Eliminating Bad Breath

It is estimated that that a high percentage of people suffer from chronic bad breath. It is an embarrassing problem that can affect your job prospects and personal relationships.

What causes bad breath?

While bad breath originates in the mouth 80% of the time, at other times it is a symptom of underlying disease which needs the earliest possible treatment.

Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases of the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Smoking, garlic and onions can add to the problems. Certain illnesses such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, nasal or stomach conditions and "dry mouth" (xerostomia) that affects the flow of saliva can be the cause of bad breath.

Dental problems account for the majority of breath disorders. These can range from broken, leaking fillings or obvious infections to impacted teeth and calculus build-up that can harbor odour- causing bacteria. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and cause an unpleasant smell.

Gum disease- Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It is caused by sticky plaque and hard deposits of tartar. It happens when teeth and gums are not kept clean enough. Without regular cleaning the gums will come away from the tooth creating pockets around the teeth where food and plaque can collect. Pockets are difficult to keep clean and gum disease will get worse if treatment is not carried out.The next stage of the disease will involve loosing the bone that supports the teeth and the teeth will become loose until they will have to be taken out. Severe gum disease can be an inherited factor or an indicator of problems with general health. Scientists have discovered that periodontal disease is linked to coronary heart disease and stroke, especially for people who smoke or have high blood pressure.

Treatment: Once we have determined the degree and cause of the breath problem, the treatment can take many forms. If medical problems are found to be the underlying cause of bad breath, proper referral will be made.

Recommendation will be made by Dr. Tony Bettencourt to correct and treat any dental disease that is directly related to the breath problem or gum disease.

OUR GOAL IS A CLEAN, HEALTHY MOUTH WITH FRESH BREATH!!