Chronic Bad Breath? See Your Dentist.

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common social problem. Many people cover their mouths when they speak, and people spend a fortune on mouthwash, gum and mints. It may be more efficient and less expensive to visit the dentist and tackle the problem at the source.

Of course, bad breath can be caused by a variety of things. Diet is a major factor, with temporary unpleasant odors being caused by the well-known work of onions and garlic. "Morning breath" is caused by the mouth being closed and dry during sleep, so you can't benefit from the cleaning effects of saliva. Symptoms from these causes can usually be handled by cleaning the mouth and tongue.

However, chronic bad breath can be a sign of a more serious problem. Periodontal disease or dental work that is in need of restoration can cause halitosis that is relatively constant. Gum, mints and mouthwashes will only mask it temporarily. The dentist can help you find the root of the problem.

Some dentists have a device called a Halimeter to measure bad breath. They also have products, such as BreathRx designed to help you fight bad breath at home. So visit the dentist, fix that bad breath and move your hand away from your mouth.

The Myth About Cavities

I hear adults all the time saying, "I haven't had a cavity in years. I don't need to see a dentist." Sorry. The fact is that after your 20's your greatest risk isn't cavities, it's gum disease. Brushing and flossing (even if you did it daily) aren't nearly enough to prevent gum disease as you get older.

Here's what's happening. There are millions of bacteria in your mouth, and some of them get organized into little colonies, and they love to eat sugar and secrete acid. This acid might give you cavities, but it most likely will travel between your teeth and gums, and gradually separate the gum from the tooth, until you are, as they used to say, "long in the tooth."

Receding gums are bad, and very hard to fix. They expose the tooth below the enamel, which is the hardest bone in the body, and allow decay to reach the softer tooth area below.

But that's not all. Gum disease means that the bacteria have been allowed to travel deep below the gum line, and create pockets of infection. This means you could eventually lose the tooth. Symptoms are bad breath, bleeding when you floss, redness instead of a healthy pink color to your gums, and sensitivity at the gum line.

The only solution is to see a dentist and get cleaned regularly, at the very least every six months. Some people should go even more. (The cleanings are also a lot easier if you go more often.) This removes the plaque, which are the little bacteria villages secreting acid. And if you have gum disease, a dentist can start a program to treat it and allow you to keep your teeth.

50% of the population over 35 has some level of gum disease. My advice is find a dentist you love, and that way you'll go often. Call 1-800-DENTIST or visit www.1800dentist.com, and they'll help you find one. If you suspect gum disease, don't wait until it's too late and you need a root canal or lose the tooth. It won't heal itself, not with some mouthwash or by brushing harder. Get yourself to a dentist. Preachy, I know, but teeth are important.