The NobleDentist Blog

This is an article by Bob Sullivan that was published recently in the Indianapolis Star – United States.

We’ve all had that embarrassing moment when a delicious lunch — heavily seasoned with garlic and onions — returns with us to the office in the form of bad breath, forcing our colleagues away until we get a clue.

We usually can remedy such problems with a quick brushing of the teeth or popping of a breath mint.

But what does it mean when moments like this become more frequent, and the quick fixes no longer work?

According to Dr. Breann Mundy, a dentist at Heartland Crossing Dental Care in Camby, chronic bad breath might be the first sign of a more serious health condition.

“Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by several things,” Mundy said. “Remember, mouth rinses are cosmetic. They’ll mask the problem but they won’t solve it. You need to work with a medical or dental professional to figure out why you have the problem.”

Cavities

Dental caries — better known as cavities — are the most common infectious disease in the world. But what’s not commonly known is cavities can cause bad breath.
“The positive news is cavities are treated with a one-time procedure that takes care of the problem,” Mundy said.

Periodontal disease

In another familiar scenario, halitosis indicates gingivitis, a chronic swelling of the gums. Left untreated, gingivitis eventually becomes periodontal disease — a deterioration of the gum and bone surrounding the teeth.

“Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning to access debris your brush can’t reach,” Mundy said. “In more serious cases, they may refer you to a specialist (a periodontist) for a surgery to access debris under your gum and bone tissue.”

According to Dr. James Huseman, a dentist at Noble Creek Family Dentistry in Noblesville, “The progression from halitosis to gingivitis to periodontal disease usually takes a long time. It’s not just going to pop up over the weekend. The good news is, most people have plenty of time to go to their dentist to seek treatment.”
“Periodontal disease is a chronic problem, like diabetes,” Mundy warned. “Once it sets in, it requires lifelong monitoring and maintenance.”

Cancers of the upper oropharyngeal airway

In its most serious form, halitosis can be a sign of cancer in the mouth and upper digestive tract.

“Oral cancer is a very serious condition,” Mundy said. “Survival depends on catching it early. It’s vitally important to get screened once a year.”

Huseman added, “Dentists can perform oral screenings across the board, for all ages, including small children. It’s generally included as part of any comprehensive exam. Your dentist will look at all the soft tissue in the mouth to look for a wide variety of conditions and symptoms.”