Airport Center Family Dental

Bad breath—also known as halitosis—can be caused by oral health issues, systemic medical problems, and/or a combination of both. It is estimated that 80% of halitosis is caused by oral diseases such as bacteria from cavities and bacteria found in the deepened sulcus of the gingival tissue, dorsum of the tongue, and saliva. Certain bacteria in the oral cavity that are responsible for a breakdown of products that contain volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are most known as the causal agents for halitosis. The VSCs most associated with halitosis are methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and dimethyl sulfide. Additional oral causes of halitosis (usually the causal agent of bad breath 20% of the time) can be from issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), sinusitis, metabolic disorders, respiratory disorders, and immunologic disorders.

Inflammation of the tongue is known as glossitis, and pain of the tongue is known as glossodynia. The most common causes of pain in the tongue can be from canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers) or cold sores (herpes); dehydration; dry mouth; fever (sickness); or the Candida infection (commonly known as thrush). Thrush can appear as a white lesion that bleeds when scraped or as a red, roundish lesion. Pain or burning of the tongue can also indicate a vitamin deficiency, such as B12 pernicious anemia (figure 4), and/or vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B9. Other pains in the tongue can be caused by more serious conditions such as oral cancers, which can appear as red and/or white lesions. If any sore does not go away within two weeks, consult your dentist for an examination.

Changes in gum tissue, texture, tone, and inflammatory state (i.e., bleeding) are often signs of poor oral hygiene and the need for a professional cleaning. However, in some cases, these symptoms may indicate a change in health status, such as the development of diabetes (figure 1); changes in the immune system; pregnancy; blood dyscrasia (figure 2), including leukemia, neutropenia, and conditions that affect platelets; or a nutritional deficiency in vitamin B3 and/or vitamin C.

Yes they do.