Does flossing reduce bad breath?

Question:

Does flossing reduce bad breath?

Answer:

Yes it definitely plays a role in reducing bad breath.  Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors.  Some of these factors include decay in a tooth, bacteria or food debris trapped under the gum line or between teeth, plaque or calculus (tartar) accumulations, bacteria located on the tongue, bad oral hygiene habits, etc.  Flossing definitely needs to be incorporated into a daily routine, in addition to brushing after each meal, to better fight bad breath.  If you practice great oral hygiene habits and don’t have any decayed teeth or plaque, and yet still experience bad breath, maybe you should visit your dentist.  He/she may be able to identify a possible cause that could have been overlooked.

Good luck!

I take care of my teeth. Why do I still get cavities?

Question:

I brush regularly and floss when I can.  Overall, I take very good care of my teeth.  But why do I still get cavities?

Answer:

A number of factors come into play when it comes to keeping your teeth clean.  First off, though you brush your teeth often, are you brushing them correctly?  Make sure the bristles of your toothbrush reach every area on the tooth, including the back surface and especially the surface closest to the gumline, these are areas where bacteria usually build up.

Also, when you floss, do you guide the floss down below the gumline, following the curvature of the tooth?  Flossing takes more than just moving the strand between the teeth, be sure to see our article on flossing for more details.

And sadly, research has shown that an individual’s ability to get cavities is hereditary…that’s right, HEREDITARY!!!  So if your mother or father had a high number of cavities, than your risk of getting cavities is greatly increased.  It’s not inevitable, it just means that your mouth’s pH is more favorable to bacterial growth and development.  This means that you must take extra caution in your daily oral hygiene habits and the types of food that you consume.

Yet another factor that plays a large role in the development of cavities is diet.  Of course, if you have a diet that’s high in carbohydrates and sugars, you can expect more cavities.  So try to stay away from soda, candy, and a lot of bread on a regular basis.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Signs of Gingivitis

Gum disease, known as gingivitis (or it’s more severe form, periodontitis), refers to the inflammation of the gums (gingiva).  It results from accumulation of bacteria near the gum line, causing bacterial invasion into the tissues of the body.  If not addressed and treated, gingivitis will lead to recession of the gums, bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic disease.

Signs of Gingivitis

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
• Shiny or red gums
• Associated pain
• Bad breath or foul smelling gums
• Gum recession (teeth appear longer)

Causes of Gingivitis

• Most often caused by plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene habits
• Hormonal changes (i.e. pregnancy)
• Certain medications that may suppress the immune system

Gingivitis is a mild form of inflammation.  Unlike it’s more serious form, periodontitis, gingivitis can be treated quickly and easily if addressed in a timely fashion.

Treatment for Gingivitis

• Improve oral hygiene habits – Brush after each meal and floss every day.  If this regimen is followed precisely, the bleeding will eventually stop.
• Incorporate a mouth rinse, preferably with chlorohexidine, into your daily routine.  This can assist with the removal of unwanted bacteria.
• Visit the dentist and get a cleaning – The dentist will be able to effectively remove plaque and calculus, the main causes of gingivitis.  However, it’s up to you to maintain the plaque free mouth after this point.
• Antibiotics – If serious, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the bacterial invasion.

All in all, gingivitis can easily be managed if addressed early.  Take the right steps in keeping up with your oral hygiene to maintain a healthy smile.

Have more questions?  Feel free to leave a commit or submit a question to be included in our FAQ’s.

Cavity Basics

What is a cavity/tooth decay?

A cavity is an open pathway in the tooth which is caused by bacterial invasion.  In the dental world, it’s referred to as a carious lesion.  The severity of the cavity/carious lesion will determine which type of restoration is needed.

How would I know if I have a cavity?

If you experience pain in the tooth, more than likely it can be attributed to bacterial invasion/cavity.  However, keep in mind that tooth pain can be attributed to several other factors such as periodontal disease.  The best way to tell if you have a cavity is to visit the dentist.  Sometimes, cavities occur between our teeth, and the only way to determine its presence is on a radiograph/x-ray. 

What can be done to prevent cavities?

Brush, brush, and brush some more!!  If you brush 3 times a day, or even better, after each meal, you will remove food debris and other agents that act as magnets for bacteria.  If you are unable to brush that often, be sure to chew gum with Xylitol after your meals.  This will aid in remineralizing your enamel after a meal, thus making it stronger and more resistant to bacterial invasion.  Please see our article on gum with xylitol for more information.

Please see our article on cavity prevention for more information on maintaining a healthy mouth.

When to replace your Toothbrush

Does your toothbrush look like the picture below?  If so, it’s about time for a new one.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

• Preferably every 3-4 months
• When the bristles are worn out
• After any type of illness including a cold, flu, mouth sore, etc

Why should I change my toothbrush that often?

Toothbrushes are harbors for bacteria.  If not cleaned effectively, microscopic bacteria can reside in your toothbrush.  Also, after time and after several uses, toothbrushes lose their effectiveness.  Once the bristles begin to wear down, they are not as efficient at cleaning plaque and removing food and other debris from your teeth.

Additional toothbrush tips

• Be sure to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with warm tap water after each use to effectively clean it
• Let your toothbrush air dry after each use. Do not store it in a travel case (unless you are traveling of course).
• Also, be sure to use soft or medium bristles. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can actually do more harm than good!!! Toothbrushes with hard bristles are only meant for denture or removable appliances only.

So, remember to pick up that new toothbrush at your next trip to the store and let’s start new with maintaining your oral health!