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Are you afraid to open your mouth because you have bad breath? You’re not alone bad breath or Halitosis happens to everyone, at one time or another. If you have chronic bad breath there could be a number of reasons, including:

• Gum disease
• Sinus problems
• Bacterial infection in your mouth
• Stress
• Strong odor from something you ate
• Dry mouth

The good news is, none of the causes of bad breath are serious, and they can all be treated. There is a long list of DIY home remedies that have proven effective. Before you try any of them you should be evaluated by Dr. Varble, Dr. Dill, Dr. Wong, and Dr. Parks to make sure you do not have a serious oral infection. Of course, you should also always practice good oral hygiene. If you go a week without brushing your teeth, your bad breath is going to be horrible!

1. Cinnamon Mouthwash

Cinnamon is known to help prevent bacteria in your mouth, and lemon has strong citrus properties that will eliminate your bad breath problem.

Preparation

• Put a half teaspoon of cinnamon in a jar or bottle that has tight fitting lid.
• Next add the juice from two lemons freshly squeezed lemons.
• Combine all of the ingredients in a cup of lukewarm water and pour into your jar.
• Shake the jar well and set it aside for two to three hours.
• Before using the mouthwash always shake it well.
• Gargle and swish one to two tablespoons of the mouthwash for about a minute

2. Tea

Black and green tea are beneficial in prevent bad breath. Black tea aids in controlling plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Green tea contains antibacterial properties that fight off the natural occurring germs in your mouth, keeping your breath fresh. Both black and green tea contains polyphenol, a property that can prevent the formation of the foul odor caused by bacterial growth.

Preparation

• Steep a black of green tea bag in one cup of hot water and drink one to two cups a day to keep your bad breath away.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties that help kill bacteria and fungi in your mouth, caused by particles of food left behind.

Preparation

• You will need one teaspoon of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil.
• Combine all three in eight ounces of lukewarm water and stir well. Use daily as a mouthwash to get rid of your bad breath.

It’s great that you’re enthusiastic about your dental health! Here are some tips from Dr. Varble, Dr. Dill, Dr. Wong, and Dr. Parks and our team to make sure you are getting the most out of your brushing by avoiding common mistakes.

Choose the right brush

In almost every case, a soft brush provides the right amount of bristle-strength to clean your teeth and gums effectively. Hard bristles can damage sensitive enamel and gum tissue, so treat yourself kindly. Also, choose a brush head that’s the right size for your mouth, since a toothbrush that’s too large can be uncomfortable and unable to reach all the areas you need to brush.

Don’t keep your brush too long

Three months is about the average life of a toothbrush. Over time, bristles become frayed or worn and lose their effectiveness. It’s also a good idea to replace your brush after an illness.

Be gentle

Even with a soft brush, it’s possible to brush so hard that your enamel and gums are affected. Think of yourself as massaging your teeth and gums rather than scrubbing them.

Use proper technique

Using a “sawing” back-and-forth motion is hard on your enamel and misses plaque and debris between the teeth. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, especially at the gumline, to gently remove plaque. Use short strokes or a circular motion to clean as much of the surface and between the teeth as possible. Make sure you cover all the surfaces of your teeth: outside, inside, and chewing. And don’t forget your tongue!

Take your time

Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is the standard. Most people brush much less; try using the stopwatch on your phone or a two-minute timer to make sure you are spending enough time brushing. On the other hand, if you brush too hard or too often, remember that over-brushing can lead to problems for your gums and enamel.

Your daily routine might be fast and furious, but your dental routine requires a gentle, methodical approach. Ask at your next visit to our Creve Coeur or St. Charles office, and we will be happy to help you design the perfect brushing practices for your busy life.

Painful nails and cuticles, ruined manicures, reluctance to shake hands—there are so many good reasons to overcome the nail biting habit. But did you know that biting your nails is also bad for your dental health? Let’s look at a few more reasons to give our nails a break.

• Bacteria Bonanza

It’s a vicious—and unhealthy—circle. Nail biting leads to injuries to the nails, cuticles, and skin surrounding the nails. These broken, jagged nails can now cause injury to delicate gum tissue. And to make things worse, fingernails harbor a lot of germs and bacteria, leading to the risk of illness and oral infections.  At the same time, bacteria from our mouths can get into the area around the injured nail, potentially leading to painful infections in the fingers.

• Bruxism

Studies have indicated that nail biters have a greater risk of bruxism. Bruxism, better known as tooth grinding, can lead to a number of serious problems over time. Grinding and even clenching teeth on a regular basis can cause chronic headaches, worn enamel, fractured teeth, broken dental restorations, receding and inflamed gums, and loose teeth.

• Breakage & Bad Bites

Your nails suffer obvious breakage, clearly, but your teeth are also at risk. The constant pressure of nail biting can lead to cracking, chipping, and erosion in the front teeth. Further, the pressure put on your teeth can even move them out of alignment, leading to bite problems. As you can imagine, nail biting has an even greater impact if you are wearing braces, because those teeth are already under pressure.

Why do we bite? Nail biting, or onychophagia, is a habit often started in childhood. Some people quit on their own as they reach adulthood, but for others, it can be a lifelong and painful habit. The explanations for nail biting are many: some researchers regard the habit as a form of compulsive behavior, others believe it to be a grooming impulse gone haywire, still others think it’s a way that we respond to anxiety or other stresses.

Whatever the cause, if you want to break the habit, you have options. There are over the counter polishes that use an unpleasant taste to deter biting. Learning to recognize triggers such as stress or boredom can help you choose a different response, such as snapping a rubber band around your wrist or gripping a stress ball. Dr. Varble, Dr. Dill, Dr. Wong, and Dr. Parks can recommend some techniques for modifying this behavior. And finally, we can offer you suggestions for quitting, or even customize a mouthguard at our Creve Coeur or St. Charles office to discourage nail biting and prevent the problems that come with bruxism.

It’s never too late to quit. If nail biting has become more than a cosmetic problem, let’s work on a solution. Healthy, attractive nails are a great goal to work toward, but nothing beats a beautiful, healthy smile!

On the last Wednesday in September, we celebrate “Women’s Health and Fitness Day.” Because your oral health plays such a large role in your general health and well-being, let’s look at a few of the ways you can treat yourself with the care you need and deserve at different stages of your life.

Puberty 

Puberty begins around the ages of 8 to 13, and typically lasts from 2-5 years. During this time, our bodies begin to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which affect not just the reproductive organs, but our brains, hearts, skin, hair, bones, and more. These hormones can also affect our oral health.

• Gingivitis

Hormonal fluctuations make gum tissue more sensitive to irritants like plaque and bacteria. You might find that your gums are swollen, tender, red, or bleed easily. 

What you can do:

Keeping up with your dental hygiene is the best defense against gingivitis. Even if your gums feel a bit tender, it’s important to keep up with your brushing and flossing because proactive dental hygiene can reverse gingivitis before the condition becomes more serious. If symptoms persist, a visit to the dentist is in order.

Menstruation

• Menstruation gingivitis

Elevated hormone levels can also cause gingivitis during the menstrual cycle, usually beginning a few days before the start of your period and ending soon after your period begins. Some women also experience canker sores and swollen salivary glands during this window.

What you can do:

Be mindful of any oral changes during your menstrual cycle. Pay special attention to dental hygiene, and, if you develop canker sores, talk to your dentist or doctor about the best way to care for yourself while they heal.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about many physical changes, including potential changes in your oral health.

• Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy hormones cause an increase in the blood supply to your gums while at the same time making them more vulnerable to irritation from bacteria and plaque. You may find that your gums are redder, more swollen, and more likely to bleed when brushing. 

• Loose Teeth

During pregnancy, increased hormone production helps relax and loosen ligaments and joints in preparation for birth. Teeth are held in place by ligaments, and you might be alarmed to discover your teeth are looser as well. Typically, this situation resolves when the baby is born.

• Pregnancy Granulomas

Some pregnant women may also experience pregnancy granulomas. These dark red swellings are benign tumors which appear along the gumline. These generally shrink on their own, but, if a granuloma is causing you pain or discomfort, your dentist can remove it surgically.

What you can do:

Let your dental team at Dentistry for Children know right away when you learn that you’re pregnant. You’ll get helpful advice about brushing and flossing techniques, pregnancy-related oral conditions to look out for, when to schedule dental treatment and cleanings, a tooth-healthy diet, and more.

Menopause and Later Years

As we age, there’s an increased risk of oral health issues.

• Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes loss of density in the bones—including the bones and bone tissue which hold our teeth in place. Studies indicate that women with osteoporosis suffer significantly higher tooth loss than women who don’t have the disease.

• Dry Mouth

Saliva helps protect the teeth from cavities by washing away bacteria and food particles and by neutralizing acids in the mouth. Reduced estrogen production, medications, and medical conditions such as diabetes can all cause dry mouth. 

• Gum Disease

About 2/3 of older Americans have gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Lower hormone levels have been linked to increases in periodontal diseases.

• Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is more common as we age, and, while men are affected almost three times as often as women, we should be aware of the common symptoms of oral cancer, including a sore in the mouth which doesn’t heal, a lump or thickening in the mouth, red or white patches on the tongue, gums, and other oral tissues, loose teeth, or persistent earaches or discomfort when eating or swallowing.

What you can do:

Visit your dentist and doctor for preventative care and whenever you are concerned about your oral health! Whether it’s helping you prevent osteoporosis and dry mouth or discovering dental and medical conditions early, when they are more likely to be treated successfully, regular visits to your dentist and doctor can help ensure that you have years of happy smiles ahead. 

Missed the date this year? No worries! Women’s Health and Fitness Day is one day in September, but every day in the calendar is a good day to think about your oral health. Partner with Dr. Varble, Dr. Dill, Dr. Wong, and Dr. Parks and your doctor to help make your healthy smile something to celebrate all year long! Make an appointment with Dentistry for Children in Creve Coeur or St. Charles today!