Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 8/22/2007

Question
Hello...  I have been keeping up with my oral cleanings.  In the past it was detected that I had the early signs "periodontitis" and the symtom: "halitosis" became a very embarrassing problem for me.  However, since that time, I've notice a very big positive change orally in the areas I was told -- my gums are turning back to normal pink.  But I still seem to have an ordorous scent from my mouth.  People turn from me when I speak to them.  I have done all what has been advised me to treat this issue...  However, I haven't had good success along these lines.  My last visit with the Dentist (Gum Specialist) turned up inconclusive.  At that time he could not appear to smell an odor -- so he says.  However, he reccommended the removal of my "Wisdom Teeth."  
  Sir, my question - do you think my "Wisdom Teeth" are somehow harboring and sending out an noticable odor?  There is a small pocket that had formed underneath my wisdom tooth, which has been treated and is healing.  Yet, many of whom I work with seem to be smelling a uncomfortable scent from my person (?).  Even if I don't speak.  What are your thoughts on this?

[Truly, can a circumstance such as this -- if true -- dispell such an odorious scent and how (?)... Even if I don't speak?  Because that is my experienced dilemma at this moment]!


Answer
Hi Fielding

There are many causes of halitosis - one of the commonest being dental disease, so your initial treatment of getting your mouth back into a healthy state is good. If there are infected pockets around your wisdom teeth, then get that sorted out.

Your diet can cause this problem - spicy/garlic/onions diet are obvious culprits. Stomach problems and sinus/respiratory problems can also cause it.

You may want to investigate these other areas also.

Regards

Tony Appleton