"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
 

 



TOOTH ENAMEL

The Do's & Don't's 

for tooth enamel protection

The truth about tooth enamel...

Enamel is the outer most protective layer of your teeth and the strongest mineral in your body. Certain things can damage tooth enamel despite its strength and once enamel is lost it's gone for good. Basting the teeth in acids leaves the enamel soft and vulnerable. 

DON'T: Excessive consumption of acidic foods & beverages.

The acid in some fruits and vegetables along with certain drinks contributes to the erosion of tooth enamel. So try to limit them from your diet, if you can, or neutralize the acid in your mouth by drinking or rinsing with water immediately after their consumption. 

DO: Sugar-free gum. 

Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum after consuming anything acidic will promote saliva to flow and coat your mouth and teeth. Saliva has natural chemicals and enzymes which neutralize acidic conditions in your mouth. 

DON'T: Brushing after eating or drinking anything acidic.

If you brush immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages you run the risk of scrubbing away your softened enamel forever. 

Instead rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing which, as we stated above, will neutralize the acid and also allow your enamel to re-mineralize. 

DO: Use a straw. 

When possible drink with a straw to minimize the exposure of your teeth to the acid in your drink. 

DON'T: Ignoring certain medical conditions

Bulimia, gastroesophageal reflux, and other similar medical conditions which involve acid from the stomach to come in contact with your teeth will cause serious and irreversible damage to your teeth. 

DO: See your dentist!

Even if you think you are not suffering from tooth enamel erosion, your dentist may find areas of damage. See your dentist at least 2 times a year for regular dental cleanings and oral examinations. 

If you would like an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning give us a call! 

215.567.4949

For information on other dental issues check out our website: 

pjmouradiandmd.com