Hi there,

This is rather long and complicated but I really wanted to write down how I'm feeling and this seemed like a good place. I've been suffering from depression for the past 3 years (on and off), partly (or maybe mostly) to do with my dental problems and halitosis.

I simply don't know what to do anymore

So here goes the story... If you get bored easily you might not want to carry on reading :)

I've had dental issues for the past 4 years now and every time I sort one thing out another thing comes up. I originally had 3 crowns in my teeth. My previous dentist did a really bad job on two of them to the point where it led to an infection in the bone. One of them would also bleed quite a bit and had a REALLY bad smell coming from the area whenever I would floss or simply touch the tooth. This really got me down as I think I suffer from halitosis anyway so this just made it worse. Anyway, my current dentist said the post was infected and I had to see a specialist... it was the only way the smell would go...

So since I couldn't afford it in the uk, I had to go abroad which I did a couple of months ago. I went to the top comestic dental surgery I could find. It was still pretty expensive but I got seen by various specialists who re did all the dodgy root canals and treated the infection. A gum specialist also did gum surgery/recontouring as there was not enough tooth left under my original crowns. The dentist said I also needed more crowns and since I was having a complete smile makeover I ended up with 7 crowns and a couple of veneers (all on my upper teeth).

So here I was thinking problem solved! My teeth look great now and the smell from the original crown (my only real complaint initially!) had gone. YAY! Or so I thought...

When I returned to the uk, my new dentist said the only problem was that there was not enough space to clean between all the teeth as they seemed cemented together. This would eventually lead to gum problems. Over the next couple of months I continued to use floss/interdental brushes etc, so now I can clean between all my teeth, but in doing so, 2/3crowns began to bleed. Now these areas smell REALLY bad again. One of them is really bad to the point where I feel my mouth smelling if I just lick the area (its at the front of my mouth). Although my original complaint of the crown that smelt had gone, this one seems even worse! I've seen my dentist about 3 times since. She's always said my gums are quite healthy, and the bleeding is only because of the heavy restoration in my mouth. She recommended I use corsodyl for a month. My dentist abroad recommended I use a waterpik.

Anyway, its been three weeks with the corsodyl and no improvement, the crowns still smell bad along the gumline. I also brought a waterpik, but even the low pressure setting seems really fast and when I used it... surprise surprise the crowns bled.

I think I'm going crazy with all of this. I mentioned that I already thought I suffered from halitosis, and I've been very conscious of my breath for the past few years, but all this could be controlled by mouthwash, gum etc (I carry a mouth spray with me wherever I go and if I have no pockets I put it in my sock!). But now with all this never ending crown smelling business I don't know what to do. I cannot afford to get the two crowns replaced here and I also cannot afford to go abroad again... but would replacing the crowns even help. I feel like there is blood under the crowns, but I'm scared to use a waterpik again... I don't have enough control over the fast jet spray and I don't want any of the other crowns to start bleeding... God forbid the one with the original smell complaint!. thats about the only positive thing right now... that that crown doesn't smell anymore and the fact that my teeth do actually look quite good.

Just to mention that I have had a very thorough cleaning regime... brushing, flossing, mouthwash etc for the past 4 years. I've also had counselling for the depression as its affecting ALL areas of my life. I'm finding it very difficult to live my life and Im feeling very very depressed... the future looks so bleak. People who have suffered from depression for whatever reason will understand. I don't want to see people, talk to people but I can't get out of it. Imagine something as simple as going to watch a film with someone or travelling on the tube with my friend or even having my nephew sat on my lap. These things are not normal for me anymore as Im always just thinking... MY BREATH MUST SMELL SO BAD RIGHT NOW! Although I've had relationships in the past with no problems, since all this crown business it seems impossible. How would I ever be in a relationship with someone now? I can hardly talk to people without being at least a safe distance away.

Gosh this question is so long. Im sorry. If you've made it reading to the end of this then thank you so much. I can't really speak to anyone about this because its so embarrassing, so if nothing else, its helped writing all this down.

I just want to know of a way I can get my crowns to stop smelling. Then I think I'll be fine or at least I'll be able to get by with life somehow

Right now I don't want to live... as drastic as that sounds.

Any advice will do... thank you so much

Whatever bacteria is in your mouth is making the smell. You have to somwhow find a dentist who will track down this low grade infection and cure it for you. If things progress like you are mentioning, more than likely in a few years (or sooner) you will have to have all that removed as the infection has eaten away your bone.

Mouthwashes and sprays only mask your problem and not resolve it. The waterpick only caused me to have more problems when I used one years ago. It caused whatever bacteria to be literally driven into my gums. I ended up with periodontal problems and lost several teeth due to this. Also, stop using toothpaste with fluoride and do not use fluoride mouthrinses or fluoride mouthwashes as well.

You did not say how old you were either...

Hi twinkiedooter,

Thanks for your reply. Both dentists (home and abroad) say there is no more infection. The infection in the bone was in another tooth which has been treated and is healing. I'm having no problems with this tooth.

Its simply my front two crowns where there has been bleeding. They had re root canals done on them and also the gum was cut away to lengthen the crown. After about two weeks, the permanent crowns were put on. They were fine at first, but when I tried to floss between one of them, the cement in between pushed up to the gum and the gum is now irritated. The cement or whatever it was has now gone but the crown will bleed if I aggravate it in the slightest, like using the waterpik or accidentally hitting it the wrong way with my brush.

The problem is now that it has bled, the smell won't go away, and im worried it will never go away

Even though my dentist recommended corsodyl, she doesn't think my gums are in a bad state. The bleeding is only around those crowns.

Im 22 by the way

Hi lockie,

First, you should know that stress can cause halitosis so stop stressing about your teeth!

You have had a lot of major restorations done at an early age, it will be a daily task to keep things well maintained and the gums and bone healthy.

You are doing the right thing by using the waterpik. Make sure you are not pointing the tip towards the gum. Hold it perpendicular so the waterpik works more as an aerator. What you should do though is alternate medicaments in the waterpik on a weekly basis. The ideal medicaments to use are:
(not in any particular order)
1. Full strength Listerine
2. 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil in 1 cup of water
3. warm salt water
4. the brine from a mix of baking soda and water
After using ANY of these medicaments be sure to run a reservoir of warm water through the waterpik to avoid the lines plugging.

Rinsing or using the same medicament for prolonged periods can actually cause you to build a resistance to that rinse and it won't work for you.

Continue using you floss and interdental cleaners DAILY. If you can't get the floss between the teeth from the top to the gum purchase some floss threaders to help you work the floss between the teeth at the gum line and then continue with your normal flossing action. Remember to wrap the floss in a "C" shape and go BELOW the gum line on each tooth that shares a space.

If you continue having a problem with halitosis see if there is a dentist there that offers treatment with "OraFresh".

Good luck!

Thanks flossie! I was hoping you would reply.

I'm going to continue using the corsodyl and waterpik and see what happens. In the meantime I'll save up to have the crowns replaced. I feel like there is blood stuck underneath them and the only way for the smell to go is to replace them.

You're right it is a daily task to clean so much every single day and it can get very tiring. I do get stressed out a lot about it which I know doesn't help. Some days I feel better about it than others. I think I've forgotton what its like to live without having to think about my breath or teeth for one second.

I guess I've just got to think what's the worst that can happen right? Im trying my best doing all I can do. I don't want to grow up and regret having not lived and enjoyed my life because of this :)

Thanks again flossie, I feel better :)

Hi lockie,

Just a thought, have you ruled out any stomach disorders that can cause halitosis? Also... remember to brush your tongue every day too (I forgot to add that to the list of things you need to do each day. What's one more, eh?)

Keep smiling!

Hi flossie,

I did get checked a few years ago for a specific type of bacteria in my stomach which causes halitosis but the result was negative.

The thing about all of this is, I'm OK with the 'normal' bad breath... I mean its under control and it doesn't get in the way of my life. The thing I have a real problem with is the crowns smelling and the blood I can sometimes taste... which has only been a problem in the past couple of months. To add to all of this I feel like I'm losing my sense of smell as well recently... which I read somewhere could also be due to dental problems! - I think it was the OraFresh website. Nobody offers the OraFresh treatment here in the UK.
So whereas before it was I have bad breath, now its I have bad breath and I can't smell it anymore! Its very frustrating!

Anyway, thanks also for the tongue tip.

I'll let you know how things go :)

This really isn't a answer but I feel the same way and I have no insurance. I just don't know what to do its one problem after another and m only 23. And its starting to effect my smile. All I do is worry about losing all my teeth before I'm 30. And losing the joy of eating

This really isn't a answer but I feel the same way and I have no insurance. I just don't know what to do its one problem after another and m only 23. And its starting to effect my smile. All I do is worry about losing all my teeth before I'm 30. And losing the joy of eating

Hello... I am currently going through a similar problem with my crowns. I was wondering if your problem was ever resolved. Thanks.

Hi. Have you tried using MMS?
The miracle mineral solution
What it is is sodium chlorite. It is sold as water purification drops.
Check out Jim Humble.
You can download his free book telling all about mms.
It is great for the mouth. It will kill all the bacteria in your mouth. I'm positive this will take care of your problem
Good luck
There is a ton of info on the net about MMS and Jim Humble

(I am not a doctor or a dental expert. This story and the methods in it were what I personally did to clear a disturbing smell from my gums)

Hi,
When I was 10, 3 of my front teeth were chipped from a friend throwing a rock at a train and it coming back and hitting me in the face (talk about wrong place at the wrong time).

The 1st (left front tooth) was chipped in half so the dentist put this goop cement crap on it to rebuild the other half. The 2nd (right front tooth) was chipped so low it was prepped and fitted for a crown. The 3rd (tooth just next to the right front) was hit so bad it broke at the root so I had to go through a root canal, have a rod implanted, and have a crown fitted on the rod.

All through high school I never had issues with it smelling. There came a time after high school I had to have the one with the rod removed for a reason I can't remember and re-cemented. After this a disturbing smell kept coming from it. It bled all the time and not matter what I did it never seemed to STOP smelling.

Went to my dentist asked him about it he did a cleaning, examined it, said it looked good, and sent me home with a mouth wash. Still nothing I did seemed to get rid of the smell. I went to the dentist time and time again and he couldn't find anything wrong with it. This began to really irritate me because I brushed, flossed, and mouth washed religiously and it wouldn't stop.

I did some research on Gingivitis and how sailors (back in the day) would bring limes with them on their voyages to eat to up their levels of vitamin C to keep their gums from bleeding and developing gingivitis. I began taking more vitamin C to try and see if that would help. I could tell it was a little bit but the smell was still persistent.

Finally I got so fed up of the bleeding I decided to take matters into my own hands. I took a small needle and ran it up in my gum along the tooth to pull my gums away from the crown so I could really opened it up and clean it out. The gum bled horribly but mostly because of the gingivitis (good blood ;p). I used the mouthwash the dentist proscribed me and flushed the entire thing out. I used my finger to press on the gum to mostly drain any crap out that was in it. The next few days I really babied it and kept cleaning it out. The smell seemed to have vanished. But, in a few days it came back and my gums were bleeding all over again.

By now I knew what ever this bug was it was DEEP in my gums and like to play hard ball. I was fed up with all of this and tired of my mouth reeking in this one spot. I became super self conscious about it. So round 2..

My body was really good at healing and I was really good about giving my body what it needed to heal (Certified sports nutritionist). The issue was in the gums, a tissue that can deteriorate or regenerate itself back. There was such a thick barrier of gum between the implanted rod in my jaw and any thing I used to try and clean this section of my gums out with. I came to the conclusion this bug likes to live in gum, its living in only this one part of my mouth: the best way I could personally see to eliminate it was to take away its home and thin out the barrier so I could more easily drain it and treat the area.

(most of you probably won't agree this was a good idea haha)

Sooo.. Vitamin C was the enemy of gingivitis. Vitamin C is also and acid and when applied to your gums directly will eat them away (You see where I going with this haha). So I did like I did before opened the gum up with a needle and let it bleed. Presses all I could out of my gum with my finger. I then took a vitamin C tablet and held it onto the infected area area of my gum. My gum did exactly as I expected it would. It began to deteriorate. During this entire process My gum was reeking and bleeding horribly It hurt but it felt SO good. I deteriorated my gum down to the point where it wasn't super thin but much thinner than normal. I now had an open wound into my gum. I stabbed a few holes in the length of my gum and began washing it out with a mean alcohol that's not meant to be used as a mouth wash, Isoprpyl alcohol. This stuff literally burns the inside of your mouth and has warnings on the bottle not to use it for mouthwash (pff whatever, its just going to one part of my mouth). That area of my gum was literally on fire.

When I spit the alcohol out I looked into the mirror to check it out. With my gum thinned I began to notice some specs of white under my gum. I took a needle and swiped it under my gum and a bunch of hard cement popped out.

The issue of my smell was I had old clumps of cement that was excess cement from when the dentist cemented my crown on had broken and grew into my gums creating small pockets deep in my gum that bacteria could grow in. I continued to probe around and began to pull old chunks of cement out of my gums.

When I finished cleaning everything out I did a final rinse, popped 3 vitamin C, had a protein shake, and let time work its magic. I continued to floss, brush, and rinse regularly. I could tell with my gums much thinner they were more acceptable to taking in and cleaning out the bacteria under and in my gums. It was also a much smaller place in that area for bacteria to hide in (less gum). I kept the area clean and little by little regrew the gums I deteriorated. Keeping the area clean I knew I was re-growing clean, uninfected, gums. I've made a full recovery with no scars (can gum scar? Ha) and more importantly the smell is gone. I really don't think I would have been able to get a dentist to go in and do this and I really don't think a dentist could have helped me here.

I'm not saying someone should just go about doing this but this is something I did when nobody could give me answers. It worked for me and maybe some parts or ideas from my story could help you.

Doing anything I mentioned here you are doing at your own risk. I'm not a dental professional I'm just sharing my personal experience with this issue. If you are going to do something like this be smart. Do some research on what your about to do and make sure you know the possible consequences of any actions you are planning on doing to yourself.

After a so called cosmetic dentist installed two crowns, my breath was off for sure. I had him replace the one that smelled. Same thing. I asked the dentist why there was no smell while the temporary crown was in place but when a permanent was installed, the smell came with it! This happened three more times before giving up. I later found,(no help from dentists) that when the temporary crown was in; it was held with a paste that was filling a tiny hole in the gum in the tooth next to it! A periodontist who was equally slow to recognize this finally found the hole and sutured it. No more smell. The tooth that had been replaced so many times was removed and an implant done,cost 6000 dollars to the finished crown, a giant rip off to be sure but we are stuck with this insanity.once in a while waterpicking may cause a little bleeding but this shows causes other than the waterpik;Some simply do not follow instructions.DO NOT shoot the water "up" under the gum! The pik is to be aimed straight at the gum line NOT under it! Also, when fossing, do not rub the tender gumline with the floss; have mercy on your gums and use the waterpik properly;it is the best instrument ever devised for gum health. One more thing; watch out for the "deep cleaning" dentists unless they hire really expert techs. I firmly believe it was this that punched the hole in the first place,followed by incompetent pros. Luck to you.