From the Guidelines
A weird rotten taste in the mouth could indeed change the diagnosis of pericoronitis or gingivitis, as it often indicates a more severe infection or abscess formation. This symptom typically suggests bacterial overgrowth and tissue breakdown, which may point to advanced pericoronitis (infection around a partially erupted tooth, commonly wisdom teeth) or necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis rather than simple gingivitis.
Key Considerations
- The presence of a weird rotten taste in the mouth is a significant symptom that requires prompt dental evaluation.
- Treatment should include professional dental cleaning, improved oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, antimicrobial mouthwash like 0.12% chlorhexidine twice daily for 7-10 days, and possibly antibiotics such as amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for 5-7 days if there's evidence of spreading infection, as suggested by 1.
- Pain can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen 400mg every 6-8 hours.
- The rotten taste occurs because bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds during tissue breakdown, releasing these foul-smelling and tasting substances.
Treatment Options
- Professional dental cleaning
- Improved oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- Antimicrobial mouthwash like 0.12% chlorhexidine twice daily for 7-10 days
- Antibiotics such as amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for 5-7 days if there's evidence of spreading infection
- Pain management with over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen 400mg every 6-8 hours
Recent Studies
- A recent study published in Periodontology 2000 found that Arimedadi oil, a polyherbal product, had comparable effects to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque levels and gingival inflammation in patients with mild to moderate gingivitis, as reported by 1.
- Another study found that a polyherbal mouthwash containing hydroalcoholic extract of Z. officinale, R. officinalis, and C. officinalis had comparable effects to chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing gingivitis, as mentioned in 1.
From the Research
Diagnosis of Pericoronitis or Gingivitis
- A weird rotten taste in the mouth may be related to various oral health issues, including pericoronitis or gingivitis, but it is not a definitive diagnostic criterion for these conditions 2, 3.
- Pericoronitis is typically characterized by inflammation of the operculum associated with a partially erupted third molar, presenting as a painful sensation of the soft tissue encompassing the crown of the involved tooth 4.
- Gingivitis, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the gums, which can be caused by poor oral hygiene, among other factors.
- The presence of a weird rotten taste in the mouth may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as dysgeusia, which can be caused by various factors, including oral health issues, systemic conditions, or nutritional deficiencies 2.
Impact on Diagnosis
- The diagnosis of pericoronitis or gingivitis is typically based on clinical evaluation, including visual examination, medical history, and symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness 4, 5.
- A weird rotten taste in the mouth may be considered as part of the patient's medical history and symptoms, but it is not a primary diagnostic criterion for pericoronitis or gingivitis.
- Accurate diagnosis of the cause of taste dysfunction, such as dysgeusia, has a significant impact on the management of taste impairment, and oral health care providers should be aware of the possible etiologies, diagnostic tools, and treatment options 2, 3.
Treatment and Management
- The treatment of pericoronitis or gingivitis typically involves local therapy, such as debridement, irrigation, and antibiotic therapy in severe cases 5, 6.
- The management of dysgeusia or taste dysfunction may involve addressing the underlying cause, such as improving oral hygiene, treating systemic conditions, or providing nutritional supplements 2, 3.
- Antibiotics are an important aspect of care for patients with acute odontogenic infections, but they should be used judiciously and in accordance with evidence-based recommendations 5, 6.