Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Halitosis'.

 Welcome to Dentoword:

Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation

 

  Today's word is "Halitosis"

Halitosis: 'Tackling the Unbearable Bad Breath'

In our previous post, we discussed dental plaque. If you missed it, please click on the link below to read it;

Dental plaque.

 Today, we are going to discuss a genuine issue in society that can be very embarrassing for those who have it: halitosis. Halitosis, or bad breath, is unpleasant for both the person experiencing it and the people around them. In today’s post, I'll explain what halitosis is, how it occurs, and how to prevent it. So, without further delay, let's start our Dentoword journey with today’s word: Halitosis.

What is Halitosis?

It is also called breath malodor, bad breath, or fetor ex ore. Halitosis is an unpleasant odor that comes from exhaled breath due to oral or extra-oral causes. When it is specifically due to oral causes, it is called oral malodor.

Classification of Halitosis :

A.Based on Duration:

1. Acute:

Temporary bad breath caused by specific foods or conditions.

2. Chronic: 

Persistent bad breath often due to underlying health issues.

B.Based on Origin:

1. Genuine Halitosis:

   a.Physiologic:

Caused by food intake or alcohol consumption.

   b.Pathologic:

     - Intraoral: 

Originating from the oral cavity.

     - Extraoral: 

Due to ENT problems, gastrointestinal issues, or other systemic conditions.

   

2. Pseudohalitosis:

 Malodor that cannot be objectively perceived, even though the patient believes it exists.

3. Halitophobia:

No perceptible malodor after treatment for halitosis or pseudohalitosis, yet the patient continues to believe they have bad breath.

Causes of Halitosis :

A) Intraoral Causes:

1.Poor Oral Hygiene:

• Improper brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of food debris on and between the teeth surfaces, which decomposes and causes bad breath.
• Inadequate tongue cleaning can cause the accumulation of debris on the dorsal surface of the tongue, which harbors microorganisms and causes bad breath.

2.Food and Various Drinks:

• Garlic and onions can cause a strong, temporary bad breath.
  
  
  
• Coffee, tea, and alcohol can lead to mouth dryness, causing bad breath.

3.Fasting and Starvation:

These conditions can cause a dry mouth, which is also responsible for halitosis.

4.Smoking:

Tobacco chewing and smoking cause halitosis.

5.Dental Caries and Periodontal Problems:

• Decayed teeth produce a foul smell from the oral cavity due to damaged tooth structure and decomposed food particles.
• Gingivitis or pocket formation leads to food accumulation and bacterial growth, resulting in bad breath.

B) Extra Oral Causes:

1.ENT Infections:

ENT problems can cause bad breath from the oral cavity and sometimes from the nose, such as sinusitis, nasal tumors, and foreign bodies.

2.Gastrointestinal Issues:

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastrointestinal carcinoma and gastroesophageal reflux disorder, can cause halitosis.

3.Lung-Related Problems:

Pulmonary infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis can lead to halitosis.

4.Other Systemic Issues:

Conditions like diabetes mellitus, hepatic failure, renal failure, and cirrhosis of the liver can lead to halitosis.

Diagnosis of Halitosis:

A.Review of Medical, Dental, and Personal History.

B. Clinical Examination:

i. Intraoral Examination:

• Tongue coating.
• Evidence of mouth breathing.
• Xerostomia (dry oral mucosa).
• Other oral causes.

ii. Complete Periodontal Examination:

• General personal care and state of oral hygiene.
• Probing for attachment levels and probing depths (periodontal status).
• Evidence of neglect and past history of dental hygiene care.

C. Measurement of Oral Malodor:

The severity of halitosis can be assessed using various methods, including the subjective organoleptic method, gas chromatography, halimeters, and the BANA test.

Prevention and Treatment of Halitosis:

Before starting treatment, the clinician should identify the cause of halitosis and then proceed accordingly.

1.Good Oral Hygiene Practices:

Refer to previous posts for more details.

2.Regular Dental Check-ups:

• Professional cleaning should be done every 6 months.
• Decayed teeth should be restored as early as possible.
• Regular dental check-ups help catch any gingival disease in its early stages, preventing further progression.
• If any periodontal therapy is required, it should be performed to prevent halitosis.

3.Balanced Diet:

• Minimize the consumption of food items and drinks that cause halitosis.
• Increase the intake of fibrous foods, which help cleanse the oral cavity.

4.Use of Mouthwash:

Chemical reduction of oral microbial population can be achieved by rinsing or gargling with an effective mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine mouthwash.

5.Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water to prevent dryness of the oral mucosa.

6.Quit Smoking:

Avoiding smoking can prevent halitosis and improve overall health.

7.Other Systemic Problems:

Treat any other systemic problems, as mentioned above, to help improve breath odor.

Conclusion:

Halitosis is a major problem but is sometimes neglected in the community. It can be a sign of an underlying systemic disease that is not known to the person. Therefore, don't dismiss it as just bad odor, as it can be a symptom of major problems. By understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment, we can diagnose and treat it early to avoid embarrassment while speaking and laughing.

Request to Readers:

Thank you for reading today's post. If you have any queries, please comment below.

References :

1.Newman and Carranza's Essentials of Clinical Periodontology: An Integrated Study Companion / Michael G. Newman, et al. - Elsevier (2022).

2. Image credit:

www.pixabay.com

www.freepik.com.

Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Dental Plaque'.

 Welcome to Dentoword:
Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation
 
  Today's word is "Dental Plaque"

Dental Plaque: "The Main Culprit of Oral Health Problems".

In our previous post, we discussed tooth sensitivity. If you haven't read it yet, click on the link below. 

Tooth Sensitivity

Today, we will talk about the root cause of many oral health issues: dental plaque. Dental plaque is a thin, colorless layer that contains numerous bacteria and forms on teeth repeatedly due to poor oral hygiene practices. Over time, it can lead to various oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum diseases. So, let's start our dentoword journey with today's word: dental plaque.

What is dental plaque?

• Dental plaque, also known as a biofilm, is a structured, resilient, yellow-grayish substance primarily composed of microorganisms.
•  It adheres tenaciously to intraoral hard surfaces, including removable and fixed restorations. 
• Plaque consists of both organic and inorganic constituents. 
  
  
  
• The organic components include polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, lipid material, and DNA. 
• The inorganic components are mainly calcium and phosphorus, with trace amounts of other minerals such as sodium, potassium, and fluoride. 
• One gram of plaque (wet weight) contains approximately 10¹¹ bacteria.

Classification of Dental Plaque :

• Supragingival Plaque:

This type of plaque is located at or above the gingival margin.

• Subgingival Plaque:

This type of plaque is found below the gingival margin.

Causes of Dental Plaque Formation:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene:

   Inadequate oral hygiene practices lead to the accumulation of food particles and sticky substances around the teeth, resulting in plaque formation.

2. Improper Diet:

   Consuming sticky food items, chocolates, sugary drinks, and a deficiency of fibrous foods can contribute to plaque accumulation around the teeth.

3. Dehydration and Dry Mouth:

   Drinking less water can cause dehydration and dry mouth, which in turn promotes plaque formation.

4. Bad Habits:

   Habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and using mishri can lead to the accumulation of substances in the oral cavity, increasing plaque formation.

Prevention of Dental Plaque:

A. Oral Hygiene Practices:

• Brush twice daily.
• Floss daily to clean between the teeth.
• Clean your tongue using a tongue cleaner.
• Gargle with water after meals to flush out food particles from your mouth.
• Use mouthwash if prescribed by your dentist to minimize plaque formation.

B. Balanced Diet 

• Minimize sugary food items and snacking between meals.
• Eat sugary items during meal times and avoid consuming them between meals.
• Increase the amount of fibrous foods in your daily diet.

C. Stay Hydrated 

• Drink plenty of water to keep your oral cavity moist.
• It also helps to increase saliva production, which helps to flush out food particles that stick to the tooth surfaces.

D. Regular Dental Check-ups 

• Visit your dentist every six months for early diagnosis of oral health issues and professional cleaning.

Treatment of Dental Plaque:

1. Professional Cleaning: Dental plaque that is not removed by brushing at home requires professional cleaning at a dental clinic using dental instruments.

2. Deep plaque accumulation can lead to pocket formation, requiring scaling and root planing. In some cases, flap surgery is needed to clean the deep tooth surfaces with the help of instruments.

3. Mouthwash prescribed by a dentist may be used in severe cases to control plaque formation.

4. Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases to control bacterial growth and plaque accumulation.

5. Stopping smoking is mandatory to minimize plaque formation.

Conclusion:

Dental plaque, the main culprit silently accumulating in your mouth when oral hygiene is neglected, causes various oral health problems. By understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment, we can minimize plaque accumulation and protect our teeth from diseases.

Request to Reader:

Thank you for reading today's blog post. If you have any queries, please let me know in the comment section. If you haven't been visiting your dentist every six months, consider starting to protect your teeth from dental issues.

References :

1.Newman and Carranza's Essentials of Clinical Periodontology: An Integrated Study Companion / Michael G. Newman, et al. - Elsevier (2022).

2.Image credit :
www.vecteezy.com.

Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Tooth Sensitivity'.

 Welcome to Dentoword:
Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation
 
  Today's word is "Tooth Sensitivity"

In our previous post, we dealt with gingival problems and their treatment and prevention. Here is the link for the previous post about Bleeding gums .

Today, we are shifting our focus from gingival problems to an issue faced by many people, yet often ignored and left untreated: tooth hypersensitivity. This condition involves different sensations, like pain, but unlike continuous pain, it occurs only when stimulated by specific factors.So, without any delay, let's start today's discussion with a detailed explanation of tooth hypersensitivity...

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentinal hypersensitivity, is a relatively common issue in dental practice. It manifests as a sharp, sudden pain that may occur spontaneously, often when the root becomes exposed due to gingival recession or pocket formation. This sensitivity can also appear after scaling and root planing or other periodontal surgical procedures.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity:

1. Dental Caries:

 Exposure of the tooth surface to dentin or pulp due to caries can lead to sensitivity, especially when stimulated by cold or hot food items.

2. Non-Carious Lesions: 

These include various tooth problems like attrition, abrasion, erosion, and abfraction. These issues expose the dentinal surface due to the loss of enamel, causing sensitivity to various stimuli.

3. Gingival Recession: 

Receded gums can expose the root surface, leading to the abrasion of thin cementum and subsequent root sensitivity when exposed to stimuli.

4. Dental Treatments: 

Recent dental procedures, such as restorations or crowns, can cause tooth sensitivity. Faulty restorations can lead to micro leakage, which also results in sensitivity.

5. Poor Oral Hygiene: 

It can lead to the accumulation of plaque and calculus on tooth surfaces, resulting in gingival inflammation. This can cause the gums to recede, leading to hypersensitivity.

Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity:

1. Oral Hygiene Practices:

 Brush twice a day with a medium - bristled brush using gentle force and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss gently to avoid damaging the gums.

2. Regular Dental Check-ups:

 Regular check-ups are essential for professional scaling and early treatment of dental issues that can cause sensitivity or further tooth damage.

3. Balanced Diet: 

Avoid consuming too many citrus or acidic foods and beverages, as they can lead to enamel loss and increased tooth sensitivity.

4. Fluoride Therapy:

 Apply fluoride on erupting teeth in children to make them stronger and resistant to dental caries .

Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity:

1.Desensitizing Toothpaste: 

Toothpaste containing potassium salts, such as potassium nitrate (e.g., Sensodyne), can stop pain transmission and relieve sensitivity. Toothpaste with strontium ion or stannous ion can also provide relief.

2.Dentin Bonding Agents:

 Apply dentin bonding agents to exposed dentinal regions to form a barrier against external stimuli.

3.Restorative Procedures: 

Treat carious or non-carious lesions with fillings, root canal treatment, or crowns. Provide mouthguards to patients with bruxism to prevent enamel wear.

4.Diet Modifications:

 Minimize the consumption of citrus fruits and acidic beverages to protect enamel and reduce sensitivity.

5.Fluoride Treatment: 

Apply fluoride to tooth surfaces to strengthen them and reduce sensitivity.

6.Periodontal Therapy: 

Scaling and root planing can help. For receded gums, consider graft placement surgeries to avoid direct contact with external stimuli.

Conclusion:

Tooth sensitivity is a common and often ignored symptom because its pain is sudden and sharp but disappears after the stimulus is removed. Identifying and treating the cause early is essential to avoid severe tooth damage in the future. By understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment, you can protect your beautiful, bright smile forever.

Request to Reader:

Thank you for reading today's blog post. If you have any queries, please let me know in the comment section below. If you experience any symptoms of tooth sensitivity, don't forget to visit your dentist as soon as possible to get relief from this sudden pain sensation.

References:

1.Newman and Carranza's Essentials of Clinical Periodontology: An Integrated Study Companion / Michael G. Newman, et al. - Elsevier (2022).

2. Image credit: www.flickr.com

3.Image credit:www.freepik.com.

Dentoword: Today's Word is 'Bleeding Gums'.

 Welcome to Dentoword:

Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation
 
  Today's word is "Bleeding Gums"

Bleeding Gums: 'An Early Warning Sign You Shouldn't Ignore'.

In our previous posts, we discussed gingivitis and periodontitis. If you missed reading about these common gum diseases, check the links below:

• Learn about 'Gingivitis'
• Learn about 'Periodontitis'

Today, we are going to discuss one clinical symptom associated with the above-mentioned gum diseases: bleeding gums. This is an early symptom of severe gum disease or a systemic health condition. So, without delay, let's understand what it is and how to prevent it in our oral cavity.

Causes Of Bleeding Gums:

A) Local Factors:

1. Acute Bleeding:

• Aggressive tooth brushing and traumatic flossing.
  
  
  

•  Poor oral hygiene leading to plaque accumulation and Inflammation

•  Consuming sharp or hard foods

•  Burns on the gums from hot foods or certain medications. 

• Acute gum conditions, such as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.

2. Chronic Bleeding:
Chronic inflammation due to severe gum conditions like periodontitis.

B) Systemic Factors:

• Vascular Abnormalities:    Vitamin C deficiency, Allergic reactions, such as Schönlein-Henoch Purpura.

• Platelet Disorders: Conditions like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Vitamin K deficiency due to liver disease or conditions like sprue.

• Coagulation Defects: Hemophilia, Christmas disease

• Malignancies:       

Leukemia

• Deficient Platelet Thromboplastic Factor: Conditions like uremia, multiple myeloma, and post-rubella infection purpura. 

• Medications:       

  Salicylates, Dicoumarol, Heparin.
These anticoagulant medications can also cause bleeding gums.

Clinical Features of Bleeding Gums:

•  Red, swollen, and tender gums.

•  Changes in gingival consistency, with stippling on gums disappearing due to inflammation.
  
  
  

• Gums that bleed easily while brushing or eating food.

• Plaque and calculus accumulation around the tooth surface causing gingival recession.

• Burning sensation and painful gums due to inflammation.

• Bad breath

• Tooth mobility in severe conditions.

Diagnosis of Bleeding Gums:

1.Medical and Habit History:

A detailed history of the patient is important before starting any treatment. This helps to understand the patient's lifestyle and medical conditions, and to avoid any potential complications.

2.Visual Examination:

Clinical examination is an important step in diagnosing the disease. Check the color, texture, consistency, shape, and tenderness of the patient's gums to understand the condition of the disease.

3.Radiological Diagnosis:

Take a radiograph to better understand the severity of the disease, the level of bone involvement, and any underlying causes.

Prevention and Management of Bleeding Gums:

1.Oral Hygiene Practices:

• Brush twice daily with a medium - bristled toothbrush, including gentle flossing without hurting the gums, and clean your tongue.
• Gingival massage is important to combat gum diseases.
• Professional cleaning is essential to remove plaque and improve gingival health.
• Use mouthwash to fight bacteria and prevent plaque formation.       

         

2.Regular Dental Check-ups:

• Visit your dentist every six months to catch gum disease early and prevent disease progression.

• Procedures like scaling and root planing, and periodontal therapy are required if the condition is slightly progressive.

3.Quit Smoking:

Avoid smoking to maintain good gum health.

4.Treat Underlying Medical Conditions:

Manage conditions like diabetes and leukemia, and control other systemic conditions like hemophilia and Henoch-Schönlein purpura to prevent gingival symptoms.

5.Balanced Diet:

Ensure a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins to support overall health, improve immunity, and avoid future deficiencies.

Conclusion: 

Bleeding gums are a warning sign indicating that something is wrong in our oral cavity or body. By understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment, we can control this symptom early and prevent further progression, thereby saving our beautiful smile.

Request to Readers:

Thank you for reading today's blog post. If you have any questions, please write them in the comment section. If you notice any of the above-mentioned clinical findings in your mouth, don't forget to visit a dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

References:

1.Newman and Carranza's Essentials of Clinical Periodontology: An Integrated Study Companion / Michael G. Newman, et al. - Elsevier (2022).

2.Image credit: www.freepik.com

3.Image credit:

https://www.flickr.com/