Dentistry often involves problem-solving—getting to the root of the issue, then figuring out a solution. Most times, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Such is the case with one of the most undesirable, often embarrassing oral health conditions of all: halitosis. Despite its prevalence among dental patients, halitosis remains an inconsistently defined and managed problem. And although “bad breath” is frequently the butt end of many a joke, for those who suffer from it, it’s no laughing matter, as it causes anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation. What dental practitioners and patients could both benefit from is a consistent, structured clinical classification system for halitosis that enables clearer communication, more pinpoint diagnosis, and effective treatment planning.
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This leads to our first continuing education (CE) article this month. As the article suggests, classification helps distinguish between different sources of halitosis—such as oral, extraoral, and perceived forms. This differentiation is necessary because the underlying causes, diagnostic pathways, and management strategies vary significantly. While most cases originate in the oral cavity, others may arise from systemic conditions or represent pseudo-halitosis. In the author’s 8-type classification, a framework is presented to enable clinicians to approach halitosis cases systematically rather than relying on subjective impressions. The classification aims to transform halitosis from a vague complaint into a diagnosable and manageable condition.
Speaking of managing conditions, while last month’s Compendium featured a report on penicillin allergy’s implications on dental implant therapy, this issue offers a comprehensive review of penicillin allergy and its management in the dental setting. Our second CE article discusses penicillin allergy with regard to epidemiology, risk stratification, clinical manifestations, testing for allergy confirmation, alternative medications, and what to do in case of a penicillin allergic reaction.
This issue also contains a clinical report on a transitional full-mouth rehabilitation using injection-molded composite, showing a 6-year follow-up, as well as a review of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE), including its skeletal, dentoalveolar, dental, and soft-tissue effects on both adult and young adult patients. Also, The Voice highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
For dentists, problem-solving—from diagnosis, to treatment plan creation and execution, to managing patient concerns—is part of the job. Why not use all the best-practice guidelines you can get.
Sincerely,
Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
markus.blatz@conexiant.com
