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As you throw open the windows to welcome the fresh spring breeze, it’s worth spending some time to check that your breath is as fresh as it can be too. FRESH BREATH FOR A FRESH NEW SEASON! Not sure if you have bad breath? Lick the back of your hand, wait ten seconds, then smell it. Here are just some of the reasons why one’s breath may not be as appealing as it should be: • Smoking or chewing tobacco. In addition to the lingering odor of the tobacco itself, tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease (gum disease). • Odorous food. Foods such as garlic and onions contain certain sulfur compounds that linger in your mouth, get absorbed into your bloodstream and are expelled when you exhale. • Gum disease, triggered by a buildup of plaque on the teeth, often results not only in a bad taste in the mouth and foul breath, but in the risk of losing teeth entirely. • Dry mouth. This condition, also called xerostomia, can be a side effect of certain medications, salivary gland problems or continuous breathing through the mouth. Saliva has been called nature’s mouthwash, as it helps to wash away food particles in the mouth and prevents an overgrowth of bacteria, which can produce unpleasant breath. • Coffee and alcohol. These drinks can also dry up the saliva in the mouth. As mentioned above, saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque and wash away food particles and dead cells that can decompose and cause bad breath. • Poorly fitted or improperly cleaned dental appliances. Appliances that don’t fit snuggly and dentures that are not cleaned properly can harbor food particles and bacteria, which lead to bad breath. • Medical conditions. Bad breath can result from a number of different medical conditions including diabetes, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, liver or kidney problems, chronic acid reflux and respiratory tract infections. • Poor dental habits. It’s important to follow some simple dental habits – daily brushing and flossing at the very least. Following these four simple steps can help control everyday bad breath: 1. Floss between your teeth daily, to remove any hidden food particles. 2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and brush your tongue too – up to 50% of the bacteria in your mouth can be found hiding on the surface of your tongue. 3. Keep your mouth moist with frequent sips of water. Dehydration is another cause of bad breath! 4. Maintain regular dental checkups so that we can check for periodontal disease – a treatable cause of bad breath – during your routine gum exam. Please call today for your fresh breath checkup! PAGE 2 ENSURE A WINNING SMILE! In the race to be faster and fitter, an athlete’s oral health can sometimes end up coming in last. As your dental team, we’d like to make sure you don’t forget about your teeth in your quest for the win, and that’s why we urge you to give the same attention to your mouth as you would to your game and exercise strategy. Our first recommendation for anyone who participates in a sport or recreational activity that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth is to get fitted for a custom mouth guard. This important piece of athletic equipment can cushion a blow that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A custom-fitted mouth guard is an essential smile saver, however it’s important to remove your mouth guard when you consume sports drinks in order to minimize the residual effect of corroding acids on your teeth. That leads to our second suggestion, which is to be very aware of the food and drinks you consume, including sports drinks, protein shakes and protein/meal replacement bars. The sugar, acids and carbs in these supplements, coupled with a possible workout-induced absence of saliva in the mouth to help wash them away, can quickly lead to tooth decay. If you’re a serious athlete in need of not only hydration but also the carbs and electrolytes necessary to get you through to the end of your event, choose a lowsugar sports drink over a regular one. Otherwise, most regular exercise needs can be adequately taken care of with the ultimate thirst quencher – water! At the very least, remember to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming sports drinks and protein bars to help wash away corrosive properties and halt bacterial overgrowth. VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 RUNNING INTO TOOTH PAIN? Have you ever experienced tooth pain while walking, running or jumping? Feeling pain in your mouth when your foot hits the ground can result from any of the causes below. •A cavity in a tooth. In addition to pain while walking or running, you may also notice tooth sensitivity or perhaps a painful throbbing in your tooth when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks. •A broken or cracked tooth. You may be able to feel the jagged edge of a chipped tooth with your tongue, or the tooth could be cracked and the damage invisible or hard to pinpoint. •G um disease, or periodontitis. Inflamed gums can make your teeth and gums extra-sensitive, while heavy breathing during exercise may also exacerbate the sensation. Severe periodontitis can lead to the loss of bone and tissue that support your teeth, making them loose and vulnerable to loss. •A sinus infection. Once we rule out any dental causes, we may recommend you check out the pain with your doctor to find out if it is sinus-related, especially if you’re feeling discomfort in your upper, posterior teeth. Sinusitis, the inflammation of one or more sinuses due to a bacterial infection, or sinus congestion from a cold, flu or allergy can sometimes present the same symptoms as a toothache. Please never hesitate to call with any questions about oral pain or discomfort. PAGE 3