NPD Blog

Halitosis is the technical name for bad breath and is the third-most-frequent reason for going to the dentist, behind tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Throughout the day, the intensity of bad breath changes as a result of food eaten, obesity, digestive disorders,  one’s gum and bone health,  smoking, and alcohol consumption. Bad breath may come and go or it may be persistent.  Some bad breath disappears after eating, brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash.

Most people who visit the dentist as a result of bad breath do so because it is persistent or chronic. According to Dr. Ryne Johson of Newton Prosthodontics, halitosis can be a sign of a more serious condition.
 
Although bacteria normally collects on your tongue, gum and teeth and causes a bad odor,  people with healthy gums can remove this bacteria by brushing and scraping their tongue while brushing their teeth.  Bacteria build up in your gums between the teeth and if not removed at least once twice per day, an unpleasant odor can result. So floss daily and brush several times per day!

In people with compromised gums (bleeding is seen while brushing/flossing), this bacterial buildup can lead to bone loss.  It can also cause significant problems for diabetics, people with heart disease and has been linked to prostate cancer (see previous blog).

Regular dental visits - The dental hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque. Although brushing and flossing daily is recommended, a toothbrush and floss alone cannot reach deeply into areas that the dental hygienist can. Attend regular hygiene visits to stop periodontal disease from developing.
 
Tooth decay is also a form of disease. Bacteria cause the tooth to erode which releases a foul odor. Some decay can go untreated, so it is important to see a dentist for an  exam at least twice per year.
 
Mouthwash helps lower the level of bacteria that causes bad breath. To prevent drying out your mouth, use alcohol-free mouthwash. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol helps loosen soft depositing that may accumulate on your teeth after eating and in between brushing.  It has also shown to reduce the acidity that develops from bacterial activity.

Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Believe it or not, a dry mouth has more odor than a properly hydrated mouth. If you sense you have bad breath, drinking a glass of water can help in the short term.
 
To summarize, good oral health is no accident and dentists will joke that you only have to floss the teeth that you plan to keep.  Routine preventative maintenance can actually save one a lot of money and tooth loss.  If you have bad breath it may be as a result of insufficient oral hygiene or it may be indicative of a more severe issue.

Dr. Johnson is accepting new patients.  You may visit his website:  www.NewtonProsthodontics.com and remember, “See a specialist…the difference will make you smile”.

Over the past several years, significant research has been completed that evaluates the relationship between dental health and overall health.  According to Dr. Ryne Johnson of Newton Prosthodontics, many people are unaware that gum disease can lead to cardiac problems, stroke or even prostate cancer.

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Prostate Cancer

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center report initial results from a small sample that inflammation from gum disease and prostate problems just might be linked. They discuss their new evidence in the Journal of Periodontology, the official journal of the American Academy of Periodontology.
 
What can you do?
 
Like most other things, good preventative maintenance can alleviate these kinds of risks.  Thorough and frequent teeth cleaning appointments can lessen the likelihood of periodontal disease.  Routine examinations and x-rays will identify areas of concern long before they become problematic.  
 
Dr. Ryne Johnson is accepting new patients and welcomes inquiries to his practice at NewtonProsthodontics.com and reminds all to, “see a specialist…the difference will make you smile”.