Bad breath is one of those things that only your mom and your kids will
tell you about. Sometimes even your spouse won't tell you about your breath.
If you're lucky your dentist will tell you about it. So what's the big deal
about bad breath anyway?
Some people spend their entire lives with bad breath, which can dramatically
affect their self-esteem. Their loved ones don't want to kiss them, their
friends back away during conversation, and their business relationships can
even suffer. Some know they have bad breath but don't know what to do about
it. Others don't know they have bad breath-they just think people don't like
them very much.
In almost every case, bad breath is a dental problem. While there are a
few medical conditions and medications that cause bad breath, 80-90% of the
time, bad breath is from dental plaque. Plaque accumulates between the teeth,
under the gums and on the back of the tongue. The bacteria in plaque produce
volatile sulfur compounds that smell like rotten eggs. These bacteria are
also responsible for causing loss of the bone that holds your teeth in your
jaw. This bone loss is called periodontal disease (gum disease), which has
recently been confirmed by the Surgeon General to be associated with heart
disease, lung disease, stroke, and decreased birth weight. Bad breath is
a problem that should not be ignored. But what can be done about it?
Plaque control is the main solution. Your dentist can help you freshen your
breath and minimize the accumulation of plaque by:
- Replacing old fillings and crowns that might be collecting
plaque
- Professionally treating your gum disease
- Teaching you how remove the
plaque on a daily basis at home with flossing, brushing, using a water
jet, and cleaning your tongue.
- Prescribing special toothpaste and mouth
wash that is formulated to neutralize the volatile sulfur compounds.
Top cosmetic dentists are trained to help people eliminate bad breath. We
now know that bad breath and gum disease go hand in hand, and that gum disease
is associated with serious health problems. Along with the social stigma
of bad breath, these health risks should alert people to the importance of
treating bad breath.
Dr. Bernstein is a longtime Piedmont
resident in private practice 2 blocks from Cal Piedmont. He is a clinical
instructor at the world renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental
Studies and his practice focuses on Cosmetic Dentistry and 5 star guest
services. Dr. Bernstein can be reached at 848-SMILE (848-7645) and at www.allnewsmiles.com.
