Bad breath (halitosis) is more than just a social problem. It can indicate a serious dental problem, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Your family dentists in Maryville at Crestview Dental Care compiled this information on how you can prevent bad breath, and how we can help.

What causes bad breath?

Diet: Many people love coffee, onions, and garlic, but all three are known for causing your breath to smell bad. The odors from eating or drinking these foods can stick around until your body has fully processed those foods or beverages.

Poor Dental Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss as recommended, allows bacteria to proliferate in your mouth. These bacteria excrete foul-smelling waste particles.

Tobacco: You know that smoking is bad for your health, but it also can cause bad-smelling breath. The same goes for chewing tobacco. Please consider quitting if you use tobacco in any form.

Dry Mouth: This happens when your ability to produce saliva diminishes, usually because of age, chronic mouth breathing, or a side effect of taking certain prescription medications.

Medical Conditions: Bad breath can be a symptom of certain ailments, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, gum disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal trouble, liver ailments, and kidney disorders.

How can you prevent bad breath?

The best way to combat bad breath is to have your teeth cleaned professionally (called prophylaxis) and to maintain your own home care through regular brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends each person brush at least twice per day, floss daily, and see their dentist every six months for a check-up that includes a professional dental cleaning. Make sure to brush your tongue as well as your teeth. Bacterial growth on the tongue causes the majority of cases of halitosis. You may want to purchase a tongue scraper to remove sulfur compounds that can accumulate on your tongue.

You also can change your diet. If you’re bothered by bad breath, limit your consumption of coffee, garlic, and other pungent smelling foods.

You may also want to evaluate what medications you’re taking. Antihistamines, for example, can dry out your mouth. But, speak to your doctor before ceasing any medications.

Chewing gum is good, but avoid gum that is not sugar-free. Sugar-based gums and mints can give you a mouthful of decay.

Will mouthwash help?

Not necessarily. Generally, they are alcohol-based, and will, therefore, dry out your saliva and, in the long run, make things worse. And, they really do not kill bacteria (with the exception of Listerine, which does kill some bugs). One mouthwash, Peridex, is effective. It contains 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, which has been shown to eliminate oral bacteria effectively. Peridex is available by prescription only.

Dental care in Knoxville

Bad breath can be a turn-off to those around you, and a sign of potential issues. If your bad breath is due to gum disease, Crestview Dental Care offers treatment for this ailment. We also provide general dentistry services, such as professional cleanings. Don’t live with the stigma and risk of bad breath. Schedule an appointment at our Maryville office today by calling (865) 982-1700.

Crestview Dental Care is here to serve patients in the areas of Maryville and Knoxville in Tennessee.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an asymptomatic disease that typically remains undetected until your doctor takes your blood pressure. Unless your blood pressure is dangerously elevated (180/110 and higher), you probably won’t feel any warning signs. Sustained blood pressure readings of 200/140 often produce severe headaches, dizziness and nausea.

Dentists understand that while most of their patients visit them at least twice a year for checkups and often times more frequently for dental cleaning, the same patients may not visit their family doctor for several years (most people don’t go to their doctor unless they are sick or feel abnormal). This means dentists will always have better access to checking a patient’s important health markers like blood pressure, blood glucose level and heart functioning than medical doctors.

Why Tracking Blood Pressure Readings is Vital to Your Good Health

Called the “silent killer” for obvious reasons, untreated high blood pressure will eventually lead to heart attack, stroke and/or kidney failure. Consequently, more dentists are starting to take their patients’ blood pressure before cleanings or dental procedures as part of a comprehensive, long-term health plan.

If your dentist discovers your blood pressure is too high, he will advise you to seek additional medical treatment from your family physician. Medications to control high blood pressure dilate blood vessels so that blood flows more freely throughout the body to lower and stabilize blood pressure.

Benefits of Blood Pressure and Heart Monitoring at the Dentist’s

The dental anesthetics affect each patient differently, depending on their age and current state of health. Patients who receive anesthesia may bleed more during an extraction, especially if they are taking blood pressure medication or they have high blood pressure that is uncontrolled. The local anesthetics contain epinephrine, a hormone similar to adrenaline that helps prolong numbing of the gums. And in addition to these important things we have the larger issue at hand which is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Sleep Breathing Disorder (SBD). Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure and High Blood Pressure are the most common symptom in adults for this deadly disease. In essence your dentist could save your life by taking your blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Medications and Oral Health

Some high blood pressure medications interrupt normal saliva flow and cause a chronic dry mouth. Dry mouth is responsible for halitosis, an increase in mouth lesions (canker sores) and oral fungal infections. Dry mouth also encourages growth of anaerobic bacteria, the primary cause of cavities and gum disease. We know the medication is imperative to your health and if you take medications for high blood pressure, the dentist or hygienist may recommend more preventive and frequent maintenance appointments to ensure that you’re in good oral and physical health. ( a few extra dollars per year will save you thousands of dollars in the future)

Make Sure Your Dentist is all about Your Blood Pressure!

By screening your blood pressure and monitoring your heart rate, your dentist is taking the measures to ensure your safety and comfort at the dentist office and at home.

Use these sweets only in moderation (less than every day):

Soda Pop

Sugared Drinks

Coffee Drinks with syrups or mocha added

Sports Drinks

Chewing Gum

Breath Mints & Fresheners

Cough Drops

Hard Candy

Sticky Candy

Tums or other chewable antacids

Chewable Vitamin C

Chewable Aspirin

Sugar-free alternatives, which are safe for your teeth*, are available for all of these. Keep teeth free of bacteria by brushing 2 to 4 times every day, and flossing every day. Use home fluoride treatment daily.

Before signing on for implant dentistry, you should absolutely feel 100% comfortable with your implant dentist and you should know what to expect from your implant procedure. Here are some questions to help you prepare for implants.

About Your Implant Dentist

• What kind of training do you have as an implant dentist?
• How many years of experience do you have in implant dentistry?
• Are you a member of any professional organizations?
• What is the success rate of your dental implants?

About the Procedure

• What do I need to do to prepare for my surgery?
• Are there any foods, medications, supplements, or other substances I need to avoid before my surgery? If so, for how long?
• How long will the procedure take?
• What kind of anesthesia will you use?
• Will I need someone to drive me home?
• Will I have to stay in the facility overnight?
• Will the procedure be painful?
• What are the possible complications of dental implant surgery?
• What can I do to reduce the risk of complications?
• What will my implant surgery cost?
• What does that cost include?
• Are there other costs I need to know about?

About Your Recovery and Results

• What will my recovery be like?
• How do I recognize a problem or complication?
• Will I need to take time off of work or refrain from any activities after dental implant surgery?
• Do I need to eat special foods or avoid certain foods during my recovery?
• Are there any medications, supplements, or other substances I should avoid after my surgery? If so, for how long?
• Are there any medications or supplements that might aid in my recovery?
• Do I need to care for my mouth in any special way after my implant surgery?
• How long will it be before I experience the full results of my dental implant?
• Will I need to come in for follow-up appointments?
• If I have a problem such as pain or infection and have to come in for treatment, will I be charged extra?
• How long will my dental implant last?

Your dentist should always be happy to answer any of your questions concerning your dental implant needs. You should get answers that will allow you to understand so that you feel confident, fully informed, and prepared for your implant surgery needs. Dr. Tommy Spears and Dr. Jake Goza offer complimentary initial consultations to discuss your questions and dental goals.

Please contact our Maryville implant dentists today to schedule your initial consultation with your Maryville dentists at Crestview Dental Care.

Pregnancy is a very special time. You’ll want to think about taking good care of yourself and getting your baby’s life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, but they also affect the health of your unborn child. If you plan on becoming pregnant or are expecting, Crestview Dental Care wants to make sure you are prepared with a plan to care for your teeth and gums.

Is it safe to get a dental X-ray while pregnant?

An X-ray may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can’t wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken. A leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breastfeeding. At Crestview Dental Care, we’re able to limit radiation exposure thanks to our state-of-the-art digital radiography system, which takes images that are clearer and more precise while emitting a fraction of the radiation experienced when using traditional X-ray technology.

How does pregnancy affect my gums?

During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second through the eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. Your Knoxville dentists at Crestview Dental Care may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid problems. In fact, once you know you’re pregnant, it’s generally a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning for as soon as possible—even if it’s been less than six months—if only because it can be uncomfortable to sit in the dental chair for an extended period of time in the third trimester.

What can I do to keep my mouth healthy during pregnancy?

To help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners like floss. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to brush and floss correctly. When choosing oral care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.

If you are expecting, Crestview Dental Care wants all the best as you welcome this new addition to your family. Your bundle of joy shouldn’t compromise your oral health, though. To learn more about how we can protect your dental health during pregnancy, give us a call at (865) 982-1700 if you live in the areas of Knoxville and Maryville, Tennessee.

Researchers have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:

• Oral cancer
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth
• Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth
• Tooth loss
• Increased loss of bone within the jaw
• Loss of taste
• Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment or oral surgery
• Less success with periodontal treatment
• Less success with dental implants
• Gum recession
• Mouth sores
• Facial wrinkling

Kick the Habit

Regardless of how long you have used tobacco products, quitting now can greatly reduce serious risks to your health. Eleven years after quitting, former smokers’ likelihood of having periodontal (gum) disease was not significantly different from people who never smoked.

Even reducing the amount you smoke appears to help. One study found that smokers who reduced their smoking habit to less than half a pack a day had only three times the risk of developing periodontal disease compared with nonsmokers, which was significantly lower than the six times higher risk seen in those who smoked more than a pack and a half per day. Another study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that the mouth lesion leukoplakia completely resolved within 6 weeks of quitting in 97.5% of patients with these lesions who used smokeless tobacco products.