Dental Health
Bad Breath
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred into the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, periodontal disease can be detected and treated early.
Tooth Care
Dr. Joel Gould strongly recommends the use of an electric toothbrush for home care. Proper home care after any dental treatment is necessary to maintain the results we have worked hard to accomplish and is as important as the treatment. Without proper home care, the likelihood of recurring dental problems rises exponentially.
Flossing, while not everyone’s favorite thing to do, is necessary for proper home care. The bacterium that causes gum disease does not like oxygen. By flossing, you are bringing oxygen down to the bacteria between your teeth and helping to kill those nasty bugs. You should be flossing twice a day.
Your gums will be sore when you start flossing because of the local areas of inflamed tissue. After a couple of weeks of regular use, you will notice the gum tissue heal and become less tender. Bleeding, which may be apparent at the start of a flossing regimen, will become minimal or disappear entirely.
