom teeth extracted on the right side on the afternoon of June 19th. The lower tooth was horizontally impacted and very close to the nerve, and I had a protein filler placed to aid in recovery. I have three questions: 1. It has been four days since th...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Hong, Hello! Based on what you described, there may be inflammation. Please return for a follow-up appointment for treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to maintain oral hygiene. Take care! Wishing you all the best and a smooth recovery! Sincerel...

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Odor and Gum Height Concerns

I had my upper wisdom tooth extracted a week ago, and I have finished taking the anti-inflammatory medication. Although there is no pain anymore, there is still an unusual odor coming from the extraction site, and the gum tissue is as high as the adjacent molar. Is this a normal ...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If the smell is unpleasant, or if there is pus or yellow nasal discharge, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment to have the physician confirm whether there is a bacterial infection. You may also need to obtain anti-inflammatory medication.