“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Chris Hammond with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. In business since 1967. My specialty is cosmetic dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we perform family dentistry and dental implants regularly. As a favor to Provo, Utah I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about bad breath and give your neighbors some places to start in improving or removing the offending odor.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food your neighbors are eating can affect the air they’re releasing. Onions, garlic and coffee are likely to show up on the breath no matter how much time is logged brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause salivation issues which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth or even postnasal drip can cause an odor.

Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis. Bacteria balance in the mouth is ever changing.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums and sides of mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

This last one is for you:

Again, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond. Located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200 Provo, Utah. We offer mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign just to name a few of our extraordinary dental services.

Aesthetic & General Dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. But are you doing it right?

Actually, many people are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better benefit your oral health and protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are vital tooth brushing tips:

1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. Proper teeth cleaning takes time and careful attention. Time yourself the next time you brush – you might be surprised at how swiftly you finish. The process should take at least take two to three minutes. It can also be beneficial to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By altering your system, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.

2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s challenging to remove the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily increase and start the decay process.

3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people impair their enamel or gums because they brush too forcefully with a hard brush. Drs. Hammond advises patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.

4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is repulsive to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air – even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and permit it to air dry.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for children. Not true. Your enamel is consistently under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the detrimental material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will occur.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related issues. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal issues.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will occur, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is essential to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the critical knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist promptly if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you notice any other changes.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604