Halitosis, or bad breath, can be both embarrassing and unpleasant for patients. Many of us may not even realize we have bad breath but everyone experiences it from time to time; especially in the morning. There are many reasons people have bad breath, but for a healthy individual, most of the time it is caused by microbial deposits on the tongue; especially the back of the tongue. Studies have shown that bad breath can be reduced by as much as 70 percent by simply brushing the tongue.

 

What are the Causes of Bad breath?

• Morning time- Saliva has a cleansing action in the mouth, but during sleep, saliva flow almost stops thus allowing bacteria to grow and cause bad breath.
• Certain foods- Foods with odor-causing compounds like garlic and onions enter the blood stream and transfer to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor Oral hygiene habits- Bacterial growth is promoted by left over food particles in the mouth. That’s why brushing and flossing are vital to maintain long term oral health.
• Periodontal or Gum disease- When the gums are inflamed and red from the bacteria and food debris that is left under the gums.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)- This may be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems or mouth breathing.
• Dental Cavities and Poorly fitted Dental appliances- This may also cause or contribute to bad breath
• Tobacco Use- These products dry the mouth, causing bad breath
• Dieting- When the body burns fat, there are chemicals being released in the breath called ketones.
• Dehydration, hunger and missed meals- These can contribute to bad breath but drinking water and chewing food increases the salivary flow and washes away bacteria
• Specific Medical conditions and illnesses- Diabetes, liver and kidney related problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia may all contribute to bad breath.

 

How can I prevent bad breath?

• Practicing good oral hygiene at Home- By brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily to remove food debris and plaque from under the gums and between the teeth, you can reduce the bacteria in your mouth causing bad breath. Also, using a brush or a tongue scraper to clean the tongue, and reach the back areas, can greatly decrease the bacteria known to cause bad breath. Replacing your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, as recommended by the ADA, keeps your at home brushing effective and proactive. If dentures or removable bridges are worn, they must be cleaned thoroughly and daily.
• Regular Dental visits- Check-ups and cleanings are recommended at least twice a year, but more frequent visits are required if you have periodontal disease.
• Stop using tobacco products- Your dentist has many options and recommendations to help you break the habit and stop smoking.
• Drink water frequently- Water can wash away the bacteria and help keep your mouth from getting dry and allowing bacteria to flourish.
• Using mouth rinses- Your dentist can recommend antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath but also kill the germs that cause the problem. Some products that can be found only over-the-counter provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor.

Brushing and flossing reduce and control the plaque and bacteria that cause various dental diseases.

 

• Plaque – is a film of bacteria, saliva and food debris that stick to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque feed off of certain food particles, especially sugar and carbohydrates, and in that process an acid is produced which causes tooth decay or cavities. When the plaque or film is not removed, it hardens and turns into tartar or calculus. If calculus and plaque are not removed, they will destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal disease (gum disease). Plaque is constantly forming and its growth is continuous. It can only be controlled by regular bushing, flossing and other dental aid tools.
• Toothbrushing – It is recommended that your teeth be brushed at least twice a day with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. It is especially important to brush before going to bed at night; to arrest bacterial growth in the mouth.
  - It is important to make sure you are brushing the right way to allow for effective results. A 45 degree angle to the gums, using a small, circular motion is needed and you need to make sure that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  - Make sure that all surfaces of the tooth are reached. This means the outer and inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  - Use the last 1/3 of the brush to clean the inside front teeth on both the top and bottom.
  - And last but not least, make sure you brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. We like to recommend Electric toothbrushes, not only are they easier to use, but they can remove plaque very efficiently.
• Flossing – Flossing daily is the best way to ensure that the between the teeth and under the gum line are clean. Flossing will help to disrupt bacterial colonies from building up and prevent damage to the gums, teeth and bone.
  - Use between 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, and leave about 2-3 inches of floss between the hands
  - Using your forefingers and thumbs to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a gentle sliding motions.
  - Curve the floss to make a “C” shape around each tooth under the gum line. You may then gently move the floss up and down, and clean the side of each tooth.
  Floss holders are recommended if you have trouble using the floss or have dexterity problems arise.
• Rinsing – Rinsing your mouth with water after bushing is vital, as well as after meals if you are unable to brush. Your dental hygienist or dentist can recommend appropriate rinses specific to your dental needs.

Patients should have their teeth check and cleaned at least twice a year, but your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more often visits if you have certain dental conditions.

 

In order to prevent dental diseases, regular dental exams and cleaning visits are vital to maintaining the heath of your teeth and gums. Your teeth and gums will be checked for cavities as well as cleaned by your dental hygienist. There are many factors that dental professionals look at to monitor and help detect, prevent and maintain your dental health. These are some of the many:

 

• Medical history review: Current and past medical conditions, new medications and illnesses give us an idea of your overall health, which is directly correlated to your dental health.
• Examinations of diagnostic X-rays: X-rays are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss. This helps the dental professional determine tooth and root positions as well as detect cavities and other dental diseases.
• Oral cancer screening: This is a thorough exam of the face, neck, lips tongue, throat, tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease assessment: This is an evaluation of the gums and the bone around the teeth for signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All surfaces of the teeth are checked for decay with dental instruments as well as the help of X-rays.
• Existing restoration examination: We check any current fillings, crowns, etc…for recurrent decay.
• Removal of tartar (calculus): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth, after not brushing or flossing, and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms both above and below the gum line, and can only be removed by dental professionals.
• Polishing: Polishing removes stain and plaque.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: YDr. Galliano and our dental hygienists can work to recommend specific oral hygiene aids specific to your dental needs.
• Dietary habits: Your nutrition plays an extremely important role in your dental health. Sugars and carbohydrates are two groups that bacteria can feed on very easily. Sodas, crackers, candy, tea, juice and sports drinks are very common condiments that are sipped on throughout the day. When these items are continually available for bacteria, they have more time and substances to feed on and cause decay on the teeth’s surfaces.

 

A good thorough dental exam and cleaning involves more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. As your dental health care provider, Dr. Galliano is committed to providing you with the best possible care and service, and in order to prevent dental diseases will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

Gum disease is believed by many to only happen to the elderly and occur as a natural life process. Both these statements are false! Teens can get gum disease too, and it can cause problems from bad breath to pain and tooth loss. Gum disease, not old age, is the biggest reason people in the United States lose their teeth. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people don’t realize it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect earlier signs of the disease.

 

Gum Disease is also known as periodontal disease. It is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (or acids) that inflame the gums and slowly work to destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly, and properly, will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or eventually fall out. Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other components that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco: Tobacco users are more likely than non-users to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
• Poor fitting dental appliances and certain tooth conditions: Dental appliances like bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Medications: Certain medications such as steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds and oral contraceptives, have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and allow plaque to stick to the teeth and gums more easily.
• Pregnancy, birth control medications and puberty: These cause changes in hormone levels that cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins. That’s why regular visits are especially important for expectant mothers and teens.
• Systemic diseases: Diseases like Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV, AIDS…etc are directly influenced by gum disease.
• Genetics also contribute to gum disease: Unfortunately some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontal disease. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums
• Bleeding gums: Gums should never bleed, even when brushing or using floss
• Persistent bad breath: This is caused by bacteria in the mouth
• New spaces between teeth: This is caused by bone loss
• Loose teeth: This is also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers that support the tooth to the bone
• Pus around the teeth and gums: This is a sign that there is an infection present
• Receding gums: The loss of gum around a tooth
• Tenderness of the gums: Plaque, tartar and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth and can cause soreness.

Good oral hygiene at home, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontitis.

Recent studies show that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) may have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.

• Chronic inflammation of the gums due to an accumulation of bacterial plaque and tarter can be involved in the inflammation of the lining of blood vessels that leads to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
• Oral bacterial can enter the blood stream and attach to fatty plaques which contribute to clot formation in the coronary arteries.
• Like high cholesterol, an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) may indicate a risk for cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease cause oral bacteria to enter the blood stream triggering the liver to release CRP’s that inflame arteries and clot blood, which can lead to heart attacks.
• Studies have shown that bacteria in plaque are also linked to a weakened immune system, diabetes, lung infections, osteoporosis, infective endocarditis (an inflammation of the sac around the heart), and a higher risk of giving birth to premature, low birth-weight infants.

 

What does all of this mean?

It is time for us to make the connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. It is reported that more than 1 in 3 people over the age of 30 have periodontal disease. In the U.S., that amounts to more than 35.7 million people who have a chronic inflammatory gum disease, many of which go untreated. This latest research shows periodontal disease does not only cause tooth loss but potentially life threatening conditions. Preventing and treating gum disease, through regular dental visits and thorough oral home care, is the best way to ensure a health smile and a healthy lifestyle.

A mother’s decay-causing bacteria can be transmitted to her child, so its important to have a mothers teeth free of decay before the birth. Pregnant women may have the desire to eat more frequently between meals. While this is normal, frequent snacking can be an invitation to tooth decay. The decay process begins with plaque, an invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria convert sugar and starches that remain in the mouth to an acid that attach tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner can reduce the risk of decay.Plaque that is not removed can irritate the gums, making them red, tender and likely to bleed easily. This is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious periodontal disease that affects the gums and bone that anchor teeth in place. During Pregnancy, a woman’s hormone levels rise considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when brushed. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone. Poor periodontal health in the mother may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes like premature delivery and low birth weight of the baby. Mothers should see a dentist regularly throughout pregnancy. The dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during the second trimester or early third trimester to help avoid problems.

Tooth decay is not only a problem for adults but for children and teens as well. That’s because plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on our teeth. When we eat food or drink beverages that contain sugar or starch, the bacteria produce acids that attach tooth enamel. The stickiness of plaque keeps the harmful acids against the teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay. Frequent snacking may mean frequent acid attacks and an increased risk for tooth decay. Other factors that promote tooth decay are the amount of bacteria in your mouth and lack of exposure to fluoride.Limit Snacks. If your child does not need a snack between meals, offer nutritious foods from the main food groups in line with the food pyramid:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Breads, cereals and other grain products
• Milk, cheese and yogurt
• Meat, poultry, fish and alternates, such as dry beans and peas, eggs and nuts

Keep the tooth moist at all times. Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and if the tooth is dirty, rinse the root in water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached tissue fragments. The tooth must not be left outside the mouth to dry. Call your dentist as soon as possible, there is only a short window where the tooth can be placed back into the mouth and saved, and in the mean time keep the tooth in one of the following:

• Milk
• Cup of saliva from the patient who lost the tooth
• In the mouth (next to cheek)
• Water (with a pinch of salt if possible)

Whether you feel self-conscious about their teeth, or you just want to improve your smile, cosmetic treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful radiant smile. Cosmetic dentistry has helped millions boost their confidence with a healthier, whiter and more radiant smile. There are many cosmetic dental procedures that are available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your individual needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically; from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask Dr. Galliano how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Procedures:

• Teeth Whitening: Professional bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached.
• Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: This is also known as “bonding”, composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
• Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
• Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.
• Dental Implants: Dental Implants are now considered the new standard of care to replace missing teeth. Artificial roots are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.

 

Dr. Galliano has been practicing for over 28 years in Baton Rouge, his artistry in advanced cosmetic dentistry techniques can enhance your appearance creating a world-class smile that will forever change your life. Come to experience the ultimate personal satisfaction as we treat you as a guest in our home. Your smile shows others how you feel, leaving a lasting impression upon those most important to you.

A sealant is a material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (premolars and molars), and sometimes to deep pits and grooves of front teeth, where decay occurs most often. The sealant acts as a barrier protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth from accumulating plaque that results in acid attacks and tooth decay.Sealing a tooth is fast and easy. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. Both baby teeth and permanent teeth can benefit from sealants. They are very cost effective and beneficial for long term health of you and your child’s teeth.