Bad breath happens to the best of us, but chronic bad breath is a real problem. It can be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. But don’t worry, it’s fairly common and your Westchester cosmetic dentist has some tips that can combat bad breath and help you feel confident again. It’s as simple as following these 5 steps!

How to Combat Bad Breath

1. Brush and floss at least twice a day.

   That goes double if you’re eating food with a lot of onions or garlic! Practicing good oral hygiene will make a big difference. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch if possible). Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once, preferably twice, a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.

2. Drink lots of water.

   Be sure to drink a sufficient amount of water (six to eight 8-ounce glasses) daily to avoid dry mouth. Drinking water will help keep odor under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which is the primary cause of bad breath. Also swish cool water around in your mouth. This is especially helpful to freshen “morning breath.”

3. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.

   Try a 30-second mouthwash rinse that is alcohol-free. Many off-the-shelf products contain alcohol, so if you prefer to go this route it is best to make it alcohol-free to prevent bad breath. You can also try another remedy: Mix a cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda (which changes the pH level and fights odor in the mouth) and a few drops of antimicrobial peppermint essential oil. Don’t swallow it!

4. Scrape your tongue

   When doing this use a tongue scraper or spoon to decrease the bacteria, fungi, and dead cells that can cause odor. Hold the tip of the tongue with gauze to pull it forward in order to clean the back of the tongue. You do not need to push too hard, be gentle. You can find a tongue scraper at any local drug store.

5. Get regular dental checkups and cleanings.

   The best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene is to visit your dentist regularly. If you have chronic bad breath, you should visit your dentist first,to rule out any dental problems. Regular checkups will improve your overall dental health and you can be confident that your bad breath will improve. Advance Dentistry of Scarsdale can help you to get on the life-long path for good oral hygiene. To arrange a dental checkup or cleaning call one of the best dentists in Westchester today!

Did you know that the health of your mouth plays an important part in the overall health of your body? For years scientists have studied the connection between gum disease, diabetes, and heart disease. They’ve made some incredible discoveries when it comes to the mouth-body connection. Keep your mouth (and the rest of your body) healthy with twice-yearly dental screenings and gum disease treatment in Westchester. Keep the rest of your body healthy by visiting the your Westchester dentist for an exam!

Your Mouth is the Gateway to Your Body

When bacteria builds up on the teeth due to a lack of dental care (or just regular brushing and flossing!) it makes your teeth more susceptible to gum disease, and possibly even a severe infection. If there is bacteria present on your gums or teeth, your immune system will send out a means of defense. This defense system causes inflammation throughout your mouth. The inflammation can erode and eat away at gum and bone tissue if you don’t get the infected treated. Inflammation like this is what causes periodontitis, or a severe form of gum disease. If you have periodontitis, visit our Westchester periodontist for an effective treatment method today!

Gum Disease, Heart Disease, and Diabetes

As many as 91% of patients with heart disease report a severe form of gum disease. Studies show inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation throughout the blood vessels, which could raise blood pressure and cause a severe heart attack.

Inflammation in the mouth is also said to severely affect the body’s ability to control and regulate blood sugar, which could result in type 2 diabetes. High blood sugars provide bacteria with the perfect growing ground, causing gum disease or periodontitis. Uncontrolled diabetes can also cause heart disease and other medical problems.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Protect your body by protecting your mouth from dental disease and decay! Visit the Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale twice yearly to keep your mouth healthy and damage free. With regular checkups our dental specialists will be able to catch (and treat!) any dental health issue before it affects the health of your entire body. Call our offices today to set up a consultation appointment and let us help you make your dental health a priority again! If you want to learn more about the mouth-body connection, see our page about it here.

Periodontal Disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is one of the most misunderstood conditions within the mouth. Some people dismiss its risks and early signs until it’s too late. We have to understand that all of us are vulnerable to it. In fact, 50% of adults over 30 years old have some form of gum disease.

It’s unfortunate how often we see cases where gum disease is not taken seriously. There can be a number of reasons why people don’t get treatment right away, but it’s important to know that at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale you will be treated by non-judgmental and caring staff whose primary concern is to help you have a healthy smile again. If you’re worried about the condition of your gum disease, please call us and schedule an appointment right away.

5 Misconceptions About Gum Disease

We’d like to dispel a few myths or misconceptions about gum disease. We hope it will help you gain a more in-depth understanding of this oral condition.

1. Gum Disease is Unavoidable

   Gum disease is not a regular part of aging. The reasoning that brought about this myth is that as your body ages you become more prone to infection as your teeth and gums weaken. Because you are more prone to infection, gum disease can develop. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque at your gum line which is just as true for the elderly as it is for youth.

2. It’s Not a Big Deal

   Because gum disease is slow to develop, it can take years for its effects to be noticed. It’s easy to ignore small irritations over time and forget how a healthy mouth feels. Many seniors who have not addressed their gum disease find that their teeth have gone beyond repair and they lose most or all of them. This didn’t happen because they got old, it starts when we’re young and builds throughout our whole life. The good news is that no matter where you are in life, you can make a change. Excellent oral hygiene is affordable, and with the help of your Westchester periodontist, you can restore your beautiful smile!

3. If Your Gums Don’t Bleed, You’re Not Doing It Right!

   Wrong. Let us end any form of this myth once and for all. Your gums should never bleed when you floss or brush. Bleeding during oral hygiene is a cause for concern and should be addressed right away. Because gum disease progresses slowly, it can be difficult to pinpoint the effects of it; however, bleeding gums are a major red flag!

   Now, while bleeding gums are a sign that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away, it’s not the only sign. If you have any of these signs in your mouth, please call us!

   • Sensitive and Red Gums
   • Mouth Sores
   • Receding gum line
   • Bad breath
   • Infections in and around your gums
   • Loose or separating teeth
   • Your teeth feel different when they chew
   • Partial dentures not fitting properly

4. I Brush and Floss So I’m Fine

   While good hygiene habits are a great way to minimize gum disease, it may not always be enough. There are a number of other factors that can cause gum disease in your mouth. Some of them are smoking, certain medications, diabetes, genetics and many others. It’s important that regardless of your hygiene habits, you talk to your periodontist at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale if you see any of the signs we’ve talked about.

5. Gum Disease Treatment Is Painful

   When gum disease is treated by a caring professional, discomfort is substantially minimized. Our Periodontal dentists are always on the leading edge of technology, bringing you safer, more comfortable and less invasive methods of treating gum disease.

Nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). It’s a little shocking! Any form of gum disease needs to be treated. The health of your mouth and your overall general health depend on it. As you are reading this, you are probably wondering if you have some form of gum disease. Here are some signs and symptoms to help you recognize it.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum inflammations, or gingivitis, is one of the most common symptoms and earliest warning sign of gum disease. But, not every case of gingivitis will end up being gum disease. However it is time to visit us if your gums are bleeding and tender. We need to be able to clear away the plaque and tartar that has built up between your teeth. This build up causes bacteria leading to further problems. A thorough cleaning will often clear up the build-up and will help take care of irritation to the gums. If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms it’s time to schedule a visit today to prevent any further gum disease complications.

• Bright red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Receding gums.
• Spacing between the teeth.
• Foul smelling and tasting discharge or pus between the teeth and gums.
• Loose teeth.
• Bad breath.
• Bite problems.

What Can I Do About It?

The best way to prevent gum disease is good oral hygiene at home and regular visits your Westchester dentist. However, none of us are perfect and you may experience some of these signs of gum disease. The only way to cure gum disease is by seeking professional help. Until you can be seen by a professional here are some things you can do to lessen the symptoms:

• Make certain you brush and floss at least twice a day. This will help reduce the amount of plaque buildup.
• Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that’s used to treat gingivitis, if you have a primary care physician you can ask for a prescription for an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• Schedule an appointment immediately with your Westchester Periodontist. As stated above, the only way to cure gum disease is to seek help and treatment from a professional.

It is not uncommon for you to be experiencing any of these signs of gum disease. We are here for you and want to help answer any questions you may have a find a solution for you. For gum disease treatment in Westchester, contact our office today.