People are quick to blame bad breath on clichéd suspects such as garlic, onions, and coffee, but these are not always the culprits. Bad breath may be the result of a condition called halitosis. It causes persistent bad mouth odor, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for most people.
The good news is halitosis is remediable. The skilled family dentists at Smile League Dental can explain why you have the condition and provide steps to take to rid yourself of the condition. At Smile League Dental, families all over Joliet trust our dentists to help preserve their oral health and keep their smiles fresh.
Regardless of how long you have had your condition or the specific of your case, we can help you get rid of your bad breath. Book an appointment with one of our family dentists in Joliet today to get started on dealing with the halitosis bothering you.
Halitosis – What is it?
Halitosis is a Latin word derived fromhalitus (breathed air) and osis (pathologic alteration). In some cases, it is named differently. Foetor oris, oral malodor, mouth odor, bad breath are other terms used to describe halitosis.
Halitosis is a symptom where a noticeably unpleasant odor is present and individuals with this condition are usually unaware of it. Halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease.
Experiencing symptoms?
Unlike ‘morning breath’ or a strong smell that lingers after you eat spicy foods containing onion or garlic, Halitosis persists for an extended amount of time and may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Halitosis is birthed by volatile particles that may be the result of pathological or non-pathological causes. It can originate from an oral or a non-oral descent. An estimated 65 percent of Americans have halitosis and Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on counter-halitosis products.[1]
Ninety percent of Halitosis cases are attributable to oral cavity issues.[2] These oral cavity issues in turn cause poor oral hygiene, tongue coat, food impaction and more. More profound oral sources include periodontal (gum) diseases, throat infections.
While halitosis is often linked to something happening in your mouth, it can also be a sign of diabetes, liver or kidney diseases and gastric reflux.[3] There are few things more embarrassing than Halitosis. But even when you take good care of your mouth, circumstances beyond your control can still result in bad breath.
Halitosis – Causes and Effects
What does halitosis smell like? The quick response is – it varies. The foundational causes can influence the smell. People are reluctant to talk to dentists about halitosis because they consider it embarrassing. Know that you are not alone. It is comparatively common and often easy to treat.
The three major causes of bad breath are oral issues, diet and medical conditions. Oral issues include poor oral hygiene which could cause gingivitis, tonsil stones and dental abscess, among others. All of these make for a smelly mouth.
One common oral issue is periodontal (gum) disease. This causes bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. It is caused by plaque – that sticky colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.
In most cases, bad breath is set off by food particles remaining in the mouth. Whether on the teeth, gums, or tongue. Bacteria present in the mouth break down these particles and as they die, they release a sulfur compound – giving the breath an unpleasant odor.
Though rare, medical conditions such as lung diseases, certain cancers, tonsil infections and blood disorders can also cause halitosis. A common medical cause is diabetes because of wavering blood sugar levels. Most halitosis cases start inside the mouth. Dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia, may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Other causes include Sinus (running nose), diabetes, smoking and using tobacco.
What Can I Do About It?
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You could even brush after each meal. However, brushing only reaches 60 percent of the surface of the tooth.[4] Flossing cuts down the build-up of food specks and plaque between the teeth. A tongue scraper can also come in very handy in banishing the bacteria and dead cell build-ups in the cracks and crevices of the tongue.
Also – drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and tobacco as they both dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum can help stimulate the production of saliva. But it is preferable that the gum be sugar-free.
Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath and you may want to reduce, or you avoid those. Onions, garlic, and other spicy foods also contribute to poor breath. You should also reduce your coffee consumption.
Mouthwash Also Helps
Because most halitosis cases start inside the mouth, the first step for treatment should be to measure the quality of your basic oral care routine. One ultimate focus should be cleaning your tongue. Kill the germs that lead to bad breath by cleaning it with a tongue scraper. Then rinse with a microbial mouthwash.
Rinsing twice a day isn’t just a way to keep your breath fresh – it’s the key to keeping your entire mouth clean. The force of the swoosh attacks the bacteria wherever they are. Whether in the tongue, teeth, or gums. You should do this at least twice a day. You should swoosh and rinse in a forceful manner to get rid of all the bacteria. Your dentist can suggest an effective mouthwash for you. An ideal mouthwash will kill millions of bacteria in your mouth in 30 seconds.
Why You Need a Family Dentist
Your dentist is your best bet to weed out the roots of bad breath. Your dentist can use sophisticated detectors such as Halimeters, BANA tests and more to determine the central cause of the odor. A Halimeter measures sulfur levels. BANA tests measure the enzymes produced by halitosis-causing bacteria.
Do you have a family dentist yet? If not – do something about it today. You might think it is wearying to pay regular visits to the dentist. But it does a lot of good to nip dental issues in the bud before they become difficult to deal with.
If you are in Joliet, IL, contact Smile League Dental 24/7 at 815-782-6243. Once you have a personal or family dentist, it will be easier to discuss and seek counseling whenever you need it. It will be less embarrassing to talk about foul breath to someone you are familiar with.
Schedule a Consultation with Smile League Dental Today
Don’t let the embarrassment of bad breath rob you of your laughter and freedom. Our dentists at Smile League Dental can help you get rid of the problem and help monitor your oral health. Book an appointment today to get started on the process of dealing with Halitosis for good.
[1] Aylıkcı BU, Colak H. Halitosis: From diagnosis to management. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine. (2013);4(1):14–23.
[4] Lee DW, Moon IS. The plaque-removing efficacy of a single-tufted brush on the lingual and buccal surfaces of the molars. Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science. (2011);41(3):131–134.
Most teenagers put great stock in their outward appearance. Metal braces can compromise that and hide their beautiful smile. However, if you opt for Invisalign braces, you continue to smile with confidence. Here are some reasons why these clear braces are growing in popularity among teens:
Discreet and Comfortable
One of the best things teenagers really appreciate about Invisalign is how discreet they are. As young adults who are self-conscious, the fact that these aligners are hardly noticeable is well received. In other words, they do not have to worry about what other people think because their friends will hardly notice them.
These clear braces are not made of visible metal brackets. Instead, Invisalign braces are made from a smooth and transparent polyurethane material. Besides being clear, this material does not irritate their cheeks, lips, and gums, which can result from metal braces.
Removable
Because Invisalign braces are removable, teenagers who opt for them can continue to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and band. All they need to do is remove them, place them in a case and they can play their musical instrument or play football without fear of cutting their lip on sharp braces.
While these should be worn for at least 22 hours a day, your teenager should remove them if they pose a risk. Plus, with Invisalign, they can continue to eat the food they enjoy, such as mashed potatoes or cheesy pizza, without getting food stuck in metal braces. Teens can simply remove the clear aligners and eat what they want – as long as they rinse their mouth before placing them back in.
Easy Maintenance
Since Invisalign is removable, it is also quite easy to clean. Unlike braces, which your teen may not clean as thoroughly, Invisalign does not have any wires so food does not stick in them like traditional metal braces. Invisalign is simple to remove so teens can brush and floss their teeth as they normally would.
This can go a long way to improve periodontal health, especially if your teenager is too busy with extracurricular activities or an active social life to focus on dental care.
At Smile League Dental, you can get a perfect smile without the world knowing. We are offering $500 off Invisalign as well as free consultation on your first visit! We strive to make each dental experience the best our clients ever had.
Activated charcoal has been touted as a teeth whitening solution by toothpaste companies for years. But does it really offer lasting results or are the benefits it offers only myths? In order to understand that, we need to deep dive into this ‘miraculous’ solution.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a fine powder or mixture comprise of peat, coal, sawdust, coconut shells or olive pits. It’s called ‘activated’ because it is treated to high temperatures, which alter its internal structure. The process significantly reduces its pores, which results in a larger surface area.
This charcoal is NOT to be confused with the charcoal used in traditional outdoor barbecues. Those are briquettes, the only difference being they are not activated at high temperatures and contain substances, which can be toxic if ingested.
What does Activated Charcoal do for Teeth?
Activated charcoal is super absorbent and it can allegedly detox your mouth. When applied, it sticks to tartar, leftover food, bacteria and stains and takes them with it when it is removed. The result should be a cleaner mouth and whiter teeth, right?
However, there is no scientific evidence proving what those toothpaste commercials promote. There is no proof, for instance, that activated charcoal effects stains below the enamel or can naturally whiten teeth.
Here are some facts about this charcoal:
It is too abrasive for everyday use and can wear down enamel with time. This can expose the dentin, which can make your teeth more sensitive and look yellow in appearance.
Many charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride, a substance that is essential when it comes to strengthening tooth enamel. Weak enamel can invite cavities and decay and if you use abrasive activated charcoal toothpaste, you will make the damage worse.
It can stain teeth as particles accumulate in crevices and cracks, thus defeating its alleged purpose.
Since there is no scientific data suggesting activated charcoal is beneficial for teeth whitening, no product that contains it has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. However, despite this, consumers still fall victim to advertising and use these products to their detriment.
If you must use it, use your fingers rather than your toothbrush to apply it to your teeth in order to reduce damage and don’t swallow it, otherwise it can result in an upset stomach. Additionally, activated charcoal products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are considered unsafe for pregnant/breastfeeding women and children.
Book an Appointment with Us Today!
Whether you use charcoal-based dental products or something else, you should get your teeth checked regularly to keep them strong and healthy. That is the best way to prevent cavities and infections, which may worsen if you have an underlying condition. Smile League Dental takes walk-in appointments as well so we can provide care to the most vulnerable patients when needed. The longer you delay, the worse your teeth will get. Get in touch with us for an appointment today.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 36 million Americans don’t have teeth and more than 120 million are missing at least one tooth. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, your teeth may still deteriorate with age or because of disease or injury.
Our teeth not only help us chew, but they also aid in speech. However, just because you lost your teeth doesn’t mean you should lose your confidence or appetite. Dentures can act as apt replacements – whether you lost them due to age or an autoimmune condition.
Common Issues Caused By Missing Teeth
If you have lost one or several permanent teeth, you may be susceptible to the following:
Missing teeth can cause facial muscles to sag, which can make you look older than you are.
Your speech can get slurred as you have difficulty pronouncing certain words. That’s because speech requires coordination between the muscles and the teeth, lips, tongue, cheeks and the vocal tract. If you lose several teeth,sounds you can normally produce from the front of the mouth, your lower and upper teeth will sound distorted.
Chewing will become a chore and you won’t be able to eat hard food, which has high nutritional value, such as nuts, apples, vegetables, etc. While you can switch to softer food, your diet may offer little in terms of nutritional value.
Teeth on both sides of the gap left by the missing teeth may start to lean into the space, thereby becoming difficult to clean and create a bite problem. That’s because besides becoming crooked, they also leave gaps between neighboring teeth, which can also start to lean in.
Full Dentures vs. Partial Dentures
If you are missing several teeth and wish to get dentures, you have two options – full and partial dentures.
Full Dentures
If you have lost all your natural teeth, you should go with a full set of dentures. Also known as complete dentures, these are made of plastic or acrylic, which is flesh colored. Depending on the state of your teeth, the set is designed and molded to sit comfortably on the gums.
Full dentures are removable and can be designed to fit the top or bottom gum line. The set remains in place by suction and an oral adhesive. The lower set is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate the tongue and is held in place with it and cheek muscles.
Partial Dentures
If you have lost only one or two teeth, you can just get partial dentures rather than a full set. This is basically a gum-colored plastic base with one or more false teeth affixed on it. The set is often connected to natural teeth via a metal framework or clips.
Besides replacing missing teeth and making your smile look perfect, partial dentures can also prevent your neighboring teeth from shifting their positions.
Whether you need dentures put in or just want a regular dental checkup, book your appointment with Smile League Dental today. We are experienced family dentists who use cutting-edge technology and advanced dental tools to ensure the best dental care possible.
If you don’t have dental insurance, dental work can end up taking a big bite out of your finances. These plans are designed to share the cost of dental care, but most do not cover all procedures, meaning insurance is not going to be based on what you need, but based on how much was paid for it.
Difference between Dental Insurance and Dental Benefits
When you are shopping for a plan, you may come across the term ‘dental benefits’ more than insurance. Most people get confused between the two because people usually refer to the dental plan they get as dental care insurance – however, it’s completely different. This can lead to issues when you find out they plan you paid for does not cover certain procedures.
The difference is simple. A dental insurance plan can repay you if you suffer a loss. It’s like car insurance, which pays policy holders the value of their vehicle, if it is involved in a crash – or like health insurance, which covers hospital stays. If you have dental insurance, your insurer will carry that risk.
In contrast, a dental benefit plan usually covers only a portion of the costs of some procedures and some procedures may not be covered at all. To ensure you visit your dentist with appropriate coverage, make sure you check with your insurer.
How Dental Plans Work
The dental plan you have is basically a contract between the insurance company and your employer and is based on a pre-determined amount. As such, it only covers certain procedures, which cover that amount so chances are, you may be faced with a dental issue that is not covered. If you think your dental plan should cover more procedures, do not hesitate to talk with your employer about it.
Even though your dentist may file claims with your dental plan, you may still have to cover part of the bill not covered by your dental plan. Those bills will have to be paid out-of-pocket, so make sure your insurance coverage is as extensive as possible.
A main feature mentioned in such plans include UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable) Charges. This outlines the limit of the amount the plan covers, but those terms can be misleading because it gives insurance companies leverage to set any amount they want for the charges and it may or may not match the fee a dentist may charge in a specific area. Plus, those amounts do not change irrespective of inflation or current costs of dental care.
By maintaining your dental hygiene, you can avoid costly procedures your dental insurance may not cover. Can you really afford the extra cost? Book a consultation and checkup at Smile League Dental today with one of our dentists. We use only cutting edge technology and advanced dental equipment to ensure our clients receive the best dental care possible.
Mon to Thur 9am- 6pm and Friday 9am- 8pm; Saturday 9am-3pm.
smileleaguedental@gmail.com
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