QUESTION:
My husband seems to have halitosis but I’m too scared to tell him. He takes Keppra for seizures. Can this be a side-effect?
ANSWER:
The bad breath is probably not related to his medication. Most bad breath comes from a build up of plaque (bacteria) on the top of the tongue which produce odor containing compounds. When we exhale the air flows over the bacteria and blows the odor out of the mouth. The other sources are gum infection,onions and garlic in the diet and diabetes. You need to work up the courage to discuss this issue with your husband for several reasons. One if it is due to gum infection he needs to see a periodontist and have it treated before he starts loosing teeth or it contributes to other medical conditions. If it is due to diabetes he needs to see his physician to get his blood sugar under control, and finally it can be socially embarrassing. We all have suffered from bad breath at some point or another so it is not unusual and as his wife you are his most trusted confidant. I always want my wife to tell me if she notices I have bad breath so I can treat it before I talk to other people. The best way to treat bad breath depends on the cause. As stated earlier if it is due to gum infection or diabetes see the dentist or physician. If it is due to diet the only thing you can do is avoid onion and garlic in your diet. If it is due to plaque build up on the tongue he needs to clean his tongue with a tongue scrapper or the edge of a spoon. Rake the tongue 10 to 20 times until the white or brown coating comes off and the tongue starts to look pink. Do not be alarmed if the tongue bleeds a little when he first starts doing this as it maybe inflamed from the plaque build up.
Hope This Helps,
Nick DeTure DMD
www.askadentist.com