Cavities happen all the time. They’re an extremely common problem that most everyone faces when they’re a child, teen, or adult. When you sit in the dentist’s chair and find out you have a cavity, it can put a damper on your day. Cavities are often minor inconveniences, and annoying toothaches and tooth sensitivity are often associated with cavities.
Cavities are simply no fun at all. Nonetheless, with quick treatment by your dentist and oral hygiene diligence, cavities don’t have to form into bigger problems. If left untreated, however, cavities can form into much bigger oral complications, such as tooth loss, broken teeth, and gum disease.
Don’t forget, your dentist also performs an oral cancer screening during your dental exam as well!
More on Cavities and Tooth Decay from The Mayo Clinic.
Cavity Formation and Risk Factors
Cavities form because of tooth decay – often due to excess bacteria and plaque in the mouth. Once the tooth begins to decay, a cavity forms over time and creates little holes in teeth. Sometimes, when a cavity forms, you can experience a toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold. Some people may not experience any pain or discomfort from a cavity and that’s why it is so important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cavity checks.
Bacteria is a destructive force in the mouth. When bacteria are present, they begin breaking down enamel, causing a build-up of plaque and tartar, and irritate the gums. Everything in connected with your oral health and if bacteria begins affecting a tooth and causing a cavity, it could also be causing gum disease.
Gum Disease Causes and Treatment
Cavities are a tell-tale sign of excess bacteria in the mouth. This means that you probably need to up the amp on your oral hygiene routine. Maybe you need to spend more time brushing, add in more flossing, and so on. Talking with your dentist will help you pin-point what you can do to eliminate the risk of cavities and gum disease. When cavities are present and bacteria is left untreated in the mouth, your gums can begin to get inflamed, which is the basis of gum disease.
According to WebMD, gum disease begins with bacteria in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss because of the loss of gum tissue. Gum disease attacks the gums, making them recede and not hold on to your teeth as well as they should. Look for these signs and symptoms:
Bleeding gums
Swollen or sensitive gums
Loose teeth
Pockets between the gums
Receding gums
Bad breath
Catching gum disease early is key to recovery, much like cavities. Proper plaque and bacteria control are key to eliminating gum disease and cavity risk! So, talk with your dentist to see what works best for you, and remember that proper oral healthcare is the best defense against bacteria.
Tooth decay is a common dental issue. But it’s easily preventable and fixable if you take the right care!
Nobody wants rotten teeth! Whether called tooth decay, cavities, or dental caries, rotten teeth cause pain and difficulty eating or drinking. Cavities grow when bacteria breeds in your mouth from sugary or starchy foods. As the bacteria multiplies, it creates a layer of sticky plaque that erodes the tooth enamel. The bacteria and sugar also form acids that bore into the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. If the decay reaches into the softer dentin inside the tooth, the decay can progress to an infection within the tooth pulp.
In the early stages, you may not see or feel any effects from tooth decay. But as it advances, toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and pain when you bite hard into food will indicate you have a rotten tooth. You may also see holes or discolorations on the tooth surface. Fortunately, rotten teeth — even in the latter stages — can be repaired. A dentist at Espire Dental can discuss all options with you, but these are the most common methods to treat tooth decay.
Five Ways to Repair Rotten Teeth
Early detection is the best way to stop tooth decay in its tracks. If your dentist spots decay in its earliest form, they can spread a fluoride liquid, gel, foam, or varnish over the tooth. These treatments contain more fluoride than what is found in toothpaste and can prevent the decay from spreading further into the tooth enamel. If the decay is more advanced, you may need more extensive therapy, like these five methods:
Fillings. The most frequent treatment for cavities, fillings replace the decayed portion of the tooth with either silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain material. Silver amalgam is cheaper and durable, but it’s more visible. Composite resin or porcelain can blend in with the tooth color.
Crowns. In some instances, the decay has worn away most of the tooth. Your dentist will need to remove the decay, leaving behind enough of the tooth to affix a crown. The crown is usually made of gold, porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, or other materials for a strong fit.
Root Canal. Once the decay has infected the root of the tooth, your only option may be a root canal. In this procedure, the decayed root is removed and replaced with a filling and medication to clear any infection. A crown is then secured over the root canal.
Extractions. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, it may need to be extracted to prevent the decay and infection from spreading to the gums.
Dentures/Implants. A pulled tooth can leave a noticeable gap in your mouth, but the missing tooth or teeth can be replaced with full or partial dentures, or dental implants that secure an artificial tooth to your bones. Dentures and implants have both pros and cons in regards to cost, durability, and comfort. An Espire dentist can explain both options with you.
Preventing Tooth Decay
The best way to avoid costly and uncomfortable dental procedures is to prevent decay in the first place. A good start would be to follow these oral health guidelines:
Avoid Sugars and Starches. Sugar and starches supercharge bacteria growth in your mouth. Although it’s hard to resist sweets, limit your sugar intake by avoiding sugar-laden drinks and treats. Be aware that some fruits may be high in sugar content, so manage your consumption of those fruits, as well. On the other hand, drinking water boosts saliva in the mouth, which in turn can wash away bacteria.
Practice Oral Hygiene Daily. Brushing after meals or at least twice daily cuts down on the amount of bacteria in the mouth (until you can get a professional teeth cleaning). Use a toothpaste with fluoride. Flossing once a day also cleans bacteria from the crevices between teeth. And if you are at higher risk for cavities, rinse with a fluoride-rich mouthwash.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly. A twice-yearly visit to the dentist for an exam and cleaning can ward off decay or treat it in its earliest stages. Tooth decay is always easier to treat and cure when caught early!
Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease among American adults. In fact, it’s so common that there’s a 50% chance you already have it if you’re over 30.
Also called gum disease, it starts with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. If not treated, the condition worsens, loosening your teeth. Eventually, your teeth could fall out.
The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable. Learn to recognize the signs of this condition so you can protect your smile. At Arcadia Perio, our team of dental professionals, led by J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, and Andrew Peterson, DMD, are here to help.
Telltale signs of periodontal disease
Your gums protect your jaw and the roots of your teeth. Healthy gums help hold your teeth in place and seal out harmful bacteria. Strong oral hygiene keeps your teeth and your gums clean, but if you don’t brush and floss regularly, periodontal disease can develop.
Here are some of the most common signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Bleeding gums
Healthy gums don’t bleed, but periodontal disease can make them more sensitive. If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss or at your regular dental cleanings, it may be a sign of periodontal disease.
Puffy gums
Puffy gums are another visual cue that could indicate periodontal disease. When bacteria builds up on your teeth, it can infect and inflame surrounding gum tissue. Healthy gums are pink, but periodontal disease may make them red, puffy, and tender.
Receding gumline
If you have periodontal disease, gum tissue may begin pulling away from your teeth. Your gums should fit snugly around the base of your teeth, but inflammation can make them recede and reveal too much of your tooth roots.
Bad breath
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, could be a sign of periodontal disease. Excessive bacteria buildup on teeth and under gums can cause bad breath or a permanent bad taste in your mouth.
Tooth sensitivity
Receding gums and other symptoms of periodontal disease can make your teeth feel sensitive. Pain when consuming food or beverages that are hot, cold, or sweet is one of the most noticeable signs of tooth sensitivity. You might also notice pain when biting or chewing, no matter the food’s temperature.
Loose teeth
When periodontal disease progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen in their sockets. You might notice a tooth that’s obviously loose, or the signs may be more subtle. Slowly loosening teeth can shift in your mouth, changing the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
Stop the damage of periodontal disease
Good oral hygiene is your best defense against periodontal disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use a fluoride mouthwash for extra protection.
Along with at-home care, visit our office for routine dental cleanings. Everyone should get a professional cleaning once or twice a year. And if you notice symptoms of gum disease between appointments, don’t wait to seek treatment.
We offer customized treatments to stop periodontal disease and even reverse some of the damage that it causes. From LANAP™ laser dentistry to regenerative therapies, there’s a treatment to preserve your teeth and your smile.
Your dental check-up is part of your routine, isn’t it? It’s every six months, with the appointment made right before you head out the door at the end of your last visit. Your teeth have been cleaned and polished; they feel fantastic and they look much better than when you came in. But what, exactly, does a cleaning accomplish? Can a professional dental cleaning get rid of stains? And if not, what can?
What defines a professional teeth cleaning?
For many people, the most obvious part of a semiannual dental check-up is the teeth cleaning. It leaves your whole mouth feeling fresh and revived. But what exactly does the cleaning do?
Much more thorough than the brushing and flossing you do at home, a dental teeth cleaning – or dental prophylaxis – is a professional dental procedure that removes plaque, stains, and calculus (also known as tartar) that have built up above your gum line. Your hygienist uses specific tools to scrape away these deposits, either hand tools – the scrapers and picks you’re likely familiar with – or, if needed, an electronic device called an ultrasonic scaler for deeper stains or discolorations. Once your teeth are clean, they’re polished with a prophylaxis paste specifically formulated for this use.
Will a teeth cleaning get rid of stains on my teeth?
A professional dental cleaning will remove the surface build-up of plaque and tartar, as well as some fresh stains that are not yet deep into your teeth. Such a cleaning is typically performed on healthy adult teeth that show no bone loss or infection, and that do not have periodontal disease.
As for stains, your twice-yearly teeth cleaning will make your teeth cleaner and brighter overall, but may not be able to eliminate all stains. However, they do help make teeth less prone to staining. Keeping your tooth enamel clean mitigates the effects of such stain producers as tobacco, wine, coffee, and tea. A professional cleaning by your dentist also works against gum disease and tooth decay and helps to make your teeth stronger and more resilient. It gives you a brighter smile, too! (Check out our free Smile Consultation!)
What causes stains on my teeth?
It depends on the stain. There are three basic types of stains on teeth —extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.
Extrinsic stains
Extrinsic stains are the most obvious stains – the ones you see whenever you look in a mirror. Extrinsic stains are only on the enamel surface of your teeth – the hard shell outside layer that protects the other interior layers. Tooth enamel is constantly exposed to things you put in your mouth and it absorbs the color residue. Coffee, tea, and red wine are the biggest culprits, but berries and curries can cause staining as well. Luckily, these stains don’t go below the enamel to the inner part of the tooth, so they’re the easiest to remove!
Intrinsic stains
Intrinsic stains are stains that have moved into the dentin, the sensitive tooth layer that’s just under the enamel. Dentin, which is naturally yellowish and darker than the tooth’s surface, can be stained if it is exposed to what you eat or drink, which happens when tooth enamel wears down. This can be caused by injury to your teeth or if you were given certain antibiotics as a child. Because these stains are inside your teeth, they’re harder to remove than the extrinsic stains on a tooth’s surface.
Age-related stains
This is just what it sounds like – discoloration that is a normal consequence of your teeth getting older. As we age, the enamel on our teeth wears down and the dentin – the part below the enamel – becomes darker. This type of discoloration is not caused by what you eat or drink. While the change in your teeth as you age is normal, its effects may not be to your liking.
Are there other ways to get stains off my teeth?
There are, but be cautious. In your favorite grocery store or drugstore, you’ll find toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth over time when used regularly. These can be hard on your tooth enamel and may take weeks – or even months – to produce visible results. Also available are packaged whitening kits to use at home. Of course, with these off-the-rack kits, you can’t control the level of chemicals, and the trays are not made to fit your teeth. You may see some minor improvement, but the results may not last, and improper usage can damage your gums.
The best way to remove stains from your teeth – any kind of stain – is with a professional whitening treatment. During a whitening treatment at your dentist’s office, your teeth will be treated with a solution that contains peroxide. Peroxide penetrates the enamel of your teeth, causing oxidation, which makes the molecules inside your teeth reflect less light. Your teeth appear colorless and this provides the white effect you are seeking.
Oral health is not a joke and should never be taken lightly. What most people do not realize is that when you have poor oral health, it affects the overall health of an individual too. Thankfully enough studies have been conducted over the last two to three decades that emphasize the importance of oral health and why it is as important as the general health of the body.
Here is a fact that will astonish you: half of the Americans do not floss on a daily basis while one out of every five Americans does not brush their teeth twice a day.
In this article, we are going to take a different approach and expose what happens if you don’t take care of your teeth and oral health.
Bad breath
The first thing that will happen is that you would have bad breath. When you don’t brush your teeth after eating or drinking, some of the residues remain in your mouth.
These particles get stuck around your teeth and even your tongue. Secondly, as most consumables have a smell attached to it, it lingers in your mouth when you don’t brush. In just a day or two, you’d see how every time you open your mouth, a particularly unpleasant smell comes from your mouth. This is not a confidence builder.
Enamel will start to break down
When you eat something and don’t brush your teeth, plaque starts to accumulate in your mouth. Over time, this plaque hardens and turns into tartar. When tartar is left untreated, it aids in the erosion of the enamel of your teeth. The worst thing is once enamel is lost, it cannot be regained. When the tooth is still not treated, the decay makes the dentin of the tooth vulnerable too. As dentin is a softer part of the tooth, the decay process is faster when involved. When decay grows and gets close to the pulp, it can become exposed. That can make the process even more complicated as it can involve root canal therapy which greatly increases the cost of treatment.
More prone to gum disease
When you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, it does not only leave its impact on your teeth but also your gums. People who don’t brush their teeth properly are prone to getting gingivitis. The fact is that half of the Americans already have it. Gingivitis is labeled as the earliest sign of gum disease. If your gums start to bleed while you floss, it shows that you have a milder version of gingivitis.
If you don’t take gingivitis seriously and it is left on its own, it can lead to a more serious gum disease called periodontists. Once you have periodontists, it can cause irreversible damage and it becomes crucial that you see your dentist.
Development of tooth infections
Poor dental hygiene results in the development of tooth infections. As you keep on getting cracks and cavities in teeth, it leads to infections that not only hurt really bad but also can only be sorted out by a dentist.
When cavities are not treated in time, bacteria gets inside the pulp of a tooth. A tooth with a damaged pulp can lead to an abscessed tooth, which is painful and also results in swelling and discomfort while chewing.
However, if you take care of your teeth, you can actually steer clear of these dental issues and actually enjoy good oral health.
Bottomline
At the end of the day, it is important to realize that only you can take care of your health, be it oral or total body. It is a team effort. Getting proper dental treatment will do little if you don’t take care of your oral health. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (preferably after consuming something), flossing once a day, and frequent dental checkups are three of the basic regimens of a good oral health routine.
If you do feel any type of toothache or dental problem, do not shy away from making an appointment with your dentist. It is better to catch a problem early than let it grow into a bigger problem, causing more pain and expense.
Tooth discoloration along the gum line can indicate several dental issues. One of the more common reasons for a yellow coating developing along the gum line is tartar buildup. Failing to maintain regular teeth cleanings can allow for tartar to form, especially in hard-to-reach places.
Read on to learn more about tartar buildup and how it can have a severe impact on your overall health if left untreated.
What Is Dental Tartar?
Tartar, or calculus, is plaque that has hardened onto the teeth. Tartar is mostly made of mineralized dead bacteria and a small amount of mineralized proteins from saliva. Chemically speaking, tartar is made of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium phosphate. It can form at or just below the gum line and can exasperate gum issues.
You cannot remove tartar at home. Once tartar has formed, it must be removed with special tools by a dental professional.
How Dental Plaque Leads to Tartar Buildup
Bacteria is always present in the mouth, even with an excellent oral hygiene routine. As bacteria mixes with proteins and food byproducts, a sticky film forms called plaque. Plaque covers the teeth, can get under the gum line, and sticks to fillings and other dental work. It also carries harmful bacteria that can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities and decay. By removing plaque regularly, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, plaque hardens and turns into tartar buildup.
How Tartar Affects Teeth and Gums
Tartar buildup can make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly, which often results in cavities and tooth decay. Any tartar that forms above the gum line has the potential to damage tooth enamel. Tartar that forms below the gum line can irritate and damage your gum tissue. Over time, this can lead to progressive gum disease.
The mildest form of gum disease, called gingivitis, can be reversed by brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, in addition to routine cleanings by a dentist. Gum disease can progress to the point of periodontitis, where infected pockets forming between the gums and teeth. At the point of periodontitis, damage to the bones and tissues that hold your teeth in place can lead to tooth loss. Some studies also suggest a direct link between the bacteria found in gum disease and heart disease.
Signs You Have Tartar Buildup
Luckily, tartar is a mineral buildup that is relatively easy to see above the gum line. Tartar buildup feels like a rough substance and not smooth like tooth enamel. Tartar also irritates the gums, causing inflammation, bleeding, and eventually gum disease. When tartar appears below the gum line, it can cause swollen and bleeding gums.
Only a dental professional can successfully remove tartar buildup on teeth through a process called scaling. Scaling should never be attempted at home to avoid damaging the tooth enamel.
Preventing Tartar and Plaque
The most effective way of preventing tartar from forming on your teeth is not to let plaque linger for too long. This can be done by:
Brushing regularly. Brush your teeth regularly, twice a day for two minutes.
Using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to repair damage to tooth enamel. If you’re susceptible to tartar buildup, also look for a toothpaste made for tartar control.
Flossing. Dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between the teeth and keep tartar out of these hard-to-reach places.
Using a mouth rinse. Using an antiseptic mouthwash daily will help kill the bacteria that cause plaque.
Watch what you eat. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugary and starchy foods. Eating a healthy diet will help to limit the number of bacteria in the mouth.
Avoid smoking. Those who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are more likely to struggle with tartar buildup.
Periodontal (gum) disease can be a very aggressive infection: Left untreated, it can destroy the vital periodontal structures that protect teeth and maintain their attachment to the jaw. The end result—tooth loss—harms both your health and appearance.
Controlling gum disease and ultimately restoring health and appearance to damaged gums and tooth-supporting bone requires aggressive treatment—sometimes even surgical measures. Periodontal (gum) surgery treats moderate to advanced disease.
Infection Control: An Important First Step
Gum disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque, a thin film of food remnants and bacteria that builds up on tooth surfaces when oral hygiene is inadequate or inefficient. As the gums become infected by the bacteria, the body responds with inflammation, a defensive mechanism aimed at isolating the bacteria and destroying it.
But as the war between body and infection rages, the inflammation becomes chronic and damages the surrounding gum and bone tissues. This causes gum attachment and supporting bone to be lost from the teeth, creating spaces between the gums and teeth known as periodontal pockets. The progression of periodontal disease becomes a vicious cycle: As the pockets deepen, dental hygiene becomes less effective.
The only way to stop gum disease is to remove bacterial plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) from all tooth surfaces—including from the roots that lie beneath the gum line. Dentists use special hand instruments (or ultrasonic equipment) called scalers to manually remove calculus. If you need a deeper cleaning of the root surfaces, your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist (gum specialist) for a manual plaque-removal technique known as root planing or debridement. If the tissues don’t appear to be responding as desired, then antibiotic treatment to reduce bacterial levels might be introduced. Splinting teeth together, or bite adjustment—where a tiny bit of tooth enamel is removed to reduce forces received by a particular tooth—may also be included to help stabilize loose teeth.
Of equal importance is a necessary change in behavior and lifestyle on the part of the patient. The disease develops and advances primarily because of a lack of effective hygiene, so the patient must therefore renew and maintain a daily habit of brushing and flossing, and a routine of regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups (at least twice a year and maybe more with advanced gum disease). He or she should also consider stopping tobacco use and other habits that harm oral health.
Surgical Techniques
If the infection has caused deep periodontal pockets (5 mm or more) or has settled beyond the reach of manual scalers, then gum surgery may be needed to access, clean and repair the diseased areas.
Flap surgery is one type of procedure used to access the deeper pockets of infection and clean them. The surgeon, usually a periodontist, creates a three-sided flap in the gum tissue, with one side still attached to the blood supply. The resulting opening resembles the flap of an envelope. Opening the flap, the surgeon can then access deep periodontal pockets to perform plaque removal, as well as repair receded gum tissue or lost bone. When finished, the surgeon then sutures the flap closed with self-dissolving stitches.
Regenerative techniques may also be needed to re-grow lost tissue and bone. These involve the use of various grafting procedures to obtain tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth or another source and attach it where needed. Once in place, the graft acts as a scaffold for new gum tissue to grow upon and develop. These micro-surgical techniques require meticulous skill (and some level of art) not only to place the grafting material so it is most conducive to growth, but also to fashion it cosmetically to achieve the most attractive result.
These and similar procedures are usually performed with local anesthesia, sometimes supplemented with other sedation methods. Special cleaning instructions will be given to protect the site from further infection, and any minor discomfort after the procedure can usually be managed with anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) for a few days.
Treating Disease Today, Preventing It in the Future
Gum disease treatment, including surgery, isn’t a cure—the prospect for re-occurrence is always there. Proper hygiene and maintenance by both you and your dentist is essential for preventing this. Gum surgery is performed to regenerate lost bone and to help create an environment around the teeth and gums that makes it easier to clean and maintain them. Gum surgery, then, should be considered as part of an overall strategy to stop periodontal (gum) disease’s unchecked advance so that healing can take place. This will allow you to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible—maybe even for life.
The best way to know if braces are the right option for you is to have a formal consultation.
Signs You Need Dental Braces Again
1. Tooth Crowding
This occurs when the teeth overlap each other or start to do so. Crowding causes damage in several ways, including leading to gaps. It can also be a higher risk for the development of gum disease because crowding makes it harder to clean the teeth properly.
2. Overbites
An overbite occurs when the upper row of teeth extends beyond the bottom teeth, creating an uneven smile. Braces can help to properly align the teeth to minimize or eliminate this condition.
3. Underbite
This occurs when the lower jaw and teeth extend further forward than the upper row. This, too, can be corrected by braces, in many cases.
4. Crooked Teeth
Sometimes, the teeth do not have the proper vertical appearance. When this happens, it may cause misalignment of the upper and lower teeth and adds to the risk of gum disease.
5. Challenges to Function
Some people may benefit from braces if they have jaw pain, especially that’s worsening, trouble chewing, or difficulty speaking. Additionally, the presence of gum disease and early tooth decay can also indicate a problem with alignment.
Adult Braces May Correct Many Problems
Often, people think of braces as something children need. That’s not the case. Rather, adult braces are some of the best solutions available today. These options for adult braces allow the adult teeth, even those fully grown and in place, to be moved properly, though slightly, over time. It may take longer to correct these problems than in children, but it can still be very beneficial.
Braces Options – Finding the Right Tool for Your Needs
To correct any of these types of problems, an orthodontist may recommend more than one type of bracing product. It is still possible to purchase metal braces, the type that affixes to the teeth and needs tightening over time. However, many people are choosing dental aligners.
Aligners allow for the movement of teeth with a gentle force. The aligner, which may be clear, is placed into the mouth, over the teeth. As long as it is there, it is working to correct your smile. Over time, aligners can create the desired improvements without as much discomfort or pain as other products.
Nobody wants to discover that they have bad breath. Formally called halitosis, bad breath can be embarrassing. Together, these strategies can help you banish bad breath for good.
1.- Gargle with Warm Salt Water
You can gargle or rinse out your mouth with warm salt water to try to kill some of the bacteria in your mouth that is causing the smell. You could also try an antiseptic mouthwash, though some people find over the counter products like Listerine to be drying. Warm salt water is mild enough that most people don’t have any issues using it.
2.- Chew Cinnamon Gum
Instead of spearmint or peppermint, trade in your regular chewing gum for a cinnamon stick or cinnamon gum. Cinnamon has naturally occurring aldehyde in it. It can help to reduce the germs that cause bad breath.
3.- Drink Green Tea
The polyphenols that are in green tea can help eliminate the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath by 30%. There are many other health benefits associated with drinking a daily cup of green tea, including maintaining less body fat.
4.- Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth can cause bad breath. Some medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. Regardless of the reason behind your dry mouth, drinking more water every day can help clear up your skin, improve the smell of your breath, and make you feel better.
5.- Improve Your Oral Hygiene
As food particles and bacteria build up in your mouth, they rot and cause gum tissue and teeth to decay. The more of this matter that you can remove from your mouth quickly, the better your breath will be. If you don’t currently floss and brush twice a day, start with this goal in mind. You can increase how often you brush to include after each meal. This could have the most significant impact on how your breath smells.
6.- Become a More Fit Person
Getting healthy can improve your breath in many ways. This includes eating a healthier diet and to stop smoking cigarettes. Just be careful of huffing and puffing during intense exercise routines. This could potentially dry out your mouth and make the bad breath problem worse.
7.- Make a Dental Appointment
The most concrete way that you can improve your breath is to simply make an appointment at the dentist. There might be underlying tooth decay or gum disease that’s causing the smell. No amount of drinking water or flossing is going to fill a cavity and cover up the smell. Only a licensed dentist can do that.
Time can slip away from you when life gets so busy. When that happens, it’s easy to skip appointments, like the dentist! But, it’s important to go to the dentist every six months to ensure the best dental health. If you’re ignoring going to the dentist you could also be ignoring a dental emergency.
If you’re ignoring a dental emergency you may be making the problem worse. A dental emergency can include a toothache, a rotting tooth, losing a tooth, chipping a tooth, and everything in between!
Dental Emergencies Not Worth Ignoring
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to call your dentist. In severe cases, you might need to take a trip to the emergency room. Dental pain can be a sign of a cavity or deep infection. If either goes untreated, it can spread to the center of the tooth, infecting the pulp and causing the nerves of the tooth to become inflamed. Along with that, you wouldn’t want to ignore the following dental emergencies:
Bleeding from the mouth may not seem like a an emergency but your mouth has lots of bacteria to keep this from happening. If your mouth is bleeding, that’s a red flag. Minor bleeding from the mouth during flossing and brushing is a warning sign of gum disease. If you are bleeding severely through the mouth or non-stop due to a cut, you may need stitches. Cuts may occur from a result of breaking a tooth. If you notice blood in your saliva, this could be something more serious, like advanced gum disease or cancer.
A cracked or loose tooth is a high risk that bacteria can reach the inside of the tooth, called the pulp. If a tooth breaks, the pulp is exposed, and if infection leads to pulp, you can lose your tooth. It can also spread into your mouth and throughout your body the network of blood vessels in the tooth.
We get oral sores often. We usually chalk this up to weather changes or stress. But if they last longer than a week without any relief, it’s time to go see the dentist. Canker sores affect the inner parts of the lips and gums. If the sore is deeper it may take longer to heal, making you more susceptible to infection. See your dentist if the sore is frequently recurring, over the counter medicine does not help with pain, you are experiencing difficulty eating, or it causes swelling or fever.
If there is a bump in your mouth this can be a sign or oral cancer. It is best to go to the dentist immediately so they can classify the bump and provide treatment.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Don’t let the issue progress from waiting until it’s too late! If you’re experiencing any of the dental emergencies listed above, please contact to your Dentist for an emergency appointment.
