"Do you have a breath mint?"

 

 

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

 

It's an embarrassing and delicate subject that can sever even the strongest of relationships. How can you tell someone that every time they lean in to tell you something you're trying to hide the fact that your eyes are watering and that you're trying to suppress your gag reflex?

 

The answer? Probably not easily. No one wants to offend or hurt anyone's feelings but having chronic bad breath is not just impolite it could be signaling serious medical conditions that shouldn't be ignored! 

 



Causes

 

 

Infection

 

Guess what? There are hundreds of thousands of bacteria in your mouth, some good and some bad. The bad ones (mutans streptococci) when left in the mouth (due to inefficient personal oral care and infrequent professional dental visits) are given free reign to multiply and feed on food particles left in between teeth. Over time this leads to a very serious disease called periodontitis. At this point no matter how many pieces of gum you chew or how many times you gargle with mouth wash the only way to get rid of your bad breath is to see a dentist for a deep cleaning.

 

Food

 

We've all been there. Let's say you're on a date and you order a burger that comes with a stack of red onions or you're at your favorite Italian restaurant and the special is tomato and basil pasta with a side of extra garlic. By the end of the evening your date is hastily making up any excuse to get out of a goodnight kiss.

Garlic and onions are delicious and very good for you but they give you bad breath that seems to last for days!

 

Xerostomia

 

This is just a fancy name for dry mouth. When the mouth is devoid of saliva, bacteria can flourish accelerating periodontitis and tooth decay.

It all comes down to this: bacteria is smelly and it's just sitting there in your mouth. (gross!)

Treatments

The quick fix for offensive breath is usually gum and mints. These are good if you are in a bind but these only mask bad breath (and if the mints and gum are not sugar-free you're risking tooth decay!)

The best way to eliminate bad breath is to always floss, brush, & rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash AND always visit your dentist for professional cleanings at least 2 times a year. He or she will also be able to give you a complete oral exam to make sure that the cause for your halitosis is not something more serious.

Noticing your friends and family running away when you lean in to talk to them? Call us to make an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam!
215.567.4949

Check out our website for more dental services.
2020-dentistry.com
 

 



October is Pet Safety Month!

Think your beloved cat or dog is safe from the horrors of Periodontal Disease? THINK AGAIN!

Plaque, tartar, & calculus build-up occurs in cats and dogs the same way it does in humans. 

Food particles left on teeth, combined with bacteria found in the mouth, form the deadly combination causing plaque! 

Health risks are the same too. Studies have found that excessive periodontal diseases in dogs and cats cause kidney, heart and liver damage! 

If you can't stand the idea of these things happening to your precious Mittens or Fido, continue reading for warning signs and prevention.

Signs to look for in your pet...

(HINT: they are the same signs that you would look for in yourself if you suspected you had periodontal disease.) 

• bad breath 
• irritated, red, swollen, & bleeding gums
• loss in appetite because of pain in their mouth 
• loose/missing teeth

Prevention

(Pay close attention!)

The only way to save your dog and/or cat from pain and tooth loss is to take them for regular veterinary check-ups and to clean their teeth everyday with specialized pet toothbrushes and toothpastes.

Take a look at these videos to see how easy brushing your pet's teeth can be.

[source: http://www.vohc.org/perio.htm#cause]

[photo sources: http://www.syncrocloud.com/petdental & http://www.pet-care-unleashed.com/dog-dental-care.html]