Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Halitosis is the technical name for bad breath. Halitosis is the third-most-frequent reason for going to the dentist, behind tooth decay and periodontal disease. The intensity of bad breath changes during the day, because of eating certain foods, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Bad breath may be transient or persistent. Transient bad breath disappears after eating, brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash.

Persistent or chronic bad breath is a more serious condition, affecting 25% of the population in varying degrees. At Dream Smile Dental, we have some tips for you to rid yourself of bad breath.

Tongue scraping- Bacteria collects on the tissue of your tongue and causes a bad odor. To avoid this, brush your tongue while brushing your teeth with your tooth brush or a tongue scraper.

Regular flossing- Bacteria can colonize in the gums between the teeth and if not removed at least once per day, an unpleasant odor can result. The solution: Floss at least once per day!

Regular hygiene visits- The hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and calculus leaving your teeth biologically sound. A toothbrush and floss alone, no matter how frequently used, cannot reach areas that the dental hygienist can. It’s important to attend regular hygiene visits to stop periodontal disease from developing.
 
Regular Dental Exams- Tooth decay is also a form of disease. Bacteria cause the tooth to erode which releases a foul odor. To detect any untreated decay it’s important to come in for a dental exam at least twice per year.

Regular use of alcohol-free mouthwash- Mouthwash helps lower the level of bacteria that causes bad breath. We recommend using alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent from dry-mouth.

Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol- Chewing gum helps loosen soft depositing that may accumulate on your teeth after eating and in between brushing.

The right toothbrush- An electric toothbrush is far superior in removing the bacterial layer than a manual toothbrush. Use an electric toothbrush and make sure to replace the head every 3 months.
 

Of course, not every case of bleeding gums is directly related to gum disease. In less common circumstances, certain medications, or hormonal changes can cause the gums to become more sensitive to stimulation and may bleed.  However a common reason that gums bleed is due to  gum disease.  Also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gums, teeth and in advanced cases, the bones and ligaments that support the jaw. This infection is estimated to affect nearly 80% of Americans at some point during their lifetime.

With better brushing techniques and more regular flossing, along with regular cleanings and evaluation by a dental professional, the majority of cases of gum disease can be minimized and managed easily. The cause of gum disease is simple; bacteria. Full of warmth, moisture and an environment full of food to thrive upon, bacteria inside the mouth can reproduce rapidly. Food particles and residue that are left inside our mouths after meals provides optimum opportunity for bacteria to grow out of control. As they grow they release toxins that irritate and inflame the gum line. A bacteria's preferred food source is in the form of plaque.

Plaque residue forms a sticky and sometimes hard substance on the teeth and around the gum line. Bacteria feed on the plaque and work deep into gum tissues causing irritation, swelling and bleeding gums. This irritation may be painless but where there is bleeding there is most likely an infection that will need to be treated.

It is very important to see a dentist regularly and get your routine check-ups. Be sure to contact us today to set up your next appointment to avoid any major cases of oral problems.