A healthy mouth is important

The following column was originally published in 2013.

Dear Annie: Please tell “Holding My Breath” that the kindest thing she can do is tell this woman with “killer breath” to see a periodontist to rule out gum disease. If inadequately treated, it can lead to bone loss and the loss of her teeth.

While in medical school, I learned very little about gum disease that results from inadequately treated gingivitis.

Two of the major symptoms of this disease are bleeding gums and bad breath.

Many years ago, I failed to tell my wife that she had bad breath, because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

I have regretted my ignorance ever since. For the past 40 years, she has endured complicated, uncomfortable and expensive procedures, which now include dental implants. Expenses have exceeded $100,000.

We have discovered that regular six-month checkups with our dentist and dental hygienist are absolutely necessary.

We also make sure to brush our teeth twice daily for at least two minutes at a time, along with daily flossing and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.

Since we have started this regimen, neither of us has bad breath or bleeding gums.

Her dentist can recommend the appropriate care products.

An MD Who Learned the Hard Way