Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant condition that can cause embarrassment. Many people don't realize they have it, though nearly everyone experiences it occasionally, particularly after waking up. While there are several causes of bad breath, the primary source in healthy individuals is bacterial buildup on the tongue. Research has demonstrated that brushing the tongue alone can reduce bad breath by up to 70 percent.

Common causes of bad breath include:

Morning breath – Saliva production nearly stops while you sleep, which reduces the mouth's natural cleaning ability and allows bacteria to multiply, resulting in bad breath.
Certain foods – Foods like garlic and onions contain odor-causing compounds that enter your bloodstream, transfer to your lungs, and are expelled when you exhale.
Poor oral hygiene – Food particles left in the mouth encourage bacterial growth.
Periodontal disease – Bacteria and food debris collect beneath inflamed gum tissue.
Dental cavities and poorly fitted dental appliances – These can also lead to bad breath.
Dry mouth – This condition may result from certain medications, salivary gland issues, or breathing through your mouth continuously.
Tobacco use – Tobacco products dry out the mouth and cause bad breath.
Dieting – The body releases chemicals called ketones through the breath when burning fat.
Dehydration, hunger, and skipped meals – Drinking water and eating food increases saliva production and helps wash away bacteria.
Medical conditions and illnesses – Conditions such as diabetes, liver and kidney disease, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia can contribute to bad breath.

Keeping track of your diet may help pinpoint the cause of bad breath. You should also discuss your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.

To prevent bad breath:

Maintain good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice daily using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss every day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline. Clean your tongue with a brush or tongue scraper, making sure to reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them completely and reinsert them each morning.
Visit your dentist regularly – Schedule checkups and cleanings at least twice yearly. If you have or had periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments.
Stop using tobacco – Ask your dentist for recommendations on how to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
Drink water regularly – Water keeps your mouth moist and helps rinse away bacteria.
Use mouthwash or rinses – Some over-the-counter products only temporarily mask unpleasant odors. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that eliminate bad breath and kill the bacteria causing the problem.

In most situations, your dentist can address the underlying cause of bad breath. If your mouth is healthy but bad breath persists, your dentist may refer you to your physician to identify the source of the odor and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Brushing and flossing are essential for controlling plaque and bacteria that lead to dental disease.

Plaque is a sticky film composed of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that adheres to your teeth and gums. Bacteria in plaque convert food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. If plaque isn't removed, it hardens into calculus, also called tartar. When plaque and calculus remain on your teeth, they begin damaging your gums and bone, which leads to periodontal disease.

Plaque develops continuously and can only be managed through regular brushing, flossing, and use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice each day, especially before going to bed, using an ADA-approved soft-bristle brush and toothpaste.

Position the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, using gentle, small circular motions while keeping the bristles in contact with your gums.
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also a good option. They're easy to use and remove plaque effectively. Simply place the bristles against your gums and teeth and let the brush do the work, cleaning several teeth at once.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the most effective way to clean between your teeth and beneath the gumline. Flossing cleans these areas and disrupts plaque buildup, preventing damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.

Take 12 to 16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving approximately two inches of floss between your hands.
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently inserting it between your teeth with a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down along the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are helpful if you find conventional floss difficult to use.

Rinsing – Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals when you can't brush. If you're using an over-the-counter rinse, consult with your dentist or dental hygienist about whether it's appropriate for you.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease without knowing it. Most people aren't aware because the disease typically causes no pain in its early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which frequently causes discomfort, periodontal disease can develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are essential for detecting periodontal problems.

Periodontal disease starts when plaque, a sticky, nearly colorless film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, accumulates on your teeth and gums. The bacteria generate toxins that inflame your gums and gradually destroy bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and correctly prevents plaque from remaining on your teeth and causing damage.

Besides poor oral hygiene, several other factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease:

Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more prone to plaque and tartar formation than non-users.
Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Ill-fitting bridges, crowded teeth, or defective fillings can trap plaque and bacteria.
Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure medications, and oral contraceptives can have side effects that reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth and making it easier for plaque to stick to teeth and gums.
Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – These can cause hormonal changes that make gum tissue more sensitive to bacterial toxins.
Systemic diseases – Conditions like diabetes, blood cell disorders, and HIV/AIDS can increase risk.
Genetics may play a role – Some patients may be predisposed to more aggressive forms of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay close attention to their gum health.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Red and puffy gums – Healthy gums should never appear red or swollen.
Bleeding gums – Gums shouldn't bleed, even with vigorous brushing or flossing.
Persistent bad breath – This is caused by bacteria in your mouth.
New spacing between teeth – Bone loss causes this.
Loose teeth – Bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers that support teeth to bone cause this.
Pus around the teeth and gums – This indicates an infection.
Receding gums – This is a loss of gum tissue around a tooth.
Tenderness or discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Brushing removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces except the areas between teeth. Unfortunately, toothbrush bristles can't reach these spaces, which are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal disease.

Daily flossing is the most effective method for cleaning between your teeth and under your gumline. Flossing not only cleans these spaces but also disrupts plaque colonies, preventing damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film that develops on teeth. It's a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that cause cavities and irritate and inflame gums. Additionally, when plaque isn't removed from above and below the gumline, it hardens into calculus, also known as tartar. This further irritates and inflames gums and gradually destroys bone, marking the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

Take 12 to 16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches of floss between your hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert it between your teeth with a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and beneath the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

If you feel self-conscious about your teeth or want to enhance your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may provide the solution for a more beautiful, confident smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has gained significant popularity in recent years, both because of advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials and because patients are increasingly focused on improving their overall health. This includes dental prevention and achieving a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.

Many cosmetic dental procedures are available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your specific needs, cosmetic dental treatments can dramatically transform your smile, from restoring a single tooth to a complete mouth makeover. Ask your dentist how cosmetic dentistry can improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Cosmetic procedures include:

Teeth whitening – Bleaching lightens teeth that have become stained or discolored by age, food, beverages, and smoking. Teeth darkened from injury or certain medications can also be bleached, though effectiveness depends on the severity of staining.

Composite fillings – Also called bonding, composite fillings are now commonly used instead of amalgam fillings to repair cavities and replace old, defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings also repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is useful for filling gaps and protecting sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.

Porcelain veneers – Veneers are thin, custom-made, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to create a beautiful smile. They can restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal removal of tooth structure from the tooth surface.

Porcelain crowns – A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that can't be restored with fillings or other restorations. They're ideal for teeth with large, fractured, or broken fillings and for badly decayed teeth.

Dental implants – Dental implants are artificial roots surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made to fit and attach to implants, providing a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.

Orthodontics – Less visible and more effective brackets and wires make straightening teeth with orthodontics more appealing to adult patients. In some cases, teeth can be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners instead of braces.

Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, cosmetic treatments can make a significant difference in making your smile shine.

Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain individually crafted to cover the front surfaces of teeth. They're highly durable and won't stain, making them a popular solution for restoring or enhancing the beauty of your smile.

Veneers can restore or correct the following dental conditions:

Severely discolored or stained teeth
Unwanted or uneven spaces
Worn or chipped teeth
Slight tooth crowding
Misshapen teeth
Teeth that are too small or large

Getting veneers typically requires two visits. Veneers are created from an impression of your teeth that's sent to a professional dental laboratory where each veneer is custom-made for shape and color to match your individual smile.

With little or no anesthesia, your teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface to allow for the thickness of the veneers. The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded to the tooth surface with special bonding cements, and a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.

Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth and provide a natural, beautiful smile.

Since teeth whitening has become the number one aesthetic concern for many patients, numerous products and methods are available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they're much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association.

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears down, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from inside the tooth, which can darken over time. Smoking and beverages like coffee, tea, and wine can also contribute to tooth discoloration, making teeth appear yellow and dull. Sometimes teeth become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive fluoride during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It's important to have your dentist evaluate your teeth to determine if you're a good candidate for bleaching. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach, and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns, to cover such stains. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it's important to evaluate any existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations before bleaching begins. Once bleaching is complete, your dentist can match new restorations to the shade of your newly whitened teeth.

Since teeth whitening isn't permanent, touch-ups may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems include:

Home teeth whitening systems – At-home products typically come in gel form and are placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard created from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice daily for approximately 30 minutes or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve desired results depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.

In-office teeth whitening – This treatment is performed in the dental office and you'll see results immediately. It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to your teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.

Teeth whitening can be highly effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile.

With many advanced dental treatments and prevention options available in dentistry today, there are fewer reasons to extract teeth. When something goes wrong with a tooth, we attempt to do everything possible to restore it to its original function. Removing a tooth is the last option because tooth loss may lead to severe and costly dental and cosmetic problems if the tooth isn't replaced.

Losing a tooth can be traumatic, and it's unfortunate when it happens. Injury, accidents, fractures, severe dental decay, and gum disease are the main reasons for tooth removal. If teeth are lost due to injury or must be removed, it's essential that they be replaced to avoid cosmetic and dental problems in the future.

When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone that supported that tooth begins to deteriorate, causing the teeth on either side to shift or tip into the empty space. Additionally, the tooth above or below the empty space will begin moving toward the gap because there's no opposing tooth to bite against. These shifts may create problems such as decay, gum disease, excessive wear on certain teeth, and TMJ problems. These issues don't occur immediately but will eventually appear, compromising your chewing ability, the health of your bite, and the beauty of your smile.

Options for replacing missing teeth include:

Removable bridges – This type of bridge is a good solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, especially in complex dental situations where other replacement options aren't possible. They're usually made of tooth-colored artificial teeth combined with metal clasps that attach to adjacent natural teeth. Removable bridges are the most economical option for replacing missing teeth but may be the least aesthetically pleasing because the metal clasps are often difficult to completely conceal.

Fixed bridges – This type of bridge is generally made of porcelain or composite material and is permanently cemented to a natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth site. The benefit of this type of bridge is that it's fixed and very sturdy. The disadvantage is that creating a fixed appliance requires two healthy natural teeth to be crowned to hold the bridge in place.

Dentures – This type of tooth replacement is used when most or all natural teeth are missing in one dental arch. Dentures are removable artificial teeth made to closely resemble the patient's original teeth.

Implants – These are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth. They can also provide excellent support for ill-fitting dentures. A dental implant is an artificial root surgically placed into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is placed on the implant, giving the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. Implants are very stable, durable, and the most aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option.

If you're missing teeth, ask us if they need replacement and what options are available. Together we'll select the best replacement option for your particular case. Prevention and early treatment are always less involved and less costly than delaying treatment and allowing a serious problem to develop.

Most of us have fillings that date back many years, and some may have been placed during childhood. These fillings may now be old, dark, and unattractive, making us feel self-conscious when we smile, laugh, and talk. Old fillings aren't only unattractive, they may also be defective. When a filling is old, the margins between the tooth and filling may eventually open and allow bacteria and food debris to enter, potentially causing dental decay.

Your dentist can check your fillings and evaluate whether they're defective and need replacement. Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide which ones should be replaced first and what replacement options would best suit you. Many advanced dental filling materials and procedures are available today that are quick, painless, and cost-effective for replacing old, unattractive, or defective fillings.

Options for replacing old, unattractive, or discolored fillings include:

Composite fillings – These tooth-colored fillings can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth. They're particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible areas of teeth and are one of the best ways to improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Crowns – These restorations are used when a tooth is too damaged and can't be repaired with a filling or other restoration. A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure and can be made of gold, porcelain, or other tooth-colored materials.

Inlays and onlays – These restorations are custom-made fillings. They can be made of composite resin, porcelain, or gold and are created by a dental laboratory and placed by a dentist. Inlays and onlays are usually best for the back chewing surfaces of teeth and are used to conservatively repair teeth that have large, defective, or unattractive fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma.

Porcelain veneers – Used primarily for front teeth, veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted and permanently cemented to the front surface of teeth. They're an excellent solution for fixing discolored, pitted, chipped, malformed, or slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are also used if you have unwanted spaces. Veneers are very durable, natural-looking, and don't stain, making them a popular solution for restoring a smile impaired by old, unattractive fillings.

As you can see, various options exist for replacing old, unattractive fillings. These treatments will provide strong, natural, and long-lasting replacement solutions to enhance the health and beauty of your smile.

Many people don't realize that having periodontal disease, which is the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place, can affect overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections, often more prevalent than the common cold. Periodontal disease isn't only the leading reason people lose teeth, it can also impact your body's health.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. In its earliest stages, it's called gingivitis. It begins when plaque, a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, isn't regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate and infect the gums, eventually destroying the jaw bone that supports teeth. When periodontal disease isn't treated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Numerous studies have examined the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at greater risk of systemic disease. They also indicate that periodontal disease can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, starting new infections. Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the bloodstream can:

Contribute to the development of heart disease
Increase the risk of stroke
Compromise the health of those with diabetes or respiratory diseases
Increase a woman's risk of having a preterm, low-birth-weight baby

While much research remains to be done to fully understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, research has shown that infections in the mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body.

To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation. Additionally, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Remember the mouth-body connection. Taking care of your oral health can contribute to your overall medical health.

Although thorough brushing and flossing removes most food particles and bacteria from easy to reach tooth surfaces, they do not reach the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of teeth. More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in these deep grooves (called pits and fissures). Toothbrush bristles are often too large to clean most of these areas, thus sealants play an important role. A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves or pits on teeth. Sealant material forms a protective, smooth barrier covering natural depressions and grooves in the teeth, making it much easier to clean and help keep these areas free of decay.

Children and teenagers - As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16. Infants - Baby teeth are occasionally sealed if the teeth have deep grooves and the child is cavity prone. Adults - Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean. Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process only takes minutes per tooth. After the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth, the sealant material is “painted” onto the tooth surface, where it hardens and bonds to the teeth. Sometimes a special light will be used to help the sealant material harden. After sealant treatment, it’s important to avoid chewing on ice cubes, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or any hard or sticky foods. Your sealants will be checked for wear and chipping at your regular dental check-up. Combined with good home care, a proper diet, and regular dental check-ups, sealants are very effective in helping prevent tooth decay.

We’re all at risk for having a tooth knocked out. More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year! If we know how to handle this emergency situation, we might be able to save the tooth. Teeth that are knocked out can possibly be re-implanted if we act quickly and follow these simple steps: Locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown (chewing part of the tooth), NOT by the roots. DO NOT scrub or use soap or chemicals to clean the tooth. If it has dirt or debris on it, rinse it gently with your own saliva or whole milk. If that is not possible, rinse it very gently with water. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. The longer you wait, the less chance there is for successful reimplantation. Ways to transport the tooth: Try to replace the tooth back in its socket immediately. Gently bite down on gauze, a wet tea bag or on your own teeth to keep the tooth in place. Apply a cold compress to the mouth for pain and swelling as needed. If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, place the tooth in a container and cover with a small amount of your saliva or whole milk. You can also place the tooth under your tongue or between your lower lip and gums. Keep the tooth moist at all times. Do not transport the tooth in a tissue or cloth. Consider buying a “Save-A-Tooth” storage container and keeping it as part of your home first aid kit. The kit is available in many pharmacies and contains a travel case and fluid solution for easy tooth transport. The sooner the tooth is replaced back into the socket, the greater the likelihood it has to survive. So be prepared, and remember these simple steps for saving a knocked-out tooth. You can prevent broken or knocked-out teeth by: Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports Always wearing your seatbelt Avoiding fights Avoid chewing hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, hard breads, etc.

Straighter teeth perform chewing, biting, and speaking functions more effectively than crooked teeth. In addition, a straight smile boosts confidence, is aesthetically pleasing to look at, and can help stave off a wide variety of dental ailments. There are several types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. Each of these alignment problems negatively impacts the functionality and cosmetic appearance of the teeth. Here is a brief overview of some of the main disorders associated with crooked teeth: Periodontitis – Periodontitis or gum disease begins with a bacterial infection. The bacterial infection is caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Crooked teeth are hard to effectively clean, which means that debris, plaque, and bacteria can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Straight teeth are much easier to clean and are at less risk of contracting gum disease. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) - Crooked teeth can lead to improper jaw alignment, which in turn causes a painful condition known as TMJ. Severe headaches, jaw pain, lockjaw, and grinding of teeth characterize this debilitating disorder. Tooth injury – Straight teeth create a strong wall, which means injuries are less likely to occur. Crooked teeth are weaker and often protrude, making them far more vulnerable to external injury. Uneven wear – Crooked teeth cause some of the teeth to work harder than others when biting and chewing. Straight teeth share the workload evenly, meaning less risk of injury and better aesthetics. Teeth can be straightened using either orthodontic braces or customized aligning trays. Orthodontic braces are usually affixed to the teeth for a set duration. The brackets and archwires are tightened regularly by the orthodontist and removed when treatment is complete. Fixed braces can be placed on the front side or back side of the teeth and are effective for most types of malocclusion. Aligning trays are fully removable and are used where the malocclusion is less severe, and the teeth need to move a shorter distance. These trays are replaced every few weeks for the duration of the treatment, and have proven to be equally effective for straightening teeth. If you have questions about orthodontics and straightening teeth, please contact our office.