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Can a Dentist Help Cure My Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be really embarrassing, especially if you’ve tried everything to get rid of it and nothing has worked. If you’re struggling with bad breath, the first step is to visit your dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning. With professional help, you’ll be able to identify what’s causing your bad breath, take care of the issue, and feel good again about your oral health.
How common is halitosis?
According to findings from 13 medical journals, halitosis is a widespread condition that affects approximately 31.8% of the population around the globe. The condition is more common in males (37%) than females (26.8%).
What causes halitosis?
Many people are unaware they have halitosis because they become accustomed to the scent of their own breath. While brushing and flossing regularly can help, it is difficult to keep your mouth odor-free. Smoking, dry mouth, and germs left behind in meal particles can cause bad breath. Poor hygiene might be the source of many oral problems, including gum disease, plaque, and periodontal disease.
What does it mean if you have bad breath all the time?
You might have gum disease if your breath smells bad and doesn’t go away. However, this isn’t always true because halitosis can also be a sign of other diseases. If you don’t take care of your teeth well, dental cleaning or periodontal surgery could help. But if you brush and floss regularly and still have bad breath, the problem might come from another illness in your body.
Maintain Fresh Breath
Bad breath is often caused by an underlying dental issue, which can be detected and treated during a regular checkup with your dentist.
Gum and periodontal disease can cause halitosis, so you’ll need to see a dentist remove any plaque buildup or germs that may have grown there. A specific antibacterial toothpaste or rinse provided by your dentist might help. If deep pockets form and the condition is severe enough, your dentist may recommend more extensive therapy.
A dry mouth can also cause bad breath because saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria. If you suffer from a dry mouth, your dentist may recommend sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing gum to help stimulate saliva production. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Certain foods like garlic and onions can contribute to bad breath. If you eat these foods often, brush and floss thoroughly afterward. Tobacco products will also cause your breath to smell bad, so quitting smoking is the best way to freshen your breath and improve your overall health.
If you have chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing, make an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to determine the source of your foul breath and develop a plan to improve your smile.
Teeth Sensitivity to Cold? Here are Causes and Treatments.
Ice cream and smoothies are delicious ways to reward yourselves after a hard day at work. Eight percent of Americans have teeth sensitive to heat.
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods is a common dental issue; however, it may be caused by an underlying health condition or treatment, such as gum disease.
When cold air hits our teeth, it dries them out.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when there is weak tooth enamel. It may be caused by one or more of these factors:
Untreated tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused because the amount of acid produced by bacteria in your mouth exceeds the amount of alkaline material present to neutralize them. Therefore, if your saliva contains too much sugar, you can develop dental problems such as cavities. Flossing helps remove plaque build-up around your teeth. Brushing your teeth every day removes food particles stuck under your gum line. Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleaning.
Brush aggressively and use a toothpick to remove plaque from between teeth.
While brushing and flossing are essential habits to maintain, your brushing technique must be the next crucial step. Aggressive brushing using a rough bristled toothbrush can scratch your teeth’s enamel causing bacteria to grab an opportunity to break down your teeth and cause sensitive teeth.
You shouldn’t use toothpicks often because they may cause damage to your teeth. Flossing is recommended by dental professionals because it doesn’t scratch the surface of your teeth and won’t hurt their enamel.
Bruxism or teeth grinding.
Bruxism is one way we respond emotionally to stress. Most people grit their teeth occasionally, but others suffer from bruxism, where they grit their teeth for long periods.
If you clench (or grind) your teeth, they become exposed and wear down, causing teeth sensitivity.
Cracked or chipped tooth
An injury can cause cracked or chapped lips in your mouth. If your lips are cracked or split, bacteria may enter these small openings and cause infection. You should also avoid biting down hard. Your lips may bruise easily, so try not to hit them against things.
Exposed tooth root
The tooth root is found under the gum line, just below the mouth’s surface. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. It also protects the tooth from damage caused by food debris. In case of severe injury, the tooth root may become exposed. This condition causes tooth sensitivity.
Teeth grinding, gum recession, and cigarette smoking are the leading causes of exposed root surfaces.
Post-treatment sensitivity
Hydrogen Peroxide is highly effective at cleaning up stains, but it could cause sensitivity for a few days afterward. Whitening products contain chemicals that remove some of the minerals from your tooth enamel, which leaves them vulnerable to damage.
However, drinking fluoridated water and eating foods and drinks containing fluoride replenish the fluoride in your tooth enamel.
How Petinge Dental Care can help
If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, our team offers dental treatments that can help alleviate the pain. We provide:
- Tooth fillings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental bonding
- Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Today, schedule an appointment to improve your oral hygiene by visiting our office for a cleaning and checkup. It’s not just about having a healthy mouth; it’s also about eating delicious foods and drinking tasty beverages!
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Dental implants are an excellent method to enhance your smile and function. Dental implants have become a popular alternative for patients needing restorations due to their affordability, ease of placement, and long-term success rates. There are over 3 million dental implant recipients in the United States today, with 500,000 replacement procedures performed each year.
You can’t, however, expect your new implants to do the job alone. It would help if you made sure you care for your implants correctly. Look at our dental implant care guide to see how it’s done.
How to clean your implant
Dental implants, unlike teeth, cannot get cavities or decay. The gum around them is highly sensitive and vulnerable to inflammation/infection, unlike teeth. Preventing perio-implant disease/infection is critical for implant health and functionality.
Implant Hygiene tips:
- For single/multiple implants
- Clean twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Regular dental cleaning
- Use a low-abrasive toothpaste
- Brush around and under the implant crown
- Floss daily with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss
- Use a recommended oral irrigator at a slow speed.
- Oral rinse without alcohol twice daily
For Implant Over Dentures
- Remove denture daily and soak in the denture cleaner for the recommended time
- Gently brush the underside of the denture with a denture brush
- Inspect attachment caps or clips and alert your dentist if they are worn or missing
- Clean around implant attachments/locators using a small brush or special tools provided to you by your prosthodontist
- Rinse overdenture thoroughly with water before placing it into your mouth
- Visit your prosthodontist every 3 -6 months
For implant fixed dentures or bridges
- Rinse daily with a non-alcoholic mouth rinse
- Brush daily with a soft brush and low abrasive toothpaste
- Use small brushes or a water pick/dental flosser at low speed for cleaning under the bridge/denture
- Visit your prosthodontist every six months for professional cleaning
Know What to Avoid
After you’ve gotten your dental implant prostheses put in, there are a few things you’ll need to avoid. This includes:
- Gum disease and inflammation can be caused by smoking.
- Heavy bit or hard foods may apply too much pressure on the implant.
- Your implants may be harmed or destroyed by non-approved cleaning solutions, baking soda, bleach cleansers, or toothbrushes with a stiff bristle.
Additionally, if you grind your teeth, seek medical attention from a dentist immediately. This may cause excess pressure on your implants. If this is possible, you should use a night guard to preserve your teeth and implants under functional forces.
Are You Ready to Care for Your Implants?
Now that you’ve gone through this dental implant care guide, it’s time to put everything you’ve learned into practice.
If you have any other questions, call us today, or contact us for a free consultation.
Three ways to fix a chipped tooth
People will chip a tooth at some time in their lives. Enamel can be worn down to the point where it fractures after exposure to continual pressure in one area. You may bite down on firm food or suffer an accident that chips and cracks your teeth, whatever the reason. There are a few ways to mend chipped teeth so you can show off your smile confidently.
Dental Bonding
A chipped tooth might be treated in various ways, depending on the extent of the damage and whether the chip shows when you smile. Dental bonding can heal any damage to your teeth in only one office visit if only a little amount of enamel is lost or if it is on the front teeth.
Dental bonding, also known as a “filling,” is a fast and painless procedure that does not require numbing medication. The chipped region is etched to ensure that the bonding material adheres appropriately. A bonding substance is used, after which composite resin is molded over it to blend in with natural teeth and restore their form. The job is done when the material has hardened via UV light exposure.
Dental Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap covering the tooth root in cases where larger chips, chipped teeth with significant decay, or molar chip are present. Crowns are long-lasting and usually composed of metal, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or ceramic. We can assist you in determining the best option for you in price, durability, and appearance.
A crown generally takes two office visits to put in. A root canal will be necessary at the first office visit to build up the root’s structure to support the crown. X-rays and any extra teeth that need to be removed will be taken. For accuracy, your dentist will take impressions of both teeth, including those receiving the prosthetic. You will return home with a temporary crown while your permanent one is created. The temporary crown is removed at the second visit, and the final crown is permanently placed. Your teeth should line up perfectly and function properly, as previously.
Porcelain Veneers
Another alternative for correcting chips on the front teeth is porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain covering the front of the teeth and have a thick section filling the chipped portion of the tooth. A single veneer may be used to repair a chip on one tooth, or all of your front teeth can be treated at once with veneers for a total smile makeover in just two office visits. Veneers not only restore damaged teeth; they can also conceal gaps, straighten crooked or discolored teeth, and enhance your bite.
The top layer of your teeth is scraped off during the first visit to make space for the veneers. Your teeth will be colored according to your wishes, and molds will be taken so the veneers may be fabricated. Temporary veneers are used during this time. The temporary veneers are removed at the second appointment, and permanent ones are secured with cement that has been made permanent with UV light.
Is vaping bad for my teeth?
The American public is just now becoming aware of the dangers of vaping. Vaping has resulted in several dozen fatalities, while thousands more have fallen ill with illnesses ranging from popcorn lungs and other lung diseases. But, how does vaping affect your oral health? In truth, it’s harmful to your teeth. Here are some of the potential problems caused by vaping.
Increased risk of gum disease
First, let’s start with the fact that e-cigarettes include nicotine. This is the same hazardous chemical found in conventional cigarettes, which causes similar health problems. Also, frequent vaping increases your risk of developing gum disease. Nicotine smoking causes swollen gums and irritation in addition to inflammation. You should be on the lookout for gum disease symptoms if you vape, such as:
- Receding gum line
- Loss of teeth
- Loose teeth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding or red gums
- Consistent bad breath
Higher risk of receding gums
Is vaping harmful to my teeth? If you ignore how it influences your gums, it may impact your teeth. Nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums, making them weak and prone to bleeding. Because the gum tissue doesn’t get enough blood, the tissue won’t receive the nutrients and oxygen required for growth. It causes the gum tissue to shrink over time, resulting in a decline in the gum line. This can lead to greater tooth sensitivity and an increased chance of cavities.
Tooth damage
It’s also critical to consider how vaping affects one’s muscles. Many people grind their teeth as a result of the increased stimulation. Some people do it while asleep when they can’t help themselves. Nicotine use regularly only exacerbates the problem for folks with tooth-grinding issues. If you want to repair the damage, you may need a filling, crown, or implant.
Dry mouth and excessive bacteria
Vaping also reduces saliva production in your mouth. Saliva is crucial for good oral hygiene since it maintains your mouth moist and aids in swallowing, flavor, and chewing. When there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth, you get dry mouth. As a result, this provides the ideal breeding ground for germs and plaque, resulting in accumulation around your teeth.
Increased risk of cancer
Vaping products are often marketed as a less harmful option than smoking cigarettes, but they come with several risks, including an increased risk of mouth cancer. A study published by USC revealed that people who vape have the same oral cavity cancer development indicators as smokers. Let’s not even consider the numerous health problems you incur by smoking cigarettes, such as lung, bladder, and mouth cancers.
Schedule your next dental appointment immediately
Although there is still much to learn about the impact on oral health, many studies have already been done. Scientists are just getting started with their research into the effects of vaping on the human body. Preliminary findings show that vaping may be as dangerous to your health as smoking. It might even be more harmful than smoking.
Even if you don’t vape, ensuring good dental health for yourself and your family members is a must. Dental checkups and cleanings should be scheduled regularly to maintain excellent oral health.
Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns or would like a free evaluation.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Petinge may recommend dental implants. An implant looks and feels more like the natural tooth it replaces. They are fast becoming one of the most popular tooth replacement options. They have many benefits, but how do you know if dental implants are right for you?
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Your smile affects you and your life in several ways. It’s not just about how you look, it’s how it makes you feel. When you are proud of your smile, you are confident about your appearance. If you have a flawed smile, you may lose confidence or deal with low self-esteem. When you are missing teeth or have teeth too damaged to repair, dental implants may be a great option. Here’s a look at a few ways to know if you are a good candidate:
- Can’t chew comfortably because of a missing tooth (or teeth).
- You would like to have a tooth replacement option that looks and feels natural.
- You have lost or know you are going to lose one or more teeth.
- Dentures are not giving you the chewing power you’d like.
- You have good oral health overall.
- You don’t have any health conditions that prohibit surgical procedures.
When should I get dental implants?
Dental implants are an option when you have missing teeth if you do not want or cannot go with dentures or bridges and crowns. Replacing a lost tooth is important. If you don’t, it can lead to other problems later. Implants have some aesthetic benefits, of course. But they are also important to the overall function of your mouth. They offer these benefits:
- Keep teeth in proper places
- Support a healthy bite
- Support a healthy jawbone
- Prevent bone deterioration
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. The pressure and stimulus of chewing help to preserve the jawbone.
Top 5 Reasons to Get Dental Implants
There are a lot of reasons a person may lose a tooth. Perhaps you were in an accident, and it got knocked out. Disease and tooth decay are often causes for the loss of a natural tooth. Take a look at these five reasons to consider dental implants.
- They are a permanent restoration.
- They are convenient and as easy to care for as your natural teeth.
- You’ll have no dietary restrictions.
- They provide you with a strong biting force.
- Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
How are implants Inserted?
Dr. Petinge chooses an implant that matches the coloring of your natural teeth. A post is surgically implanted into the bone socket where the natural tooth used to be. You will need time for this to heal and for the jawbone to grow around the post. This will secure it in place. Somewhere between 6 to 12 weeks, you’ll return to the Saugus, MA dental office to have the connector post inserted. Then your new tooth will be attached.
Does it hurt to get dental implants?
The pain associated with getting dental implants is minimal for most patients. Some don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the actual process. Local anesthesia is used to minimize pain and discomfort. After the procedure, the area where the implant was placed may be tender. Using over-the-counter pain medications is usually enough to ease the pain.
How do I take care of dental implants?
You may be given some general post-procedure instructions for your dental implants. After they heal, caring for them is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Dr. Petinge continues to recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants will vary for each patient. One factor that influences the cost is how many you need. Another factor is if you need a bone graft before the implant can be placed.
Contact Us!
If you are interested in learning more about the dental implant process or finding out if you are a good candidate for them, call us at (781) 233-8248. You may also fill out the contact request form on this page. Schedule a consult to discuss dental implants with Dr. Petinge today!
5 Healthy Food Habits to Prevent A Canker Sore
A canker sore is a small ulcer that develops inside the mouth on soft areas like the base of the gums, inside cheeks, or inside the lips. They are not cold sores, and they are not contagious. But canker sores can be painful and uncomfortable for days. Depending on where they are located, they can make speaking and eating difficult. Here are a few tips to help you prevent canker sores
What causes canker sores?
Unfortunately, there is no known cause of canker sores. They do tend to run in families, so kids are more likely to get them if their parents have dealt with them. Although it’s not known directly what causes canker sores, they can appear if you:
- Feel stressed
- Feel exhausted
- Injure your mouth
- Wear traditional braces
- Have allergies
- Eat or drink highly acidic foods and drinks
- Have a vitamin deficiency
- Have an immune disease such as celiac, IBD, HIV, or Lupus
Can I start eating healthy foods to prevent a canker sore?
If you are prone to getting canker sores, there may be a few changes you can make to help prevent them. You may be able to eat healthy foods to prevent canker sores as well as make some changes to your lifestyle. Dr. Petinge offers a few ideas that can help you prevent them.
- Try limiting your intake of highly acidic foods and drinks. If you notice fewer canker sores, you can slowly add them back into your diet.
- If you are feeling sick or rundown, get plenty of rest. See your primary healthcare provider to see if any underlying conditions are influencing your tiredness or illness.
- Try reducing your stress levels. Try yoga, exercise, deep breathing, and other strategies for helping to manage stress.
- Dentures and traditional metal braces can rub against the inside of your cheeks and cause sores and discomfort. Dental wax can be used on braces to provide a layer of protection. Schedule a checkup with Petinge Dental to see if dentures or braces can be adjusted.
- Good oral hygiene is essential to help prevent or treat canker sores. If your mouth has unchecked decay, plaque, or bacteria building up, then it can make it more difficult for the natural defenses of the body to fight.
Five Healthy Food Habits to Help Prevent Canker Sores
If your canker sores are due to a vitamin deficiency, there are some dietary changes you can make to help prevent them from recurring. Here are five great habits to try:
- Get plenty of B12, iron, and folate in your diet.
- Talk to your primary care or dietician about taking a supplement.
- Eat lots of nutrient-rich fresh foods like parsley, kale, carrots, and spinach.
- Yogurt contains natural probiotics that can be beneficial for your body’s immune system.
- Boost your protein intake.
What to do if You Get a Canker Sore
Sometimes despite your best efforts, you may get a painful canker sore. If you do, here are a few tips to help speed healing and shorten its duration.
- Apply topical analgesic obtained from a local pharmacy.
- Take over-the-counter pain meds like Tylenol.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. This can help speed healing and decrease inflammation.
- Use only a soft-bristled brush to avoid irritation.
Ask Dr. Petinge About Canker Sores
If you still have any questions about canker sores or your oral health care, contact us at Petinge Dental. We’ll be happy to address your concerns and answer your questions. Is it time for your routine visit? Call today to get it scheduled!
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