Orthodontists in Colorado Springs Reveal That The Beverages We Drink Are Literally Killing Our Teeth!

According to many studies, soft drinks, sodas, juices and sports energy drinks are doing extensive acid erosion to our teeth, as well as encouraging decay; more so than any other culprit known to damage our teeth.

If asked what the worst culprit behind tooth decay is, most Colorado Springs residents will report “sugary foods.” While you may be partially right in saying this, a recent scientific study that appeared in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry reveals that, in actuality, soft drinks – such as Coca Cola, Mountain Dew, Fanta, Sprite and other sweet carbonated beverages – are the greatest culprits behind advanced dental erosion and tooth decay in Colorado Springs.

The Results of the Study on Popular Beverages and Our Teeth

According to this study of 3,773 participants, almost 80% presented with some degree of dental erosion (a thinning of the enamel covering their teeth), while 15% showed moderate to severe dental erosion. The latter group reported consuming more juice and soft drinks than those with mild tooth wear. Milk was quite popular drink among those with only mild dental erosion.

What does this all mean?

“Sodas, soft drinks, fruit juices and sports energy drinks all have a devastating impact upon your dental health if you do not consume them in moderation,” says one orthodontist in Colorado Springs. “Even patients who have one drink per day will eventually start showing signs of acid erosion, so you can imagine the state of someone’s teeth who consumes gallons of soda per day, which is not uncommon here in America.”

Fruit Juice is a Problem, Too?

All right, so soft drinks are a given. We know that they are packed with sugar, but why is fruit juice lumped in the same category as all those other unhealthy beverages? Surely fruit juice is good for you?

“Fruit juice may be good for your body – especially if unsweetened – but the juice itself is highly acidic and constantly sipping on it will repeatedly expose your dental enamel to an acid bath,” explains the Colorado Springs dentist. “Acid softens the enamel, which leaves it more vulnerable to erosion. Therefore, the more frequently you consume sodas and fruit juices, the more damage you stand to do to your teeth.

“It’s not just sugar that’s a problem… it’s the acidity.”

How Do I Know Whether I Have Dental Erosion?

When the dental enamel covering your teeth thins and becomes worn away, it leaves the underlying dentine more vulnerable and exposed to factors, such as extremes in temperature. This can make eating hot or cold foods and beverages quite uncomfortable; so one indicator of acid erosion is tooth sensitivity.

The best way to tell whether you have a problem or not is to see your dentist and, if necessary, have some restorative work done on your teeth to ensure that there are no breaches in their defense (enamel),” says an orthodontist in Colorado Springs.

A Final Note

The results of this study just add to the seemingly unending literature available on the harmful nature of the beverages we consume by the pool-full here in Colorado Springs. Sure, on a hot day an ice-cold soft drink is more than welcome, but we – as a nation – need to stop viewing sweet beverages as thirst-quenchers and we need to combat this addiction from adolescence.

“Milk and water and occasionally some fruit juice are good for you,” say Colorado Springs dentists. “But if you want to keep your teeth beautiful and healthy for life, avoid soft drinks for the most part.”

Fun and Interesting Dentistry Facts for Colorado Springs! PART 3

This three-part article series takes a fun yet sometimes serious look at some super interesting facts you probably didn’t know about your teeth and oral healthcare.

# 7: Dentists among the most trusted professionals in America

According to the results of a recent survey, dentists, doctors and nurses are the most trusted professionals in the United States. Who were the least trusted? Not surprisingly, congressmen and lobbyists!

# 8: There are greater inconveniences than a dental appointment…

Time Magazine recently conducted a survey that came through with some pretty interesting results. According to the survey, about 60% of Americans would rather visit the dentist than sit next to someone blabbing away on their cell phone.

“This is quite a heartening statistic,” says one Colorado Spring dentist. “So many people avoid coming in for dental treatment because they suffer from some kind of associated phobia or anxiety. To hear that most people would rather visit the dentist than sit next to someone talking on their cellphone – which, let’s be honest, is a daily occurrence on public transport – is a positive change from the norm. Perhaps we can start expecting to see more and more people coming in for the routine preventative dental healthcare that’s so necessary for great long-term oral health.”

# 9: 75% of Colorado Springs residents suffer from gum disease

Surely not! Yet, according to the Centre for Disease Control, it’s true. The vast majority of, not just Colorado Springs, the American population is in such poor dental health that they have developed some form or stage of gum disease.

“Gum disease is characterized by an advanced bacterial infection of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth,” explains a Colorado Springs dental implant surgeon. “In severe gases, the disease affects the jawbone underlying the gums and can actually deteriorate this hard tissue, as well as the ligaments holding the teeth in place. This is why untreated gum disease is often associated with tooth loss.”

With 75% of the population suffering from gum disease – whether it’s mild gingivitis or severe periodontitis – it’s no surprise that this disease is the predominant cause of tooth loss in patients older than 35.

“The good news is that gum disease is wholly preventable,” says the dental implant dentist. “All you have to do is brush and floss every day and see your dentist for check-ups twice per year. This alone could help you keep your smile in beautiful condition for life.”

# 10: Is your toothbrush kept at a hygienic distance from the toilet?

This may come as a shock to you, but if your keep your toothbrush within six feet of a toilet it could get covered with what’s known as a “biofilm” of nasty bacteria.

“Every time a toilet flushes, it sends up a fine spray of water, bacteria and unmentionable particles, which settle on all the bathroom surfaces within a radius of about six feet,” says a Colorado Springs dentist. “If your toothbrush is on the sink next to the toilet, you’re at risk of getting sick from this biofilm. Rather keep your toothbrush in an aired cupboard, or if you’re a fan of those protective caps, make sure the ones you buy have small holes in them so that your toothbrush can dry between uses.”

Dental Implants Cheaper Than Dentures? Dentists in Colorado Springs Explain How! PART 2

Welcome to the second installment of this three-part article series on how the cost of dentures compare with that of dental implants. As it was explained in Part 1, there is an unfortunate misconception that dental implants are prohibitively expensive, which is why many Colorado Springs residents opt to have traditional removable dentures fitted when they are diagnosed with a failing dentition caused by advanced gum disease.

What these patients don’t realize is that foregoing the far more sophisticated teeth replacement solution offered by dental implants in favor of dentures – quite simply because of this misconception – is a mistake that could cost them more than they could ever imagine.

“In the long run, dentures could very well, and often do, cost you more than dental implants,” say dentists in Colorado Springs.

Let’s take a look at how this is possible…

The Real Cost of Removable Dentures

Removable dentures have been around for hundreds of years and they do initially offer patients a workable solution to tooth loss and edentulism (toothlessness). However, there are certain challenges involved in the day-to-day of wearing them.

First and foremost, traditional dentures are not anchored in the mouth; they are removable. As such, they rely on their bulk to keep them stabilized and from moving around excessively or even from falling out entirely. Unfortunately, as dentures become increasingly ill fitting, patients will find themselves needing to buy adhesive strips to keep help secure their teeth in place. But, this is just one of several denture-related products Colorado Springs residents will need to stay stocked up on for as long as they wear dentures.

“Anesthetic gels and ointments are frequently necessary to help patients manage pain and inflammation associated with denture wearing,” says one Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist. “Overnight soaking solutions, storage containers and cleaning agents are others and all of these costs add up to several hundred dollars every year.”

But there is a problem worse than constantly spending money on adhesive strips, anesthetic gels and overnight soaking solutions… it’s the need to buy a complete set of new dentures every few years.

Removable Dentures and Jaw Bone Loss

“Bone tissue, just like the muscles in your body, will atrophy if it isn’t stimulated or exercised,” explains a Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist. “By channeling the eating forces into the jaw bone, the tooth roots perform this very essential function, as do dental implants, which function like tooth roots. Dentures, however, only replace the tooth crowns, so denture wearers typically experience atrophication of the jawbone over time, which is the major driver behind denture problems.”

Initially a set of new dentures will fit quite well, but over time and as the bulk of the jawbone disintegrates, they will become increasingly loose fitting and uncomfortable. Eventually – usually every few years or so – you will need to see your dentist to have a new set of dentures custom-made for you and this is a cost you will have to cover repeatedly.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are typically a one-time expense and in Part 3, we’ll fully investigate why!

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out how dental implants – a far more sophisticated teeth replacement solution – can work out to be less expensive than removable dentures, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Dental Implants: A Dentist in Colorado Springs Addresses Your FAQ, PART 3

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth replacement using dental implants! Previously, in Part 2, an experienced dentist in Colorado Springs tackled questions of cost and why dental implants are worth the additional investment. This is especially true when one considers the capabilities of traditional removable dentures, which cannot compare with the functionality, aesthetics and quality of life made possible by dental implants.

Now, let’s move on to some questions on what Colorado Springs residents can expect from the actual implants procedure…

Question: Dental implants have a reputation for being very painful. Is this true?

Answer: “That’s unfortunate because it’s a misconception that keeps many people from the best possible treatment available for missing teeth! First of all, you won’t feel a thing during the procedure because your gums will be numbed and you will be sedated,” explains a Colorado Spring dental implant surgeon. “Secondly, recovery is hardly an ordeal because you will have prescription painkillers to help manage discomfort and swelling. Most patients return to work a few days after surgery and almost all of them report experiencing very little pain at all.

“One thing that’s important to bear in mind about dental implant surgery is that the entire field is constantly being turned on its head. Every day, esteemed scientists and clinicians work on newer, less invasive and more efficient techniques that can achieve better, less painful, more efficient outcomes. Nowadays, we can literally give patients new teeth in a day with minimal recovery. Instead of getting your information about dental implants from a friend of a friend of a friend, speak to your dentist.”

Question: You mentioned “new teeth in one day.” How long did it used to take to get new teeth with dental implants?

Answer: “Older dental implant techniques could take as long as 18 months to provide patients with a complete set of new teeth,” explains the Colorado Springs dentist. “That’s because, typically, the surgeon would have to perform a bone grafting procedure before implants could even be placed.

“Oftentimes, patients who have been living with dentures and without natural teeth for many years will present with atrophied jawbones. In order to provide sufficient support for implants, bone tissue would need to be grafted onto the jawbone. This would then take a few months to heal and only then would the patient begin the journey to getting new teeth.

Nowadays, we have a sophisticated dental implant technique called the “All-on-4,” (see image below) which makes it possible for us to give patients a complete set of new teeth without the need for bone grafting, in most cases. This saves the patients many months of time and of course the expense of such a procedure. Nowadays, dental implant surgeons in Colorado Springs can give patients new teeth in one day and with one surgical appointment!”

Image Source: http://www.nobelbiocare.com

Stay Tuned for Part 4

Stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series to read a few last answers to your frequently asked questions about dental implants.

A Dentist in Colorado Springs Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 4

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on the most common myths on dental health. Previously, in Part 3, an experienced dentist in Colorado Springs dispelled the following two myths:

Myth # 5: If dental insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s probably not worth considering.

Few dental insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage for advanced dental treatment, such as dental implants. This doesn’t mean dental implants aren’t the most sophisticated solution available for the replacement of missing teeth, though. You shouldn’t allow your dental insurance to dictate your choice of treatment.

Myth # 6: Tooth loss is normal consequence of getting older.

Gum disease causes tooth loss. Not getting older alone. If you care for your teeth properly, you should be able to keep them all until well in your 80’s and 90’s.

Let’s move along and take a look at two final common misconceptions…

Myth # 7: Dental implants are the most painful treatment you can get.

“There is this strange misconception amongst patients that dental implants are excruciatingly painful to have done, and yet nothing could be further from the truth,” says the dentist in Colorado Springs. “First of all, we always perform dental implant surgery using sedation and anesthesia, so patients rarely remember a thing, never mind feel a thing.

“Second of all, the very nature of modern dental implant procedures has changed dramatically over the past two decades what with the introduction of more sophisticated diagnostic technology and placement techniques. Before we even operate on a patient, we know exactly what the problem looks like underneath the gums; we are fully aware of the structure of the jawbone and the proximity of neighboring teeth and we know exactly what to do. So, one or two small incisions and that’s it!

“With procedures that are minimally invasive, Colorado Springs residents are enjoying a much shorter recovery period with hardly any pain at all; certainly nothing that can’t be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.”

Myth # 8: Removable dentures are the standard of care for people who have lost all or most of their teeth.

“Removable dentures may be the traditional teeth replacement technology for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, but they are a far cry from the modern standard of care! Nowadays, we have a suite of dental implant techniques that are capable of giving patients a full set of permanent teeth again, often in as little as one day, with one surgery,” says the Colorado Springs dentist.

“The teeth provided by these techniques feel more natural, function better and look far more beautiful than removable dentures. They don’t shift around; they don’t typically cause acute discomfort while eating and don’t need to be removed after meals for cleaning or at nighttime. Dental implants avoid many of the challenges associated with removable dentures and can promote a much better quality of life for patients!

“Almost all dentists in Colorado Springs have moved away from dentures and if asked, will recommend dental implants over and above this archaic teeth replacement technique. Do not be mistaken in thinking that dentures are the standard approach to patient care, because they really aren’t.”

A Colorado Springs Dentist Busts Major Myths About Oral Health, PART 3

Using sound logic and expert advice, this four-part article series dispels some of the most common myths surrounding oral health and dental treatment.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on the most common myths on dental health. In Part 2, an experienced Colorado Springs dentist dispelled the following two myths:

Myth # 3: If it’s not broken, why fix it?

First of all, it takes experience and expertise to be the real judge of whether it’s broken or not and secondly, early intervention is far better and far cheaper.

Myth # 4: It’s normal for your gums to bleed when you brush or floss.

Gums that are weakened by infection will tear more easily and bleed. So bleeding gums may be an indicator of gum disease, which is definitely not normal. Alternatively, you may be brushing too hard, so invest in a softer toothbrush and ease up on the pressure.

Let’s move along and take a look at the next two common misconceptions…

Myth # 5: If dental insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s probably not worth considering.

“Medical aid and dental insurance companies are, at the end of the day, businesses. They’re there to make money, so they are not going to offer full coverage for the latest, most sophisticated and cutting-edge dental treatments available,” explains a Colorado Springs oral surgeon. “If they did, they’d go bankrupt in a day. What you will find is that dental insurance offers SOME coverage for advanced dental treatment, while offering substantial coverage for older, more conventional treatments that have been regarded as the standard of care for many years, if not decades.

“Your dentist – or at least a good dentist – will not allow dental insurance to dictate to them what treatment they recommend to you, their patient. Rather, he or she will recommend to you what they see as the best treatment to help your oral health recover optimally. It’s unfortunate that there is often a schism between the best solution and the most affordable solution and this may become a problem, especially if you are looking into teeth replacement,” explains the Colorado Springs dentist.

“Dental implants may offer the best, most functional and long-term treatment available for the replacement of missing teeth, but few dental insurance companies cover them. Instead, they tend to provide funding for bridges or dentures, which are cheaper, but far less advantageous. Shop around for dental insurance and make sure you know what you’re liable to be covered for!”

Myth # 6: Tooth loss is normal consequence of getting older.

“If you’re in good oral and general health, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t make it to your 80’s and 90’s with all of your original dentition intact,” say Colorado Springs oral surgeons. “Tooth loss is a consequence of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, smoking and illnesses such as cancer and diabetes; it’s not caused by getting older. If you look after yourself and your teeth properly, you should be able to enjoy a beautiful, natural smile for most of your life.”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read about more major myths that could potentially be disastrous for your oral health, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Colorado Springs Dentists Explain 8 Healthy Habits to Protect Your Dental Enamel, PART 2

This four-part article series explains eight changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to keep your dental enamel healthy, thereby helping to prevent tooth loss in the long run.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on the healthy habits we can cultivate in order to help protect our dental enamel against decay and acid erosion. In Part 1, the panel of Colorado Springs dentists we consulted with explained that Step # 1 and # 2 in the right direction were: (1) decrease the amount of sugar in your diet – that means avoiding sodas, fruit juices and sugary snacks, sweeties and candies, and (2) increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat or fat-free yogurts, cheeses and milk.

Let’s take a look at the next two important tips for great enamel health and beautiful teeth…

Healthy Enamel Tip # 3: Don’t Over-brush!

 

 

Chances are you’ve heard the saying “too much of a good thing is bad.” Well this stands true for brushing your teeth because brushing too frequently can actually lead to the erosion of your dental enamel. Additionally, brushing too aggressively can achieve similar destructive results.

Orthodontists in Colorado Springs typically recommend that patients opt for a medium to soft-bristled brush and make use of short circular strokes when brushing their teeth. If you notice that the bristles of your toothbrush become frayed soon after coming out of the packaging, then you are probably brushing too hard. This kind of habit can also cause the gums to recede from the crowns of the teeth, which reveals the darker and more sensitive tooth roots. This is frequently the cause of tooth sensitivity in adults.

“It’s important that you brush correctly because the whole point of this exercise is to protect your teeth, not damage them,” say the dentists. “Also, try not to brush immediately after eating because the sugars and acids naturally contained by the foods we eat can soften your dental enamel. Wait 30 minutes and your enamel will remineralize as the pH levels in your mouth neutralize.”

Healthy Enamel Tip # 4: Seek Treatment for Acid Reflux, Heartburn and Bulimia

 

 

Stomach acid can cause extensive damage to the protective enamel covering your teeth and conditions such as severe heartburn and acid reflux are known to bring this acid up and into the esophagus, according to orthodontists in Colorado Springs. This can leave your teeth – your molars especially – vulnerable to acid erosion, so speak to your doctor about how you can control chronic acid reflux and heartburn.

Another problem that can, in the long term, do terrible damage to your teeth is an eating disorder known as bulimia. Repeated vomiting exposes the teeth to stomach acid. This, coupled with the binge eating of usually unhealthy, sugar-rich foods can put your teeth on the fast track to decay, so it is crucial that Colorado Springs residents suffering from this condition seek professional treatment for it.

Stay Tuned for Part 3 

Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to learn more about the necessary healthy habits for good dental health, courtesy of the advice of our panel of Colorado Springs dentists.

 

Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures

This article explains the difference between bridges, dentures, and dental implants to help you decide which the best option for you is.

 

Most people say that personality and charm are more important than appearance when choosing a mate or making a hiring decision. However, the subconscious mind is powerful and we often make decisions based on things that we don’t realize. The truth is that first impressions really do matter, and your smile can heavily influence the way other people think about you from the very instant they meet you. A person can make the decision about whether you are attractive or not, whether they would like to get to know you or not, or whether or not they want to hire you for a job. They may say they made their decision because you seem intelligent, friendly, or hardworking. But somewhere underneath the rational explanation is the split second in which they saw your teeth. Contact a Colorado Springs dentist today to find out how you can improve your smile.

Having discolored, misshapen, misaligned, chipped, missing, or otherwise non-aesthetically-pleasing teeth can cause you to feel unconfident in social situations and it can damage your self-esteem. Even if you feel good about yourself and don’t mind having a few dental imperfections, it can affect the way people think of you and it can hinder your success.

While discolored teeth are usually just caused by drinking coffee or tea (because you’re such a hard-worker who burns the candle at both ends), sometimes badly discolored teeth and enamel erosion can occur as a result of illness of certain medications. Unfortunately, when people see discolored teeth or enamel erosion, they usually think you just have bad hygiene or are a former meth addict. For females, many will believe you have enamel erosion as a result of an eating disorder. They don’t know your real story, so they will jump to false conclusions that could cause you to miss an important job opportunity or promotion. This is why tooth discoloration and enamel erosion is such a problem socially for many people.

 

 

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

Several decades ago, people were not as lucky as we are today. If they had dental imperfections, there was little that could be done. Those with missing teeth as a result of illness or accident had to rely on dentures or bridges. These prostheses can solve a problem temporarily, but they have to be replaced frequently and they are difficult to maintain. Imagine having to take out your dentures for cleaning after every meal or snack. Imagine not being able to floss between bridges. After several years, the gum tissue and bone tissue in the jaw begin to erode. The jaw develops osteoporosis and the face begins to shrink in the area of the jawline. The chances of developing further gum disease increases sharply. This is not at all what anyone would want to happen to them.

These are just a few of the reasons why dental implants in Colorado Springs are more preferable to bridges or dentures. Dental implants do not need to be removed or replaced, and they keep your gum tissue and bone tissue healthy over time. They will actually help to strengthen the bone tissue in the jaw and protect the surrounding teeth. Dental implants also do not stain or decay.

How a Cosmetic Dentist Can Help You

What does a cosmetic dentist do exactly? Learn how a cosmetic dentist can help you improve your smile.

Oftentimes, when people think of going to the dentist, they conjure up images of getting their teeth cleaned or having cavities filled. However, a cosmetic dentist does much more than help you with your basic dental hygiene. A cosmetic dentist can improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Boost Your Confidence

Simply changing the way your smile looks can dramatically change your appearance and your self-image. If you aren’t entirely happy with the way your teeth look when you speak, smile, and laugh, a cosmetic dentist can transform your smile with a variety of different techniques. Cosmetic dentists in Colorado Springs can also perform general dental procedures, so you can continue to see your cosmetic dentist after any procedures to ensure proper cleaning and care.

 

Are your teeth damaged, stained, misaligned, too small, chipped, discolored, or even missing? A skilled cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs can transform even the “worst” case of bad teeth into a movie star smile that looks natural. Services can include smile rejuvenation, porcelain veneers, crowns, lumineers, gum lift and recontouring, gum bleaching, snap-on smile, dental bridges, teeth whitening, and tooth-colored fillings to help you achieve the look you’ve always dreamed of having.

Fix Crooked Teeth

Misaligned and crowded teeth can place unnecessary stress on your jaw, or even make it difficult to eat or properly keep your teeth clean. They also don’t portray a professional or attractive appearance. A simple procedure such as Invisalign or porcelain veneers can straighten your teeth and dramatically improve the way you are perceived by others when you show your teeth.

If your teeth are discolored from tobacco, tea, coffee, soda, juice, poor oral hygiene, medications, or illness, this can simply be corrected with teeth whitening. Porcelain veneers and crowns may also be an option if your teeth are damaged.

Help For a Gummy Smile

Do your gums show when you smile? This is often referred to as a gummy smile, and it can make your teeth look too small. Upon first glance, it may even appear as if you have no teeth when you’re smiling really big and lots of gum tissue is visible. The great news is that this problem can be corrected. Gum recontouring, gum lift, lip surgery, botox, veneers, crowns, and sometimes even braces are used to correct this embarrassing condition. A cosmetic dentist can help you decide the right option for you.

Are your teeth worn down? This can actually lead to health problems if nothing is done to fix this. Thinning enamel can cause you to become susceptible to tooth decay. Crowns and veneers can correct worn teeth and prevent future health problems.

Do you have large spaces between your teeth that are unattractive and make it difficult to chew your food? Braces and Invisalign are smart options for spaced teeth. Sometimes crowns and veneers are also used.

No More Missing Teeth

Are you missing one or more teeth? This can often be one of the most confidence-lowering cosmetic concerns, but it also presents a health issue. Missing teeth expose your gums to bacteria and plaque, and can actually promote loss of bone tissue in your jaw. Fortunately, dental implants can permanently correct this problem. A dental implant looks and feels just like a natural tooth, and it preserves and protects the health of the surrounding teeth and gum tissue. A cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs can fix your missing teeth problem.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is of course one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures. It can be done much more safely inside a cosmetic dentist’s office than with over-the-counter whitening kits. Teeth whitening is also fairly inexpensive, and when done professionally, the results can last for a long time.

 

The Colorado Springs Dentist Answers: What Could Be Causing Your Bad Breath? PART 2

This three-part article series provides an overview of the various factors, ailments and conditions that could be causing your breath to turn sour.

 

Welcome to the second installment of this three-part article series on the various causes of halitosis, or bad breath. In Part 1, an experienced Colorado Springs dentist explained that bad oral hygiene, tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) were the most common causes of bad breath. “Oral bacteria produce wastes that contain smelly sulfurous compounds… so the more bacteria there are in your mouth; the more likely your breath will be bad. Tooth decay and gum disease are also caused by oral bacteria, which explains why bad breath is one of the key symptoms of these conditions,” explains the dentist.

 

But, what if you do look after your teeth properly and still suspect that you have bad breath? According to Colorado Springs dentists, bad oral hygiene isn’t always the culprit behind halitosis. There are a number of other ailments that can cause your breath to smell bad, both directly and indirectly through the faster build-up of bacteria.

 

The Causes of Bad Breath, Continued…

 

4. Sinus and Respiratory Problems

 

It can be a terrible nuisance: you give your teeth a thorough scrub and not even 10 minutes later, you suspect that your breath has gone bad. Why else would your colleague be looking at you through rolled up eyes and a wrinkled nose? It’s not that this is a one-time problem either… it’s something you’ve consistently noticed and yet, the dentist tells you that you are in excellent oral health.

 

“In many cases, the solution to halitosis is not a visit to the oral hygienist,” explains the dentist in Colorado Springs. “Rather, it’s a visit to your doctor! There are a host of general health issues that can cause bad breath and an infection in the respiratory tract (especially the sinuses) is a key candidate. Bacteria in your throat, sinuses, larynx and/or lungs also produce sulfurous wastes and these gases taint your breath as you inhale and then exhale.”

 

The solution is therefore fairly simple: visit your medical doctor for a diagnosis and then treatment!

 

5. Dry Mouth

 

Another key cause of bad breath is a condition known as “dry mouth.” As the name suggests, this condition is characterized by the impeded or slowed production of saliva in the mouth. “The problem with this condition, especially when it’s a chronic problem, is that it renders your teeth and gums more vulnerable to oral bacteria,” explains the dentist in Colorado Springs. “Saliva is a natural anti-bacterial and your body’s first line of defense against the microorganisms that cause cavities and tooth decay.”

 

What causes dry mouth?

 

“Alcohol causes dry mouth, as do habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco. There is also a host of medications that can cause dry mouth, including anti-histamines. If you’re on any chronic medications for dry mouth, you should speak to your treating physician about an alternative drug or a different dose so that you can perhaps offset the side effects. If this is not an option for you, you will have to do what you can to mitigate the risks of dry mouth, such as drink more water, brush more frequently and perhaps rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash,” advises the Colorado Springs dentist.

 

Stay Tuned for Part 3

 

Stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series to find out more about the different causes of halitosis, or bad breath.