Others know when you have it, and hopefully you do too! Bad breath is something everyone has experienced, and you should know the causes, and how to get rid of it as well.

The conditions that cause bad breath are quite common, and there are three primary causes:

1. Food

Be aware of the causes and cures of bad breath.

Many of the food items we enjoy can cause bad breath. From items like garlic and onions, to coffee and strong tea, and numerous types of cheese, foods that have strong odors within themselves can transfer that smell to our mouths. Food particles can remain in the teeth or on the tongue – and the longer they stay, the worse they smell.

2. Dry Mouth
The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia. Basically, the condition comes from insufficient production of saliva. Saliva helps rinse your mouth of food particles and keeps it clean. Not enough saliva,

and bacteria that can cause odor can build up in your mouth. Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or diabetes can reduce the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Also, certain medications can cause dry mouth as well.

3. Tobacco and Smoking
Let’s add one more item to the already lengthy list of reasons why smoking any tobacco product is bad for you. It gives you bad breath. Not rocket science really. Cigarette smoke stinks. You inhale it into your mouth. Now your mouth stinks. And not only bad breath, but smoking also stains your teeth, will raise the risk of developing oral cancers, irritates your gums, the list goes on and on.

While food, dry mouth and smoking are the three most common causes of bad breath, other lesser known causes are things like chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, periodontal disease, infections, dirty dentures, or possibly liver or kidney problems. Consult with your doctor to help eliminate the more serious causes of bad breath.

Now you know the many causes of bad breath, how do we prevent or remove bad breath?

1. Brushing your teeth and brushing your tongue
The best way to avoid bad breath is to brush your teeth after every meal – and don’t forget to brush the surface of your tongue. Giving your mouth a thorough cleaning, including a wash with a mouthwash that will kill bacteria will do more to prevent bad breath than anything.

2. Drink Plenty of Water
Plain old water, or even some sugar-free beverages, will help keep your mouth hydrated and clean.

3. Reduce or Eliminate Drinking Caffeinated Beverages
Ironically, caffeinated drinks can leave your mouth feeling dryer than before you drank them.

4. Chewing Sugarless Gum
When you chew gum, it helps produce saliva, which helps keep your mouth clean by removing food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.

5. Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Not all mouthwashes are created equal. Some just mask bad breath, and don’t do anything to remove the bacteria that causes bad breath. Check with your dentist and have them recommend a antimicrobial mouthwash that will remove the cause of the problem.

Everyone knows that the common cold is common because it’s so contagious. Something else that is contagious that you might know be aware of are cavities.

For cavities to form, they need the bacteria that is created when food debris in your mouth produces an acid, which in turn forms plaque. But without that bacteria to start the process, cavities won’t form. And that bacteria can be passed from mouth to mouth by sharing food, utensils, or the acts of sneezing, coughing or kissing. Thus, cavities are contagious.

In fact, a recent study produced in the Australian Dental Journal named tooth decay as one of the most common infectious diseases. Almost eighty percent of two-year-olds, sixty percent of six-month-olds, and about thirty percent of two-year-olds were infected with a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria considered to be a prime cause of cavities. The study indicated that the germs and bacteria were passed from the mothers who had a history of cavities, to the children. It should be noted that children are more susceptible to these kinds of bacteria, since they haven’t had the time to build up any immunity to them. Adults are less susceptible.

So even though cavities can be contagious, there are steps you can and should take to prevent cavities from spreading in your family:

1. Regular visits to the dentist.
It is estimated that almost half of all adults did not visit their dentist in 2009. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control. A visit to your dentist to get a regular cleaning also allows the dentist to check for signs of tooth decay and cavities. Avoiding the dentist until you have severe symptoms like pain or tooth sensitivity means you may have the cavity causing bacteria, and are spreading it to your family.

2. Use mouth wash on a regular basis.
Over the counter mouth washes can help fight off the cavity-causing bacteria. But

if your dentist catches a cavity as it is beginning to form, they can prescribe a stronger mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic, that will do more to kill the bacteria and keep the cavity from developing further.

3. Between meals, chew some sugar-free gum.
Sugar-free gum that contains the artificial sweetener xylitol is the best. Xylitol increases the production of saliva, which helps remove food residue which helps prevent the production of the bad bacteria.

By sharing food, you could be spreading cavity-causing bacteria to your children.

4. Cut back on the sharing.

Be mindful of how bacteria can be transmitted. Avoid the sharing of food utensils, and don’t eat off each other’s plates.  And always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

5. Follow good dental hygiene.
Brush often, three times a day, or after each meal and snack. Floss daily and cut back on sticky foods and candy, as well as soda and sugary drinks. And drink some normal, every day tap water. Most tap water contains flouride, which also helps build resistance to plaque.

There have been many great advances and changes in dental technology and oral health care. But even with these advancements, there are still many situations where a persons natural teeth can be lost, and so it is that dentures still play an important role in helping people maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Dentures today are highly customized to each patient and fit much more comfortably than ever before. But by using dentures, that means that one has to take special care to keep your mouth healthy and clean to prevent problems from occurring.

Some of the problems denture patients can develop include gum and mouth irritation, problems with speaking and eating, dentures that don’t fit properly and shift in your mouth, and minor to serious mouth infections.

Ways To Treat Problems With Dentures

As noted above, dentures today are highly customized to fit each patient as accurately as possible. But over time, changes can occur to your gums and jaw that change how your dentures fit. Regular visits to your dentist will allow them to adjust or modify your dentures to insure a comfortable and accurate fit, so always check with your dentist if you notice your dentures aren’t fitting as well as they have in the past.

Problems with speaking easily and eating are common to denture wearers. Initially, you may have to speak more slowly than you normally would, to allow yourself to get comfortable speaking with dentures. Certain words might be more difficult to say, but be patient and you will adjust. If you have problems eating, there are steps you can take, like eating soft foods like eggs or yogurt, avoiding hard candy or sticky foods, chewing slowly and methodically, and try chewing with both sides of your mouth to prevent your dentures from shifting or moving. As you get used to your dentures, you’ll be able to expand your diet to include most, if not all the foods you once enjoyed.

When preparing you for new dentures, your dentist will take great care to accurately measure and prepare the dentures to fit into your mouth tightly and securely. However, you may still feel like you want to use an denture adhesive to help keep your dentures in place. If, for some reason, your dentures are not fitting correctly, you should not use an adhesive to try and make them stay in place. If you are just looking for a more secure fit, use the least amount of adhesive possible.

Dentures and Mouth Infections

Cheilosis, or as it is sometimes called, cheilitis, is a painful mouth infection that has been linked to wearing dentures. This type of infection can cause pain and inflammation and cracking at the corners of your mouth. If your dentures don’t fit properly, yeast can accumulate in your mouth and cause this type of infection. To prevent this, avoid licking or touching the corners of your mouth, and see your dentist to make sure your dentures are fitting properly.

Another mouth infection caused by yeast in the mouth is called Stomatitis . The symptoms of denture-induced stomatitis are more subtle, but you might start to notice small, red bumps on the roof of your mouth, or a general redness and irritation in the mouth, particularly under upper dentures.

Both of these conditions, Stomatitis and Cheilosis, can be treated with medicine and proper care of your dentures.

Almost all of us have experienced a toothache at one point in our lives. The causes of toothache pain are many and varied, but the most common causes are cavities, tooth decay, gum disease or gingivitis, tooth sensitivity or the formation of plaque.  While all of these causes are reason to consult your dentist, some home remedies may help alleviate the pain until you can get in to see your dentist.

The remedies for toothache pain can be found from numerous sources, including over the counter pain medications. But there are some natural remedies as well. One of the easiest ways to ease the pain of a toothache is to wrap a small piece of ice in some gauze and massage the painful area. The cold will numb the pain temporarily.

There are some natural remedies for toothache pain.

Another natural remedy is the use of garlic. A garlic clove with some rock salt placed on the hurting tooth can alleviate the pain. Onion is another good option. Onions have anti-bacterial properties and can also lessen the pain of a toothache.

A well known home remedy is that of salt. Salt is an effective cleanser and will help protect against further infection. Gargling with a solution of warm water and salt can help ease the pain of toothache.

One effective, but lesser known remedy is that of wheatgrass. Chewing wheatgrass releases the juices in the grass that can pull the toxins from the teeth and gums. Wheatgrass has many antibacterial and antibiotic properties which make it an effective remedy for toothache pain.

Two final remedies worth noting are clove oil and oil or oregano. Both have pain relieving properties that make them effective in relieving toothaches.

As noted above, all these remedies are just temporary substitutes for relieving your pain while you make plans to visit your dentist. The pain you are feeling is indicative of other issues that a dentist can diagnose and treat. Practicing good dental care and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for cleaning and exams will go a long way towards preventing toothache pain in the first place.

It’s a simple resolution to make really, especially considering that involves an activity that most, if not all of us, already do every day. Brushing our teeth.

While improving your health by losing weight, or quitting smoking are excellent resolutions as well, improving your dental health and preventing tooth decay can have a larger health impact than just a healthy mouth and brighter teeth.

Make a New Year's Resolution to take better care of your teeth!

Tooth decay is a problem that doesn’t get a lot of publicity. But it’s one that impacts a large percentage of the population – both adults and children. So making improved dental health a New Year’s resolution this year could improve the lives of everyone. There is increasing medical evidence that poor oral health, gum disease, cavities, plaque buildup, etc., can contribute to other problems in the body. For example, people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes or heart disease.

So this year, make a resolution to take better care of your mouth and teeth. Here are some tips to help:

1. You should brush your teeth at least two times each day – after breakfast in the morning and before
you go to bed at night.

2. While brushing, time yourself and spend a minimum of three minutes every time you brush.

3. The toothpaste you use should always contain fluoride.

4. You don’t need to overload your brush with toothpaste. A small dab will do the trick.
And use a brush with a smaller head so you can reach the back teeth more easily.

5. Make flossing a priority, if not a resolution of its own. Flossing is critical for getting to areas
between the teeth that brushing just can’t reach.

6. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the harder you brush, the more it helps.
Brushing too hard can injure and damage your gums.

7. Think about your diet and how foods impact your teeth. Foods with a lot of sugar or
starch should be limited when possible.

8. As always, regular visits to your dentist will help spot any potential problems early. And regular cleanings will keep plaque from building up as well.

So make it your New Year’s resolution this year to take better care of your mouth and teeth. The brighter smile will give you confidence, and your body will thank you with an overall improvement in health. Limit your consumption of sugar and starchy foods

Happy New Year to all, and to all a great smile!

Dentures are removable replacements for diseased, damaged or missing teeth and the supporting gum and tissues. There are two basic types of dentures you can get: full or complete dentures, and partial dentures. Full dentures are the choice when most or all of the teeth in the upper and or lower jaw are damaged or missing. Partial dentures can be used when the problem is just a few teeth that are damaged or missing, and the rest of your teeth are still healthy.

Full Dentures
Breaking things down even further, full dentures can be treated as either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are created once the teeth in your jaw have been removed, and the gum tissue has had a chace to begin healing. Usually it takes about 8 to 12 weeks before your mouth is ready for the conventional dentures to be used.

Full or partial dentures are possible options for replacing lost or damaged teeth.

Should your dentist feel it is the right solution for you, immediate dentures are made in advance of your teeth being removed, and can be used right away once that removal process is completed. While this provides the wearer to have their teeth right away, there is always some shrinkage of the bones and gums following the removal of teeth, and so immediate dentures will require more adjustments over time to make sure they fit correctlyand comfortably.

Partial Dentures
Partial dentures, also known as a bridge, is a removable denture that has the replacement teeth attached to a plastic base that resembles your gums. This part is in turn connected to a metal framework implanted in the jaw that holds the denture in place. A partial denture is utilized when only a few of the teeth in your jaw are compromised and need to be removed. The replacement teeth on a partial denture are placed on either side of the healthy teeth, and the “bridge” is then cemented into place on the jaw. The use of partial dentures also prevents the remaining healthy teeth from shifting their position. Modern partial dentures are a remarkably natural looking devices.

What are the Alternatives to Dentures?
The primary alternative to dentures are dental implants. Dental implants can be permanently cemented into place, thus eliminating the need for dentures. However, the cost is usually greater, and not everyone is a candidate for getting implants. As with all questions regarding your oral health, consult your dentist for the best advice.

One of the most exciting things about the holiday season is the food! Traditional dishes and treats that usually show up just once a year, are eagerly anticipated and ravenously consumed! And while this traditional festival of food is an important and enjoyable part of Christmas, we should remember as well that many of these sweet treats and other foods are not the most healthy, and can have a harmful effect on our teeth. Many holiday foods can stain your teeth or have other negative results.

Here are some tips on what types of holiday foods may be harmful for your teeth.

Beware of some foods, like blueberry pie, that can stain your teeth.

• As the northern hemisphere settles into winter, the prime time for fresh fruit is now past. But with the holidays, fruit-based pies and breads move to the forefront. What family gathering is complete without a special family favorite pie? But fruit pies, particularly darker berry pies like blueberry, can quickly and easily stain your teeth.

• One food group that many people don’t worry too much about are meats. Often with holiday recipes, red meats can include marinades or glazes than can result in stained teeth. Just assume that if something can stain your napkin or table cloth, it can also stain your teeth.

• Moving beyond food, another “luxury” that many people partake in during the holidays is smoking – particularly cigars. If smoking cigars during the holidays is something you partake in, be aware that they can stain your teeth quite noticeably.

While this information is not meant to discourage anyone from taking part or indulging in the items mentioned above, this information is meant to remind everyone that we should all take some additional care of our teeth while we take in some additional holiday treats. Be aware of the items that can possibly stain your teeth, and soon after enjoying these treats, brush, floss, rinse your mouth with mouthwash, or even brush your teeth with baking soda, to help keep your teeth bright and clean.

The cosmetic dentistry practice of whitening teeth has become a very big business, with options from over-the-counter products to professional treatments in your dentists office. Your ability to have a brighter, whiter smile is now better than ever.

Take proper precautions when whitening your teeth

However, with that easy access comes some risks. Teeth whitening products are safe to use when you follow the directions properly, but problems can occur. It’s best that, when you plan on beginning a teeth whitening regimen, that you keep these tips in mind so you can proceed safely.

Start with a visit to your dentist

Having your teeth professionally cleaned, and getting a proper mouth exam is the ideal first step to whitening your teeth. In fact, a good cleaning may be all you need to get that brighter smile you want. However, the exam and cleaning will allow your dentist to spot and treat any cavities you might have, which is crucial to safely whitening your teeth. It’s also important to detect whether there is any inflammation in your gums. If so, you should put off whitening until your gums have returned to normal. Your dentist can also offer recommendations if you are planning to whiten your teeth at home, and can set expectations for you on how your teeth may respond to any home whitening treatments.
Shop Wisely for Teeth Whitening Products

The over-the-counter home whitening kits all contain peroxides, normally carbamide peroxide, and the concentrations of this can vary from about 10-20 percent. It’s best to select a product with a bleaching agent that has a concentration somewhere in the middle. You can always boost that concentration later if your mouth and teeth are handling the process well, and you want to get more of the lightening effect. Your dentist may well recommend a product that has the approval of the American Dental Association.

Follow the directions step by step, exactly as written

Whatever the product is, follow the manufacturers directions for the amount of product to use, the length of time for each treatment and the duration of the treatments. If it says 30 minutes a day, then do just that. If they recommend avoiding soda or other drinks because of the acid content, then follow that recommendation. It is recommended that pregnant women or mothers that are nursing should wait until the baby has arrived and breast feeding has finished before beginning teeth whitening.

Tooth sensitivity

With the use of some teeth whitening products, the user may experience some mild, and temporary sensitivity in their teeth. Should that sensitivity become problematic, you should discontinue use of the product and speak with your dentist on how to proceed. A teeth whitening product that employs a tray may irritate your gums as well. Again, stop using the product and consult with your dentist.

It’s a wonderland of carbs and sugars! All the food we prepare for our traditional Thanksgiving meal: bread stuffing, pumpkin or pecan pie, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes….it’s all full of carbohydrates and sugars – the building blocks for tooth decay.

Take steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy this Thanksgiving.

But just because there are dental dangers in the meal, doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy it. Your dentist has some simple ways to help you fight the cavities while  filling your tummy!

One of the first things is balance. While helping yourself to some stuffing or potatoes, make sure you balance that with some protein, like, well, turkey of course! Proteins help to counteract some of the acids that are produced from the sugar and bacteria join together in your mouth.

Another simple step is to avoid, as much as possible, is the consumption of sticky foods. Anything with a thick, sticky, sugary coating will take longer to chew, so it’s in your mouth longer and has a greater chance to cause harm.

Another HUGE helpful hint? Brush, Brush, Brush! Whether you are home or traveling somewhere, take the time after the meal to brush your teeth, and if possible, rinse with some mouthwash – preferably mouthwash that has flouride. If you are on the road this holiday, carry a travel toothbrush and small toothpaste in your pocket and brush after every meal. And if you can’t brush right away for some reason, be sure to rinse your mouth with some water to help remove any leftover food and acid that remains.

One final warning. Just because there is food everywhere, doesn’t mean you have to be constantly eating all day. When you are grazing and snacking before and after the meal, that means you will always have carbs and sugars in your mouth, and they will be busy creating acids all day long. Sip some water and focus on NOT eating all day long.

Taking a few simple preventive measures on Thanksgiving will still allow you to enjoy the day to it’s fullest, while giving your teeth and gums a fighting chance to stay healthy!

Happy Thanksgiving from Olympia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry