Why Do I have Bad Breath

halitosis is a common problem that can affect any person at any age, regardless of personal health. Bad breath can have many possible causes, but most issues with halitosis come down to preventable problems originating with poor oral hygiene. Other factors, such as diet or smoking, may also influence the occurrence of bad breath. In some more severe cases of bad breath, potentially serious health related conditions might be to blame. And at American Dental Group we know all about it!

The Symptoms
Living with symptoms of bad breath can be an embarrassing and stressful experience that can also negatively affect confidence and self-esteem. Sometimes, however, not everyone who suffers from bad breath may even be aware of the symptoms. It is important to recognize the symptoms of bad breath in order to properly diagnose possible causes and initiate proper treatment. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be helpful to seek advice from your dentist or physician.

Common symptoms
 Greater levels of bad breath in the morning, also known as “morning breath.”
 A constant sour or bitter metallic taste
 Buildup of plaque and tartar around teeth
 Dry mouth
 Thickened saliva and mucus
 White coating on the tongue

There is no one single cause. These symptoms can have multiple different causes and potential treatments. Some of these causes are described below.

Causes
Here at American Dental Group, we want you to better understand the causes of bad breath, and we need to understand the different forms of the condition. Bad breath can present as either short-term symptoms or as longer-term chronic bad breath. Short-term bad breath may involve completely different causes and different methods of treatment than longer-term chronic issues.

Short-term (transient)
Short-term bad breath is characterized by transient symptoms that do not persist over time. These symptoms are most often only active in the presence of specific compounds, such as those in certain foods or other consumables. These temporary symptoms will also typically subside as halitosis inducing compounds are eliminated from diet.

Transient symptoms of bad breath often result from the process of bacteria breaking down food in the mouth. As bacteria consumes and breaks down the food, it can produce an unpleasant smelling gas as a byproduct. This gas is a primary contributing factor to bad breath. When oral hygiene is poor, more food particles will tend to be present in the mouth or trapped between teeth. This will lead to a greater number of bacteria present in the mouth and contributing to bad breath.

Foods containing higher levels of sulfur or animal proteins may also negatively affect breath more than others. Certain bacteria can become more active in the presence of sulfur rich foods and some other compounds to produce greater volumes of unpleasant smelling gas. Avoiding these foods will decrease the likelihood of developing symptoms of halitosis. Below is a list of common foods and substances that can contribute to short-term bad breath.

Common foods and consumables that can contribute:
 Coffee
 Carbonated drinks
 Alcohol
 Spicy foods which can affect digestion contributing to bad breath
 Fish and products containing fish which can break down into protein products that affect
breath.
 Foods high in sulphur content such as garlic, onion, cabbage or meats
 Smoking cigarettes

Changes in diet and behaviors are the most successful methods for reducing transient
symptoms of bad breath. If symptoms continue to persist despite following recommended
changes in diet and behavior, it may be helpful to seek advice from your dental professional.

Long-term Chronic
Long-term symptoms of bad breath may result from more serious health conditions such as oral diseases and infections. In some cases, this may be indicative of tooth decay, infection in the mouth or elsewhere, or gastrointestinal issues. If you are suffering from long term bad breath, we advise that you book an appointment with us here at American Dental Group, located in 6719 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53216.

The buildup of plaque associated with gingivitis and periodontitis, also known as gum disease, may contribute to the development of long-term chronic symptoms of bad breath. Bacteria which reproduce in the plaque can be directly responsible for development of bad breath and eventual gum disease. In cases of tooth decay, dental plaque will accumulate in the cavity giving more space for bacteria to grow and reproduce to cause bad breath.

Gastrointestinal issues such as limited digestion can further promote bad breath when only partially digested food is broken down further by bacteria in the stomach. Similar to bacteria in the mouth, these gut bacteria will produce gas as a byproduct which can lead to smelly burps and bad breath. Smoking or illness causing dry mouth can also become a major contributor to bad breath. Saliva helps wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth, and when it becomes diminished, odor causing bacteria while have a greater effect on our oral health.

Treatments for:-
Short-term Treatment:
Many over the counter options are available to treat gum, mints, and mouthwashes but these products do not address the underlying causes of the condition. Changes in diet or oral health must ultimately occur in order to treat or reverse short-term issues. These changes can include reducing contact with high sulfur content foods such as garlic or onions, reducing carbohydrates in diet which promote bacterial growth, and consuming more water at meals. Further short-term treatment recommendations and options can be available. For more information on how to treat bad breath, call us here at American Dental Group and our dentists will be available to help you find a solution.

Long-term Treatment:
Longer-term chronic bad breath issues may require a more thorough diagnosis and treatment regimen by a medical professional. Many long-term symptoms of bad breath result from more severe oral health issues or issues related to illness or infection elsewhere in the body. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to contact your dentist, American Dental Group before self- diagnosing and attempting treatment.

Long-term treatment options for bad breath can include dental procedures such as surgery to remove plaque or tooth decay, nutritional supplements to combat digestion issues, and further testing to reveal any issues relating to diabetes, organ function, or gastrointestinal distress. The best options for diagnosis and treatment will be available at American Dental Group and our dentists will be able to find the best and easy treatment for you.

Prevention:
Most issues associated with bad breath can be alleviated with daily flossing and brushing of teeth to improve oral health. This will reduce the buildup of food particles, tarter, and plaque which can lead to bad breath. Antimicrobial mouthwashes can also provide relief while temporarily combating the reemergence of odor causing bacteria. Seeing your dentist twice a year is also a great preventative measure to ensure you stay informed about the state of your oral health and receive the best treatment options. And to help you stay on top of your dental health, at american Dental Group, we provide many discounts and easy access to our dentist via the booking tool online. We recommend you book an appointment at Milwaukee WI, in order to take advantage of our great offers.

Our dentists at American Dental Group, hope to see you soon and helping you with any issues that you may have. We believe that everyone should have a beautiful and healthy smile!

Dentist Near Me Milwaukee

American Dental Group Providing Types of Dental Specialists

1.Endodontist – Root Canal Specialist

If your tooth’s pulp becomes infected or the interior of your teeth becomes otherwise damaged or diseased, your general dentist will probably refer you to a dental specialist called an endodontist. Like unassuming superheroes, endodontists specialize in saving the day – er, I mean saving your teeth.

Inside our teeth are tiny cavern-like passages called canals that contain sensitive pulp, blood vessels, and nerves. An endodontist is a type of dentist who diagnoses and treats problems within this sensitive interior. Endodontists diagnose tooth pain and, in many cases, perform root canals on diseased teeth.

2.Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

This dental specialty treats problems related to the hard and soft tissues of your face, mouth, and jaw. You don’t need this type of dental specialist for every kind of oral surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform more complex procedures or procedures requiring deep levels of sedation beyond nitrous oxide or laughing gas. In fact, oral surgeons are the only health care professionals, other than anesthesiologists, who administer all levels of sedation. Specialized procedures performed by oral surgeons include tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, and cleft lip or cleft palate surgery.

3.Orthodontist – Alignment Specialist

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who corrects the position of your teeth and jaws. You might see this type of dental specialist if you have an overbite, underbite or crossbite caused by a misaligned jaw. The orthodontist also corrects crooked or misaligned teeth. In these situations, an orthodontist uses braces, clear aligners, palatal expanders, or headgear as part of your treatment plan. Children often see this type of dental specialist, but as adult braces and other alignments become more routine, people of all ages now commonly see orthodontists.

4. Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dental specialist is to a child’s oral health like a pediatrician is to their physical health. Pediatric dentists specialize in the oral development and dental care of children from infancy through their teens. A pediatric dentist helps your child stay on the path to a lifelong, healthy smile.

Most general dentists also treat children, but parents often choose a pediatric dental specialist for their children’s routine dental care because of their kid-friendly practices and age-specific knowledge. Pediatric dental specialists provide routine care like exams, cleanings, and cavity fillings, but they are also great resources for kid-specific issues like (groan) thumb sucking.

Pediatric dentists also specialize in the diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases like childhood diabetes. This dental specialist monitors the development of your child’s smile and recommends other dental specialists, like orthodontists, when needed.

5. Periodontist – Gum Specialist

A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and other structures that support the teeth. Think of them as the gum disease experts of dentistry. Periodontists recognize and treat the early stages of gum disease. They also perform minor surgery, like gum grafts and pocket reduction procedures, to resolve severe gum disease and restore the appearance of your smile.

This type of dental specialist also installs dental implants and lengthens existing dental crowns when necessary. If you have severe gum disease, or if your medical history complicates otherwise minor gum disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

6.Prosthodontist – Replacement Specialist

Prosthodontists restore and replace lost or damaged teeth. This dental specialty has a unique understanding of everything that goes into a beautiful, functional, and natural-looking smile. Prosthodontists specialize in dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, bridge repair, dentures, and reconstructive dentistry.

If your dental treatment plan includes replacing or repairing teeth, your dentist may recommend you visit this type of dental specialist.

A regular dental check-up is important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should have a regular dental visit at least every 6 months or as recommended by your dental professional.

What happens at your dental visit?

There are 2 parts to a regular dental visit – checkup, or examination and the cleaning, or oral prophylaxis.

At the dental check up your dental professional will check for cavities. X-rays might be taken to detect cavities between your teeth. The exam will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tartar. You cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing. If plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases.

Next, your gums will be checked. This will be done with a special tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. With healthy gums, the spaces are shallow. When people have gum disease, the spaces may become deeper.

The check-up should also include a careful examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. This is to look for any signs of trouble – swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer.

Your teeth will also be cleaned at your visit. Brushing and flossing help clean the plaque from your teeth, but you can’t remove tartar at home. During the cleaning, your dental professional will use special tools to remove tartar. This is called scaling. Scaling removes plaque and tartar

After your teeth are scaled, they may be polished. In most cases, a gritty paste is used for this. It helps to remove any surface stains on your teeth. The final step is flossing. Your dental professional will use floss to make sure the areas between your teeth are clean.

RegularDentalVisits5
What you should do between each dental visit

Be sure to take care of your teeth and gums between regular dental visits. Plaque is always forming on your teeth, but you can manage it by brushing and flossing regularly. Here are some tips for good oral care at home.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Floss daily.
Use a mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria. This will also help to keep your breath fresh.
Quick facts about a regular dental check-up

Regular dental visits are important because they help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
There are two parts to a regular dental visit:
– The check-up
– The cleaning

During the dental check-up, your dental professional will check your overall oral health for any trouble areas.

During the cleaning, your dental professional will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and may polish your teeth.

You should have a regular dental visit at least twice a year or as recommended by your dental professional.

Regular Dental Check-Up. A check-up, which involves a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, will prevent minor problems from becoming major ones. At Premier Dental Care, we recommend six-monthly check-ups with your dentist, which when supported by a good at-home routine, will help to keep your mouth healthy.

Nowadays, a regular examination uses both modern technology and the dentist’s up-to-the-minute knowledge and skills, all in a virtually pain-free environment.

What does the dentist need to know?

At the first consultation, your dentist will want to find out about your health, both oral and general. The dentist needs to be aware of your medical background as it may impact the way that they treat and diagnose issues – diabetes, for example, can increase the risk of gum disease and may need different anesthesia. Certain medicines, meanwhile, can cause dry mouth, which can increase your risk of cavities. Importantly, all your medical information will be kept confidential.

After the first consultation, a full-check-up will take place, followed by a thorough treatment plan.

What happens during a check-up?

At each check-up, the dentist or dental hygienist will ask about any difficulties since your last visit. As you settle into the dental chair, a check-up, scaling, and polishing takes place.

Check-up: Your dentist or dental hygienist will check for cavities and to see if there’s any plaque – that’s the clear, sticky layer of bacteria – or tartar on your teeth. Next, the dentist checks the gums, seeing if the spaces between your teeth and gums are shallow. Gum disease becomes apparent when the spaces become deeper. The dentist also checks the tongue, throat, face, and neck, looking for any signs of trouble or swelling as well as detecting any signs that might indicate oral cancer.

Scale & polish: Plaque or tartar build-up needs to be removed, so the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments such as an ultrasonic scaler to painlessly knock loose any larger pieces of tartar, and provide deep cleaning above and below the gum line – all with a tickling vibration. Once all the surfaces are smooth, they are polished to remove stains from the teeth using a slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins. Inside the cup is a polish comprised of abrasive toothpaste-like material and fluoride – this powerful mix is spun around on the soon-to-be smooth and shiny teeth.

Do I need an X-ray?

Depending on your oral exam, dental history and any risk for developing cavities, a dental X-ray may be required. An X-ray can give the dentist a good view of your jaw alignment, any decay between teeth as well as identifying any impacted teeth, abscesses, or cysts on the roots of your teeth.

What happens after the check-up?
After the examination, the dentist will discuss any treatment recommendations, covering everything from tooth brushing techniques to your diet and nutrition, alcohol intake, and smoking.

If there are any complications, a return visit may be required for restoration work, such as a filling or crown. For more complex work, the dentist may need to refer you to a specialist such as an orthodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon or an endodontist. At all stages, the dentist is happy to talk about different options – good communication is another vital skill in his or her repertoire.

When’s the next check-up?

After completing the check-up, your next visit will be confirmed. Dental check-ups are generally recommended every six months though it can be different for each individual depending on their oral health needs. American Dental Group will remind you with a text message or phone call closer to the time so you’ll be well prepared.

Cosmetic Dentistry Milwaukee. For many of us, improving the way we look helps us go through life with more confidence. Cosmetic dental care is usually associated with superficial or unnecessary treatments that only have an aesthetic value. The truth is, these services do much more than that. Some procedures do double duty as both restorative and cosmetic. When you are proud of your smile, you are more motivated to take care of your teeth, which promotes overall oral health.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most common cosmetic services is to whiten discolored teeth. Teeth are stained by particles of food, darkly pigmented beverages, and smoking. Staining can also be caused by genetic factors or as a result of taking certain medications. Professional whitening treatments can lift external stains from the enamel and drastically brighten the color of your smile. When you love your smile, you share it more often, and you are more diligent about brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist for check-ups. Although there are many whitening products available in your local grocery or drugstore, a professional dental care provider can provide stronger and more effective treatments.

Veneers

In some cases, stains originate from inside a tooth resulting in a discoloration that cannot be lifted with traditional whiting treatments. Veneers are thin shells that can conceal internal stains and modify a tooth’s shape and spacing, creating a natural-looking, uniform smile. Teeth that have small chips or minor alignment issues can be quickly and easily corrected with veneers to resolve multiple problems in one treatment.

Gum Contouring

Excess gum tissue creates the appearance of short teeth and a “gummy smile.” Gum contouring is typically performed using advanced laser technology. The extra tissue is removed to reveal more of your natural dentition and give you a full, balanced smile. This selective removal of excess gum tissue gives your teeth an appearance that matches their actual health.

Gum contouring can also reduce your risk of gum disease by decreasing places where bacteria like to hide. The procedure is safe and permanent, and with the extra gum tissue out of the way, your brushing and flossing will be more effective.

Porcelain Restorations

Cosmetic dentistry is not only about looking your best but also making sure your teeth are healthy enough to remain beautiful and functional. Porcelain crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and bridges are durable and can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Porcelain restorations do double duty by protecting and strengthening your teeth as well as enhancing your smile.

Straight Teeth are Healthier Teeth

Crooked or crowded teeth create more tight spaces where bacteria can hide and contribute to swollen, red, or bleeding gums. Properly aligned teeth can be brushed and flossed without difficulty, lowering your risk of periodontal disease, cavities, and infection. Teeth that are misaligned are more likely to be chipped, cracked, or broken during an accident or sports-related injury. Straight teeth will improve your bite and prevent excessive wear on your teeth, as well as help you avoid jaw problems and even breathing issues. Mild to moderate orthodontic problems respond well to clear aligner systems like Invisalign® or ClearCorrect® while more severe cases can be treated more effectively with traditional metal braces.

Your smile is a reflection of you, and a beautiful, healthy smile can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Achieving and maintaining optimal oral health is good for your body and good for your self-esteem and worth the investment of both time and money.

Contact American Dental Group For More Information About Cosmetic Dentistry.