My Blog
Posts for: October, 2014

We all experience the occasional bout of bad breath from dry mouth or after eating certain foods. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, could have an underlying health cause like periodontal (gum) disease, sinus infections or even systemic illnesses like diabetes. Anyone with persistent halitosis should undergo a thorough examination to determine the root cause.
If such an examination rules out a more serious cause, it’s then possible the particular population of bacteria that inhabit your mouth (out of a possible 600 or more strains) and your body’s response makes you more susceptible to halitosis. After feeding on food remnants, dead skin cells or post-nasal drip, certain types of bacteria excrete volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that give off an odor similar to “rotten eggs.”
In this case, we want to reduce the bacterial population through plaque removal, which in turn reduces the levels of VSCs. Our approach then is effective oral hygiene and perhaps a few cleanings — the basics every person should practice for good oral health — along with a few extra measures specific to chronic halitosis.
This calls for brushing and flossing your teeth daily. This will remove much of the plaque, the main breeding and feeding ground for bacteria, that has accumulated over the preceding twenty-four hours. In some cases, we may also recommend the use of an interproximal brush that is more adept in removing plaque clinging to areas between the teeth.
You may also need to pay special attention in cleaning another oral structure contributing to your bad breath — your tongue. The back of the tongue in particular is a “hideout” for bacteria: relatively dry and poorly cleansed because of its convoluted microscopic structure, bacteria often thrive undisturbed under a continually-forming tongue coating. Simply brushing the tongue may not be enough — you may also need to use a tongue scraper, a dental device that removes this coating. (For more information, see the Dear Doctor article, “Tongue Scraping.”)
Last but not least, visit our office for cleanings and checkups at least twice a year. Professional cleanings remove bacterial plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) you’re unable to reach and remove with daily hygiene measures. Following this and the other steps described above will go a long way toward eliminating your bad breath, as well as enhancing your total oral health.
If you would like more information on treating chronic bad breath, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bad Breath: More Than Just Embarrassing.”

Do you have gum disease? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about half of the adults in America have a mild, moderate or severe form of this disease. But if you’re 65 or older, your chance of having it goes up to 70 percent! Periodontal (gum) disease is sometimes called a “silent malady” because major symptoms may not appear until it has reached an advanced stage. How can you recognize the early warning signs? Here are some clues to look for:
- Redness and irritation of gums. Having red, swollen or sore gums can be a sign of gum disease; however, it could also result from brushing your teeth too vigorously, or using a brush with hard bristles. That’s why we recommend using a soft-bristled brush and a gentle cleaning stroke. If you’re doing this but you still have irritated gums, it could be an early signal of gum disease.
- Bleeding when you brush. Despite what you may think, this is never a normal occurrence. If your gums regularly bleed after brushing, it’s usually an indication that gum disease is present. You should come in for an examination as soon as possible.
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Bad breath or unpleasant tastes could be caused by what you ate last night — or they could result from gum disease. If the odor or taste is persistent — that is, if it doesn’t seem to go away over time — it could indicate a problem with your gums.
- Gum recession. When you have gum recession, the healthy, pink tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull back, or recede. This exposes more of the tooth’s structure — even its roots — and makes teeth look longer. While gum recession is a common condition that is primarily caused by periodontal disease, many people don’t realize they have it because it occurs so gradually. They also may not realize that by the time it is noticed, some underlying bone tissue has already been lost. Gum recession is a condition you shouldn’t ignore: If left untreated, it can result in the destruction of more gum and bone tissue, and even tooth loss.
- Tooth Sensitivity or pain when chewing. Many things can cause tooth pain or sensitivity: an old filling, tooth decay, even a cracked tooth or a root canal problem. Gum disease can also cause this unpleasant sensation. Receding gums may expose the tooth’s roots, which aren’t as well protected from the mouth’s harsh environment as the chewing surfaces; this may cause a sensation of pain when chewing or brushing. If this sensation persists, it’s time for an examination to find out what’s causing it.
Gum disease is a widespread problem — but it’s also very treatable. If you would like more information, call our office to arrange a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease” and “Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease.”

Not long ago, Jane Fonda gave a British interviewer a clue as to how she manages to look so young at her advanced age. During the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the septuagenarian actress and fitness guru said to a journalist from the London-based Daily Mail, “See these teeth? They cost $55,000. It was teeth or a new car — and I opted for the teeth.”
We think she made the right choice — though she might have overpaid just a tad. Most people don't have that kind of cash to spend on either a car or new teeth. But luckily, you can get either for a lot less — particularly the teeth!
The truth is, at a reasonable cost, cosmetic dentistry really can make you look a lot younger while giving your self-esteem a tremendous boost. It's an investment in both your emotional and oral health as we will never implement a smile makeover without first making sure we've addressed any underlying dental disease. Best of all, it doesn't have to cost anywhere near what you'd pay for the latest-model Jaguar, the price tag of Fonda's smile notwithstanding. Here is a list of the more common cosmetic dental techniques used to enhance a person's smile:
- Whitening — a peroxide-based bleach is applied directly to the teeth to remove minor staining and discoloration.
- Bonding — an acrylic material is applied to a tooth, colored and shaped to match the person's other teeth. Primarily used for chipped, broken or decayed teeth.
- Enamel Shaping — the removal of very tiny amounts of enamel, the tooth's outer layer, for a more pleasing tooth shape.
- Veneers — a thin shell of custom-designed tooth-colored material, usually porcelain, affixed to the front surface of the teeth.
- Crowns and Bridgework — a technique that covers heavily damaged teeth or replaces missing teeth by capping them, or using capped teeth to support one or more false teeth.
- Dental Implants — a small titanium post is surgically implanted in the jawbone to replace the root-part of a missing tooth. A lifelike crown is attached to the implant above the gum line and is the only part of the whole tooth restoration that is visible in the mouth.
- Gum Contouring — a minor surgical procedure altering the position of the gum tissue to improve the look and regularity of the gum line around the teeth.
If you'd like more information on cosmetic dentistry, please contact us or schedule an appointment. To learn more, please read the Dear Doctor magazine articles, “Beautiful Smiles by Design” and “The impact of a Smile Makeover.”
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- November (6)
- Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
- Topical Fluoride Offers a Protective Boost to Children at High Risk for Decay
- Vaping Could Be Just as Harmful to Your Teeth and Gums as Smoking
- October (6)
- Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
- How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
- Periodontal Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Another Episode of Gum Disease
- There Are a Lot of Bacteria in Your Mouth but Only a Few Mean You Harm
- Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
- Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
- September (6)
- Primary Teeth are Critical to Future Dental Health and Worth Preserving
- Watch Out for These Dental Health Issues as You Age
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
- 3 Ways to Correct Missing Front Teeth
- Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
- August (6)
- Make Sure Your Kids' Teeth Are Ready for School
- "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
- Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
- How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
- Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
- July (7)
- Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
- Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
- Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
- Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- June (6)
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
- A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
- As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
- Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
- Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
- April (6)
- Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
- A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
- Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- 3 Things You can Do to Ease Chronic Dry Mouth
- How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
- March (6)
- Nutrition for the Best Oral Health
- 4 Common-Sense Tactics to Lower Tooth Decay Risk Between Dental Visits
- People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
- NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
- A Pediatric Dentist Could be a Great Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
- 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- February (6)
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
- Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
- 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
- Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
- Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
- January (6)
- 3 Reasons for Why It's a Smart Move to Invest in Dental Implants
- Keep up Regular Dental Care While You're Pregnant
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
- Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
- Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
- 2018
- December (6)
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
- Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
- Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
- November (6)
- Take Steps to Treat Chronic Mouth Breathing as Early as Possible
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
- Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
- Don't Ignore Sudden Tooth Pain - Your Teeth may be Telling you Something
- Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
- October (6)
- To Prevent Tooth Decay, Practice Effective Brushing and Flossing
- NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
- Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
- Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
- Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
- Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
- September (6)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
- FAQs for National Gum Care Month
- 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
- August (6)
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Ease Your Child's Discomfort During Teething
- Treating a Child's Tooth Injury May Require Special Consideration
- Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
- July (7)
- Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
- A Child's Teeth Grinding is Normal - But You Should Still Keep an Eye on it
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
- Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
- 4 Big Benefits for Beginning Early Dental Visits for Your Child
- Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
- June (6)
- How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
- The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
- June Is Men's Health Month
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- March (5)
- Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
- Why the Bottled Variety Might not be Your Best Choice for Clean Drinking Water
- 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
- Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
- Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
- 2017
- September (6)
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
- Attention to Detail Crucial to a Beautiful Smile Supported by Dental Implants
- Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
- Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Threatens Your Dental Implant
- May (5)
- Clean Your Implants Just Like you Clean Your Natural Teeth
- Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
- Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
- Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- April (5)
- Gum Disease Could Affect More than Your Teeth and Gums
- Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
- Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
- 2016
- March (9)
- Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Get Relief from Cracked Corners of the Mouth
- Treating Gum Abscesses and the Underlying Gum Disease
- Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
- Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
- 3 Things to do to Prepare for Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
- February (7)
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Four Tips for Preventing Premature Loss of Baby Teeth From Tooth Decay
- The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
- The Major Benefits of Early Childhood Dental Visits
- Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
- 2015
- December (5)
- Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
- Implant-Based Removable Dentures a Good Choice for Patients with Extensive Bone Loss
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- A Smile Makeover is a Transforming Experience
- Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
- June (5)
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Your Dentist's Intervention
- Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
- Life-like Dental Porcelain Helps Restore Smiles Marred by Unattractive Teeth
- 'Prepless' Veneers can Transform Your Smile Without Altering Your Teeth
- What you can Expect if You're Undergoing Implant Surgery
- May (7)
- Take Positive Action with Your Child's Thumb-Sucking Habit
- America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
- Dental Implants and Smoking - Cause for Concern?
- Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
- Although Rare, Allergic Reactions to the Metal in Implants Could be a Concern
- While Usually Benign, Lichen Planus Lesions Should Still be Examined
- A Toothless Tiger?
- April (6)
- Tooth Bleaching: Test Your Knowledge
- Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion as well as Dental Injuries
- An Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea may be the Right Option for You
- TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
- Choosing Natural Tooth-Colored Fillings Over Silver
- Turn Back the Clock with Whiter Teeth
- March (8)
- A Future So Bright — Teeth Whitening Facts
- Follow in Vanna White's Footsteps and Replace That Missing Back Tooth
- Things you Should Know about Oral Cancer
- Chronic Biting Habits Can Lead to Loose Teeth
- Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have
- George Washington's False Teeth
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- Eating Disorders Can Cause Problems With the Teeth and Mouth
- February (8)
- Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
- Spice Up Your Teeth
- Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
- There's a Battle Going On - And It's In Your Mouth
- Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer With a Healthy Whole Food Diet
- The Secrets Behind Vanna White's Smile
- Pay Attention to Gum Disease Warning Signs for an Early Diagnosis
- Test Your Knowledge: A Quiz on Dental Erosion
- 2014
- September (5)
- Saving a Baby Tooth is the Best Option for Permanent Tooth Development
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- Be Extra Vigilant for Signs of Gum Disease During Pregnancy
- Kristin Cavallari's "Spaghetti Catcher" - First Step To A Winning Smile
- Your Dentist May Have the Solution to Your Snoring and Sleep Apnea
- April (5)
- Advances in Clear Aligners Make Them a Viable Choice for More Teens
- Oral Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention
- Considering Bone and Gums Critical to Achieving a Better Smile With Implants
- FAQs About Calming Your Fears With Oral Sedation Dentistry
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2013
- 2012
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