has anyone noticed their teeth deteriorating since getting a prius

Our wisdom teeth are now curious...​

 

I've never had such a smell in either of my Prii. I would think that one's mucus membranes and respiratory system would also be negatively affected if the fumes were present in such a concentration that you could detect them or that they would affect your teeth.

If this is something you are truly concerned with I would suggest removing your battery and inspecting it thoroughly for cracks in the casing or a weakening of the top cover material. I believe the battery is not really 100% sealed and that one can access the cells to replace fluids. If so then I could see how a seal could fail. Also check your venting hardware to ensure the battery is properly vented.

 

Has anyone picked up on the fact that the OP is from England? <insert British stereotype joke here>

 

Oh no you didn't...

 

Neither of my Prii had this odor.

As F8L already stated, check the battery area to inspect for venting or fume problems.

 

I haven't noticed any smell other than new car smell in mine either. If the smell is hydrogen sulfide, like F8L suggests, other symptoms are more likely to appear than teeth degradation.

You could have the cars air quality tested. Also, make sure nothing died in your car. Another option would be to remove the 12V battery for some period of time and see if the smell goes away.

 

Yes, four out of five dentist recommend the Prius to their patients.

 

I believe that Prii come with AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) batteries due to the installation in the passenger compartment. Here's a short description as to why they are used: "Since the battery system is designed to be recombinant and eliminate the emission of gases on overcharge, room ventilation requirements are reduced and no acid fume is emitted during normal operation."

It's possible that someone changed your 12v battery with a regular lead acid battery. That would be bad because they do emit gasses that are harmful to you. You might want to check it ASAP and replace it ASAP with the proper battery if that is the case.

 

Not sure about the teeth but my hair fell out and I'm too fat.

Bob Wilson

 

Since I got my Prius my hair has fallen out and I've had a recurrence of cancer but at least I've lost weight.

 

Drive less and brush more.

 

Lemming of the BDA (British Dental Assoc) here, I am going to bet that odor you are sniffing is coming from the +12 volt battery that is located inside in the back of the car. At least in Gen II & III's. Check that the battery outgass tube is still connected to the battery vent, and is going through the floor for proper venting, and not clogged. If it is missing, all it is a 90° elbow for drip irrigation and 1/4" clear plastic tubing. $3 bucks worth of parts! But makes a big difference!

 

It's true. I'm one of those 4.

 

I see you are serious after all. If you do smell H2S odor indeed, it's coming from combustion of sulfur in fuel that generates gaseous SO2 oxidized to solid SO3 in catalytic converter and then released as H2S when reduced under rich conditions. You basically need to switch to higher quality low-sulfur gasoline. Lead acid batteries only emit H2 and O2 when overcharged and that is vented outside in Prius.

 

Like I said, check the vent tube is still connected...... and properly routed to the vent hole!

 

If you smell "rotten eggs", that is Hydrogen Sulfide. Over-charging lead-acid batteries can cause it.

If you are smelling it, I would STOP driving the car immediately and have the 12V battery checked out. Your vent may be disconnected.

Hydrogen Sulfide exists naturally in your body, but in large concentrations (as just about anything), it can be lethal. If you're smelling it, that is a good sign. That means the concentration is not lethal. The lethal concentration is well beyond what you can smell.


(In case anyone was thinking it, yes, "rotten egg farts" are because your body is letting out hydrogen sulfide).


It is most definitely NOT sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid doesn't turn into a gas until 600 degrees Fahrenheit (300 Celsius). Your teeth are fine.

 

I am driving a prius since 2007 !! NO dental issue ... can not wait to see what is this going ...

 

i had 4 fillings in the spring, but the dentist said to lay off the hersey's kisses.

 

Your dentist is right. Never mind the fillings, there is plenty of much better chocolate available.