WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BAD BREATH
There are two types of bad breath. One is caused by what we eat...like garlic and onions, and generally lasts 24-72 hours. The second type is chronic bad breath and affects an estimated 40 million people. Chronic bad breath is caused when bacteria in the mouth forms Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC'c). While there is no cure for bad breathe, it can managed and controlled.
Since up to 90% of bad breath originates in the mouth. The major culprit is a kind of bacteria that predominately lives on the back of the tongue and under the gums around the teeth. The goal of controlling bad breath is achieved by eliminating the odor producing bacteria in the mouth by mechanically or physically removing it and secondly by using the proper chemicals on a daily basis to kill the bacteria and neutralize the VSC's. Controlling this bacteria not only helps control bad breath, but it also helps prevent gum disease and infection-related systemic health problems like heart disease.
DENTAL CARE
Regular dental care is important to eliminate diseased teeth and gums which contributes to bad breath.
HOME CARE
1. Brush at least twice daily. Try to brush after eating and drinking. Ask us for toothpaste recommendations like Oxyfresh and CloSYS II.
2. Floss daily.
3. Clean your tongue daily with tongue scraper.
4. Rinse 1-2 minutes with mouth rinse like Oxyfresh and CloSYS II.
5. Refresh with sugarless gums and mints throughout day.
OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO BAD BREATH
Dry Mouth Medications Menstrual Cycle Hungar Diets Excercise Systemic Illnesses Sinus Problems Stomach Problems
*************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************
DRY MOUTH
A Dry Mouth makes a person more likely to get cavities, have gum disease, and the soft tissues are often tender and easily irritated. Dry Mouth is often caused by different medications, certain health conditions and diseases and disorders, and simply caused by increased age.
Avoid: Sugar drinks and snacks Frequent between meal snacks
Acidic drinks Mouthwashes containing alcohol (like Listerine)
Home Care: Brush and floss twice daily and brush after every meal and snack
Use a fluoride like Prevident (We have Prevident at our office)
Products to help keep mouth Moist:
*Drink lots of water
*Gum and Mints- best are ones containing Xylitol which is a sweetner that inhibits bacteria that causes cavities...Koolerz Gum, Smint Mints, Spry Gum and Mints. Get at pharmmacies, convenient Stores and at www.spry.com
*VA Oralube-best saliva substitute, but can only get at VA Hospital
*Biotene Products made by Laclede are great. They have natural salivary enzymes and proteins as well as Xylitol. They make toothpaste, mouthwash, and Oral Balance Gel which is great to use at bedtime, and other products.
Get these products at pharmacies, groceries, 1-800-922-5856, www.laclede.com, www.dentaldepot.com.
*Moist Plus Mouth Moisturizer Gel at www.hdis.com and 800-323-2220.
*Salivert Synthetic Saliva at pharmacies, www.dentaldepot.com, and 800-321-9348.
***********************************************************
***********************************************************
GUM DISEASE
Signs: *Aching, sore, or itchy gums
*Bleeding gums
*Bad breath
*Receding gums
*Spaces appearing between teeth
*Loosening teeth
*Red and puffy gums
However, gum disease may develope without any symptoms!
WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease starts with a sticky, almost invisible coating on the teeth called plaque. Plaque contains living bacteria that causes gum disease.
If plaque is not completely removed within 2 days, it can turn into hard, rough calculus, also know as tartar. Calculus is so hard that only the dentist or hygienist can remove it calculus with the help of special instruments.
Calculus may extend under the gum, where it can do the most damage. The toxins produced by the bacteria can damage the gums and underlying bone. If enough bone is damaged and lost, teeth loosen, and may be lost.
PREVENTING GUM DISEASE
You must brush and floss your teeth everyday properly. We can help recommend and help you with your proper home care and other ways to help you such as flossing aids, water picks, and medications. You need to see your denist regularly for checkups, x-rays, and cleanings.
Ask The Dentist
