Most people have no idea that their bad breath is causing others to turn away. The fact is, you cannot smell your own breath, and if you have chronic halitosis, the only ones who will tell you are close friends and family members.
Your dentist will tell you that chronic bad breath is a sign that something could be wrong with your teeth and gums, and unless you suffer from diabetes or other systemic diseases, your halitosis could be signaling gingivitis, or worse yet, periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath, and if you do not brush twice and floss once a day the food that you consume will remain in between your teeth eventually causing plaque and tartar. Remember, good oral hygiene also means regular dental checkups.
Bad breath could be caused by the food you eat. If you are partial to garlic and onions, keep in mind that they can stay in your system up to 72 hours after digestion being absorbed by your skin and lungs. Try avoiding spicy foods and skip the garlic for a while. If your breath is still suffering after cleaning up your diet, it could be time to make an appointment with your dentist.
If gum disease is not to blame, it could be your old fillings. Composite and silver amalgam fillings that are more than 10 years old, or fillings that are cracked or chipped could be harboring tooth decay underneath. Rotting teeth could be the cause of your chronic bad breath and if that is the case, it is time to see your dentist for a checkup.
Chewing tobacco and smoking can not only stain your teeth, but can also irritate your gums and cause bad breath. Try giving up smoking and if you need help see your doctor.
Other chronic halitosis issues could be caused by yeast infections in your mouth or dental appliances that have not been fitted properly.
Bad breath can be downright embarrassing and if you suspect that your halitosis is the reason that you sit home every night, make an appointment with your dentist who we be able to determine the true cause of your bad breath.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Spring is just around the corner and if you have been promising yourself a new you (and nicer teeth), schedule an appointment with your dentist. That clean eating diet isn’t the only thing that you should be taking care of if you have been less than diligent with your oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth twice and flossing them once a day is recommended by a dentist. But if you aren’t seeing your dentist twice a year, you could be asking for problems, especially if you have old fillings.
If your fillings are 5, 10, 15 or 20 years old make an appointment with your dentist who will take x-rays to determine if tooth decay is present under your restorations. Old amalgam or tooth colored resin fillings may be broken or cracked. Often you will not feel any pain or discomfort, if you do; it is often too late, as the decay has grown closer to the pulp and the nerve inside your tooth. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
Sometimes a dentist will repair a single tooth multiple times. If a tooth has been filled more than once it may be too large to fill again requiring a crown.
Cavities can develop anywhere on your tooth and if left to their own devices could become abscessed. Abscesses are dangerous and if not taken care of immediately can cause serious physical problems.
The only way to cleanse your body and that includes your teeth and gums is to schedule an appointment with your dentist who will thoroughly examine your mouth. If problems are present, the two of you will discuss your options.
Gum disease affects everyone, and if you have red and swollen gums or bleed after you brush and floss, it may be a sign that plaque and tartar have started to build up between the root of your tooth and your gum line.
Regular checkups can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, give your mouth a clean bill of health this spring and make an appointment today.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock area. With over 10 years of experience in the dental industry and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington, Dr. Layton enjoys providing safe and easy dental solutions for every patient that walks through the doors of his practice - and reads his blog. You can follow him on Google+.
