Bad Breath

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can be caused by bad oral hygiene and could be a sign of more serious health problems. Our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania restore and replace patient’s teeth using dental implants. To perform implants, our patients need to have enough quantity and quality of bone available. The bones in your mouth breakdown when gum disease reaches an advanced state, but halitosis is an early warning sign.

When teeth aren’t brushed and flossed regularly, food particles stick to your teeth and bacteria builds. We encourage patients to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing. If you always have a bad taste in your mouth, gum disease may be forming because of plaque buildup. When left untreated, gum disease can spread to bones or tooth roots and require a bone graft.

Other potential causes for bad breath include yeast infections and cavities. We advise our patients to practice good oral hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing to prevent bad breath and other infections.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgery.pa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141.

National Dental Hygiene Month

Good hygiene goes a long way toward preventing dental problems. For patients at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, it is even more essential to ensuring successful procedures and maintaining the health of implants. October is National Dental Hygiene Month, so we thought this would be a good time for a refresher on how to clean teeth effectively.

Babies’ teeth need to be brushed from the time the first one begins to erupt, and people with dentures need to brush just as thoroughly as people with natural teeth. If you are using a non-electric toothbrush, make sure it has soft bristles. There is specialized toothpaste available for dentures, but most peoples’ needs can be met with any of the toothpaste you see in the store. Brush twice a day for two minutes per session, and be sure to reach the parts of your teeth near the gum lines. You’ll have to switch from horizontal, round strokes to vertical strokes while brushing the inward-facing sides of your teeth.

Dentists recommend flossing with regular floss, flossers, or a Waterpik, but you should never pick your teeth with something that wasn’t made for them. When flossing, slide the floss all the way along the side of each tooth and scrape plaque of them by making a shoeshine motion. Don’t forget the backs of your back teeth. Mouthwash can help fight bad breath, but it isn’t very useful on its own. A better way to combat bacteria is by using a tongue scraper once a day.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

Consequences of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be one of the most insidious oral health problems. It increases the likelihood of oral infections and can disrupt a patient’s sleep and comfort. At the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want our patients to understand the consequences of this condition and what can be done about it.

Saliva helps to control oral infections in two ways. It washes away food debris, depriving fungus and acid-producing bacteria of nutrients. It also maintains the pH level of the mouth, neutralizing acids. In the absence of saliva, patients are more vulnerable to developing bad breath and may have trouble tasting food and swallowing.

There are several potential causes of dry mouth, including an autoimmune disorder and diabetes. It is also a common medication side effect, particularly in cancer and psychiatric medications. Dry mouth presents a particular challenge to people undergoing dental extractions, who may be put at risk of developing a dry socket. There are several over-the-counter throat moisturizers that can help, as can stimulating saliva by chewing sugar-free gum. But if the problem persists, we can prescribe stronger rinses that mimic the effect of saliva.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

How to Stop Bad Breath and the Bacteria That Causes It

Bad breath can ruin a moment before you know it. That is why it is good to take preventative action against it. Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania in the Philadelphia, PA area wants their patients to know and understand why bad breath happens and how to defeat it.

Having bad breath often is an indicator that bacteria are present in the mouth, which can be unhealthy for your teeth and gums. Take these simple tips and reminders to freshen your breath and to prevent bad breath from occurring in the first place.

If your mouth is dry, bacteria can thrive. Make sure to keep hydrated by drinking your recommended amount of daily water. Chewing gum may help you avoid bad breath, as it promotes saliva production.

When looking for a caffeinated beverage, skip the coffee. Coffee dries out the mouth and the dairy that is often paired with coffee can increase bad odor causing bacteria. Instead, choose green tea. Green tea hydrates your mouth and your body. In addition, the properties actually fight odor-causing bacteria.

Making sure to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis will also cut down on plaque that traps bacteria. For extra protection, rinsing with a mouthwash will kill bacteria that brushing and flossing left behind.

To learn more about Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania and our four locations around the Philadelphia, PA area, call us at (215) 463-4141 or visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com.