This is an old problem and one I forgot to ask my dentist about just recently:

A few years ago my old dentist said I had higher levels of calculus (calcium?) in my saliva than usual. I have no probs with my teeth at all, I'm lucky, no fillings, no more tartar than usual, but lots of calculus. I eamnt to ask, does calculus have a smell, because my saliva does have an unusual smell. Or at least, when I sneeze of after I lick my fingers I can smell it.

You can't smell it after brushing or when Ive recently eaten or drunk something. It makes more erm... intimate encounters with people a little more stressful as I always worry they can smell it too. Its not too offensive, kind of a metallic smell.

What is this?

Ps dentists are EXTREMELY expensive to go and see, even for a general check with the hygeinist before your real appointment, so a return trip is not really an option unitl its time for my next check up.

Thanks

Halitosis, also called bad breath, foul breath, malodor, foetor ex ore, and fetor oris is defined as an offensive odor emanating from the oral cavity. Causes may be oral (most common) or extraoral (rare).

The sour milk odor accompanying periodontal disease may result from the bacterial population associated with plaque, CALCULUS, unhealthy tissues, decomposing food particles retained within the oral cavity, or the rotten meat odor emanating from tissue necrosis. Contrary to common belief, neither normal lung air or stomach aroma contributes to halitosis.

Perhaps you could use Listerine in the morning after brushing your teeth.

HANK :cool:

Thanks for that -lets hope after all this time its as simple as good hygiene!

Hi,
Listerine is a very good suggestion.
You could also go to a different doctor, maybe not a dentist; and have a sample analyzed, possibly find out why the level is high.
There could be a medication for it, to control it.
Best wishes,
fredg