Some people don’t even know they have it.

Some people aren’t aware they can treat it.

Bad breath is a major killer of good communication, relationships (who wants to kiss THAT?!), and in extreme cases can result in a loss of respect for the offending mouth’s person.

So what causes bad breath?

There are several possible causes, but the most common actually relates to the food you eat. Garlic, onions, hot peppers… when the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it travels to the lungs, and is expelled with normal breathing. Brushing and flossing after that garlic parmesan pasta lunch will only temporarily mask the odor because once the food does that bloodstream circulation, it comes right back out again.

People who diet tend to have issues with halitosis as well, because they’re either not eating enough, or the foods they do eat create gases in the stomach that “erupt” and come back out. Fibrous vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and green beans are big causes of this type of bad breath.

Of course, tobacco products are an obvious cause of stench, both inside and outside the mouth, but really bad breath can be sign of an infection inside the mouth or in the respiratory system somewhere. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. Some medical conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, chronic bronchitis or sinusitis can cause problems, as can some medications.

What can I do about it?

First things first, know that mouthwashes, mints, gum, and sprays are only temporary fixes, and depending on the severity and cause of your problem may not even fix for more than a few minutes. If you know that you’re brushing twice a day with a fluoride paste (tongue and cheeks too), flossing at least once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash and you still are having issues with bad breath, you need to see your dentist right away. There may be an oral infection that needs immediate attention before it causes bigger problems. If the dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your regular doctor to determine if there’s some kind of medical condition causing the problem instead.

Whatever the reason for your offensive oral odors, scheduling regular visits to your dentist AND doctor, watching what you eat, maintaining good oral health practices at home, and not smoking are the only ways to make sure you take care of it.

Have you noticed there are a lot extremely white teeth running around these days? That’s because tooth whitening has become almost as popular as brushing and flossing these days. Here are some tooth whitening options.

At home. Product choices abound. Over-the-counter whitening strips can be purchased in any drugstore and, though easy to use, are not as effective as other options. Whitening toothpastes contain chemical additives to remove stains, but usually do not contain bleach. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the product’s label to make sure you are making a safe choice. Bleaching kits typically involve smearing gel on a mouthguard which is then inserted in the mouth for 30 minutes or longer, at a variety of intervals. Products come in several concentrations, so care should be taken when selecting a product. Bleach can cause tooth sensitivity; poorly fitting mouthguards can irritate gums. (The dentist can fabricate a custom mouthguard to overcome the latter problem.) (more…)

In a word, no.

But as there are exceptions to every rule, it’s largely dependent on factors like the size and type of piercing, the natural, genetically based strength of your child’s teeth, and even just the shape of the mouth and jaw. It’s also very important that your teen truly understand and practice impeccable oral hygiene to avoid major infections.

Oral piercings are usually done on the lip, tongue or cheek. All of these types of piercings can cause problems though, and it’s important that both you and your teenager are aware of them.

Since the tongue is covered in bacteria, dentists are finding that oral infections are very closely related to other infections in the body, and piercing the tongue can lead the bacteria to release into the bloodstream and travel to the heart. Un-sanitized instruments and equipment used during the piercing process can also cause hepatitis, so it’s important to monitor where and how the piercing is done.

Teeth can become chipped or fractured from the jewelry quite easily. Talking, chewing, or even sleeping can cause the metal to bump or rub against teeth and cause problems. Fillings can usually be placed on or in the teeth if it’s a small fracture that’s only in the tooth enamel, but if it’s a deeper fracture a root canal or even an extraction might be required. (more…)

If you’re shopping for mouthwash, the variety of choices can be perplexing. Some mouthwashes claim to cure bad breath. Others promise whiter teeth or tartar control. Some tout all natural ingredients, while others have a list of ingredients that look like a chemistry exam.

Make life easy by checking with your dentist. S/he can recommend the mouthwash that will work best for you.

According to the American Dental Association, antiseptic mouthwashes do indeed offer oral health benefits, including reducing plaque, controlling gingivitis (bleeding gums), and yes — killing germs. (Not the germs that cause gum disease, unfortunately.) (more…)

Are your teeth “unattractive”? The cosmetic procedure of attaching veneers to your teeth can create a bright, white smile with perfectly aligned and shaped teeth. If you’ve got cracks or chips, uneven alignment, or crooked teeth, the custom-designed shells of ceramic or composite resin can hide a multitude of flaws.

Over time teeth can lose their enamel, which is the thin, hard substance that covers and protects teeth. It might be natural, due to genetics, or more often a result of soft drinks, coffee or tea, smoking, or medications. Teeth also naturally wear down with age, and aged teeth tend to have more cracks, chips, or even spaces between them.

There are two materials that are most commonly used when making dental veneers, but both composite resin and porcelain veneers are made by dental technicians in a lab or directly built inside your mouth when you’re at the dentist office. Those that are made in a lab are bonded to teeth with a resin based cement, but of the two choices, porcelain veneers are more expensive, and last longer.

When you have small chips and cracks, bonding is more likely the way to go for cost effective cosmetic dentistry. But in cases of discolored, oddly spaced, or worn teeth, dental veneers are more appropriate for a long-term solution. (more…)

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Generally speaking, dental x-rays are safe. A set of x-rays exposes the patient to far less radiation than they would normally incur over the course of a year doing normal activities. However, always consult your doctor if you have special medical concerns, are pregnant, or in the extremely unlikely event you are experiencing any symptoms of radiation, which include - (more…)

Gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease) is the most likely cause for adult tooth loss, and can actually be treated if diagnosed early. Of course prevention is the best way to avoid any kind of oral disease or infection, but it’s extremely important to talk to your dentist is you notice any of the following warning signs:

1. You have really bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
2. Your gums are very red, tender or swollen and they bleed when brushing.
3. Pressing on your gums creates a pus or discharge between your teeth.
4. Your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, or you notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or close your mouth.
5. Your teeth are loose or easily “wiggled” with a finger or tongue.

Plaque along the gumline is what causes gum disease over time. The bacteria in the plaque produce acids that destroy bone and gum tissue which is what causes the decay. (more…)