Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:
Myth #1 - Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you're deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it's always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also, ask your dentist what he or she recommends.
Myth #2 - As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.
The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too - bacteria love to hang out there. It's equally important to floss because brushing alone won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.
Myth #3 - If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.
If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.
If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.
The purpose of this article is to answer some frequently-asked questions about this common human condition. When asked by their patients about the possibility of bad breath, practitioners should consider setting up a special appointment. This is because patients often clean and deoderize their mouth several minutes before coming into the clinic.For at least two hours prior to a consultation on oral malodour, it is important that the patient not eat, drink, chew, smoke, gargle or brush his/her teeth. Second, it is recommended that the patient bring with a close friend or family member ("confidant") who can describe the problem in an objective fashion, and verify that the odour at the time of the consultation is similar, if not in intensity, then at least in quality, to the odour which is usually bothersome. 1. I have bad breath. Should I first go see a gastroenterologist? Most certainly not. Bad breath almost never comes from the gastrointestinal tract. This is because under normal operation the oesophagus is collapsed and air can only escape in the form of an occasional rising bubble of air (belch). Since bad breath usually comes from the mouth, the gastroenterologist should be the last specialist on your list, the dentist, the first.
2. You say that bad breath usually comes from the mouth. What places within the mouth are most likely to be responsible? In a mouth with healthy dentition and gums, the first place to look is the back of the tongue dorsum. This area can be most easily probed by scraping with a plastic spoon. In many cases, a yellowish discharge is obtained on the spoon.In my opinion, this discharge originates in postnasal drip, a very common condition. The postnasal drip may not smell when it reaches the tongue, but after sitting there for a while it takes on a characteristic unpleasant odour. Just by comparing the smell on the spoon with the odour exiting the mouth, one can often pinpoint the problem. One solution to odour from the back of the tongue is to gargle with an effective mouthrinse (the dentist should recommend one with minimal side effects), and then directly to clean the tongue gently but thoroughly using a tongue scraper or regular toothbrush (without paste). Initially, it is difficult to clean this part of the tongue because it initiates gagging reflex, but, with time, this is easily overcome. The teeth and gums are the other common source of oral malodour, particularly subgingival and proximal areas. Margins, overhangs, leaky crowns, and periodontal pockets are prime sites for anaerobic bacterial activity leading to putrefaction. One simple way of helping to diagnose whether bad breath is from the mouth or not is to compare the odour coming from the patient's mouth with that coming from the nose. If the odour is primarily from the mouth, then that is the place to look. Another simple technique is to prescribe a strong antibacterial mouthwash (e.g., 0.2% chlorhexidine) for rinsing and gargling for one week. If the odour subsides, it is likely due to an oral etiology. Since bad breath is exacerbated when the mouth dries out (e.g., after a long speech, during sleep, when under stress, as the result of medication), anything that gets the juices flowing (even a 2 minute chewing gum break) will be helpful.
3. Outside the mouth itself, what other reasons are there for bad breath? The nose and nasal passages constitute the second most-common site of bad breath. Sinusitis and other bacterial infections, blockages of the airway, and dry nasal mucosa can all contribute to malodour. Bad breath from the nose can be discerned by asking the patients to breathe out through their nose, and comparing the odour with that exiting the mouth. If the odour appears to be coming primarily from the nose, or has a different odour than that coming from the mouth, a nasal etiology may be involved, and an ENT examination (preferably including endoscopy) may be recommended. In children, foreign bodies in the nose are a major cause of bad breath, sometimes resulting in an odour that is so foul that it completely envelopes the body. Hundreds of diseases (e.g. bronchial and lung infections, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, biochemical disorders) can result in bad breath, but all these taken together account for all only a very small percent of those suffering from the general problem.
4. I am sure that I have bad breath, though noone has told me directly. What should I do? Self reports of bad breath are often unreliable. This is because we are unable to gauge our own bad breath in an objective manner. Millions of people suffer from a grossly exaggerated fear of suffering from bad breath ("halitophobia"). In such instances, the assistance of the accompanying person is critical in providing background information as to whether the person actually suffers from a physiological problem. Unfortunately, "halitophobics" often do not bring anyone with them to the consultaton. People who believe that they suffer from bad breath may withdraw from social activities, and in extreme cases may even commit suicide. Several things may lead patients to wrongly assume that they have bad breath. Two are of particular interest. In the first, patients may find small yellowish stones on their tongue which have a terribly foul odour, and lead the patients to the conclusion that they have equally awful breath. These are usually tonsilloliths, deriving from crypts in the tonsils. Although the stones themselves smell, particularly when pressed, they usually are not a significant source of bad breath at all. Second, patients who falsely assume they have bad breath may have inferred this from other family members who do or did. The dentist should inquire as to whether the patient remembers, as a young child, having a parent who suffered from the problem. This memory may crop up in the form of halitophobia thirty or forty years later. Patients with grossly exaggerated concerns of bad breath should be persuaded to talk to a psychologist about the problem. At the same time, they should also be instructed on correct methods of improving oral hygiene.
5. Does flossing improve the situation? People who floss their teeth have less overall odour than those who do not. I suggest that people use unscented floss, so that they can smell the odour of the floss after each passage. Proximal areas with malodour are the ones that should be cleaned most thoroughly. In my experience, most patients do not floss their teeth regularly, but once the connection is made between fresh breath and flossing, they do.
6. I have a husband/wife/parent/child/friend/dentist with bad breath. How can I let him know? This is the most difficult question of all to answer. For reasons beyond the scope of the present article, people with bad breath do not smell it themselves. Since bad breath is usually amenable to treatment, and may be an indication of a medical condition requiring attention, you should let people in your own family and others close to you know that they suffer from this problem. Otherwise they may never find out. This is a particularly unpleasant task. If you can't summon up the courage to confront that person directly, why not clip out this article and pass it on anonymously?
Find a dentist near your home:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
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2008年5月26日星期一
What caused bad breath?
Bad breath from the stomach is extremely rare. So rare, that of the thousands of people whom I have smelled professionally, I cannot recall even one case in which the stomach appeared to be clearly involved. The esophagus, which connects the stomach with the mouth, is not an open tube, but is closed. Each chunk of food (called a bolus) moves down the esophagus similar to the way that a swallowed frog moves down a snake. Similarly, when one belches, a little bubble of air moves up the esophagus and exits at the mouth. I am not trying to argue that belches don't smell. They can and do. It's just that belching is a once-in-a-while phenomenon. The rest of the time, the esophagus closes off the stomach.
Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be another source of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.
If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay, Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and gums (periodontitis), worsening this problem and your breath. Dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or do not fit properly also can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.
Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest you using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removal dentures take them at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist, If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can prevent tooth decay.
Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.
source:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be another source of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.
If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay, Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and gums (periodontitis), worsening this problem and your breath. Dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or do not fit properly also can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.
Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest you using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removal dentures take them at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist, If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can prevent tooth decay.
Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.
source:
http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Should wisom teeth remove or not?
If your wisdom teeth is not completely horizontal you don't need to worry about it, everybody have wisdom tooth, but risky is,if a wisdom tooth that emerges from the underlying bone but comes only part way through the skin. That leaves a person open to high risk of decay and infection.
Some people believed that wisdom teeth is the leftover by nature, so it should be removed. But the fact is, your jaw and your teeth have been evolutionized to fit each other too. So if you don't don't want to spend so much money or so much painful procedures, just do some regular checks will be OK.
source: http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Some people believed that wisdom teeth is the leftover by nature, so it should be removed. But the fact is, your jaw and your teeth have been evolutionized to fit each other too. So if you don't don't want to spend so much money or so much painful procedures, just do some regular checks will be OK.
source: http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Why 74% dentists don't recommend dental insurance?
Most dentists recommend people to join the discount dental plan, but not the dental insurance ,why?
Here is the reason:
Discount dental plans, designed to provide significant savings on members' dental care needs, have quickly become an attractive alternative to costly dental insurance.
Traditional dental insurance, once the only dental benefit option available, features many drawbacks including costly deductibles, tedious claim forms, long waiting periods and other limitations. On the other hand, discount dental plans are affordable, easy-to-use and free of these hassles.
Insurance Policy:
Maintains monthly premiums in exchange for established benefits
Rarely offered to individuals
Varying annual maximums
Services are out-of-pocket once maximum is met
Deductibles must be met before any benefits are paid
After deductible, co-payment must be met
Orthodontic treatment is rarely covered
Waiting period may be between 6 to 24 months for major services (i.e. crown, bridge, dentures)
Discount Dental Plan:
One low yearly membership fee
Available to individuals, families and groups
No annual limits
No tedious paperwork to submit
Start saving immediately
Orthodontic treatment included in select plans
No health restrictions
source: http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Here is the reason:
Discount dental plans, designed to provide significant savings on members' dental care needs, have quickly become an attractive alternative to costly dental insurance.
Traditional dental insurance, once the only dental benefit option available, features many drawbacks including costly deductibles, tedious claim forms, long waiting periods and other limitations. On the other hand, discount dental plans are affordable, easy-to-use and free of these hassles.
Insurance Policy:
Maintains monthly premiums in exchange for established benefits
Rarely offered to individuals
Varying annual maximums
Services are out-of-pocket once maximum is met
Deductibles must be met before any benefits are paid
After deductible, co-payment must be met
Orthodontic treatment is rarely covered
Waiting period may be between 6 to 24 months for major services (i.e. crown, bridge, dentures)
Discount Dental Plan:
One low yearly membership fee
Available to individuals, families and groups
No annual limits
No tedious paperwork to submit
Start saving immediately
Orthodontic treatment included in select plans
No health restrictions
source: http://www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
Recipe for a cosmetic dentist ingredients
Recipe for a Cosmetic DentistIngredients:
One Dental Degree
An Eye for Beauty
A Talent for Smile Construction
One Pair of Healing Hands
A Heart of Compassion
A Cutting Edge OfficeDirections:
Combine all above ingredients into one dentist. Season with 30 years of experience. Provide continuous learning abilities and room for growth. Stir in a passion for excellence. Knead until ingredients are of the highest quality. Before serving to all in need, sprinkle with a dash of humor. This dish best served with a side of “outstanding, motivated staff”.Hopefully you found our little recipe cute and charming, because that’s what we were going for. In all seriousness, all of those ingredients are necessary for a great cosmetic dentist. Whether you are interested in crowns, veneers, Invisalign, ZOOM, Whitening for Life, Botox or Juvederm, you need a dentist that understands not only your dental needs, but your wants. In today’s society, it is a fact that people who are considered attractive are more successful. Studies have shown that you only have seven seconds, during which others are forming a first impression of you. How do you think your smile factors into that? You’re right, your smile is one of the most essential elements of your appearance. Right now, if your smiling with your lips closed or with your hand over your mouth because you don’t want others to see your teeth, you’re not alone. There’s good news though, with today’s technology, you don’t have to hide your teeth anymore. You can make your dental “wish list” a reality If you would like to brighten your smile, we can achieve that with ZOOM Advance Power (you’ve seen it on Extreme Makeover ). For misshapen or broken teeth, we can place crowns or veneers to create that perfect smile. If it’s a straighter smile you’re dreaming of, Invisalign invisible braces may be for you There are many, many possibilities. It is important to remember that all of these cosmetic procedures should also serve to enhance your overall dental health. Sometimes the cosmetic procedure you have in mind may not be what is best for your overall health. That is why it is so important to find a dentist who not only listens and understands the results you want, but what is the best choice for your overall health. Did you know crooked teeth can be linked to heart disease and diabetes?
Source: www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
One Dental Degree
An Eye for Beauty
A Talent for Smile Construction
One Pair of Healing Hands
A Heart of Compassion
A Cutting Edge OfficeDirections:
Combine all above ingredients into one dentist. Season with 30 years of experience. Provide continuous learning abilities and room for growth. Stir in a passion for excellence. Knead until ingredients are of the highest quality. Before serving to all in need, sprinkle with a dash of humor. This dish best served with a side of “outstanding, motivated staff”.Hopefully you found our little recipe cute and charming, because that’s what we were going for. In all seriousness, all of those ingredients are necessary for a great cosmetic dentist. Whether you are interested in crowns, veneers, Invisalign, ZOOM, Whitening for Life, Botox or Juvederm, you need a dentist that understands not only your dental needs, but your wants. In today’s society, it is a fact that people who are considered attractive are more successful. Studies have shown that you only have seven seconds, during which others are forming a first impression of you. How do you think your smile factors into that? You’re right, your smile is one of the most essential elements of your appearance. Right now, if your smiling with your lips closed or with your hand over your mouth because you don’t want others to see your teeth, you’re not alone. There’s good news though, with today’s technology, you don’t have to hide your teeth anymore. You can make your dental “wish list” a reality If you would like to brighten your smile, we can achieve that with ZOOM Advance Power (you’ve seen it on Extreme Makeover ). For misshapen or broken teeth, we can place crowns or veneers to create that perfect smile. If it’s a straighter smile you’re dreaming of, Invisalign invisible braces may be for you There are many, many possibilities. It is important to remember that all of these cosmetic procedures should also serve to enhance your overall dental health. Sometimes the cosmetic procedure you have in mind may not be what is best for your overall health. That is why it is so important to find a dentist who not only listens and understands the results you want, but what is the best choice for your overall health. Did you know crooked teeth can be linked to heart disease and diabetes?
Source: www.foodheal.com/dentalplans/
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