Download Spring Newsletter - Tina Theroux, DMD

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!
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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