Fresh Breath

DO YOU WANT FRESH BREATH?

YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
Approximately 60% of the population has chronic bad breath. As we get older, halitosis gets worse. In fact, halitosis is so widespread, Americans spend over $500 million every year to cover it up with breath mints, mouthwashes and sprays. Unfortunately, as Consumer Reports has concluded, while most will still be working after 10 minutes, after two hours they had fairly little residual effect. THERE IS A SOLUTION THAT LASTS MUCH LONGER AND CAN ELIMINATE OR CONTROL BAD BREATH!

TREATMENT:
In the mouth, the odors of halitosis come from sulphur compounds produced by bacteria. Today, we have an instrument in our office, called a Halimeter®, that can measure the substances causing halitosis and allow us to treat it, if it is being produced in the mouth. It is important to note that about 10% of the causes of halitosis are of a medical nature.

CAUSES:
Tobacco and food contribute to halitosis but are not a primary cause. Halitosis is caused by bacteria residing in the gums and on the tongue. Other mouth conditions related to halitosis are: wearing full or partial dentures, faulty dental fillings, decay, teeth that have moved, gum or tooth abscesses, oral thrush or oral cancer.

TEST YOURSELF:
Usually friends and family hesitate or will not tell you that you have "bad breath". Test yourself. Take a piece of white, unflavored floss and use it between 4 upper and 4 lower back teeth. Move it around in each place for a few seconds. Look at it. Is it discolored? Wait a minute and smell the floss. Is there an odor? Still not sure? Then take a clean piece of gauze, stick out your tongue and firmly wipe the farthest back part of your tongue 2 or 3 times. Wait a minute, then smell the gauze. Is there an odor?

If you notice any odor on your floss or gauze, contact us to discuss treatment options.