What is Your Bad Breath Telling You?

            It doesn’t matter if you call it bad breath or halitosis, worrying about your breath can make you feel anxious and uncomfortable. There are a number of different causes for bad breath, and we will talk about some of the potential reasons and the solutions in making you feel more comfortable in any setting.

            The first potential reason for bad breath is the most obvious: the foods we eat. Garlic, onions, and some others can linger for extended periods of time if we are not diligent about brushing and flossing daily. But even when we don’t eat foods that have a potent aroma, bacteria from any food can stay around in your mouth after eating. The bacteria that remain produce compounds that smell and the only solution to remove the bacteria is diligent home care.

            Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath and we commonly see patients on new medications develop dry mouth. Our saliva helps clean and protect our teeth and gums, and a decrease can lead to more leftover bacteria, which then creates bad breath. There are different rinses, gels and toothpastes that can help with dry mouth, and we also recommend sugar free gum and candy to stimulate saliva flow.

            Persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease if changes at home do not improve your issues. A deeper cleaning, referred to as root planning, may be recommended to remove bacteria and buildup that have grown underneath the gums.

            If none of the options above seem to be the answer to your bad breath, it is possible there is a more serious medical disorder. There are some systemic conditions, including diabetes, liver and kidney diseases that can produce symptoms related to bad breath.

            While there are a number of potential reasons for bad breath, an easy first step is to maintain excellent homecare and visit your dentist. You can work together to find solutions that work for your situation. And in more challenging situations, your physician is a great resource in diagnosing any hidden medical problems.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com

 

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Dental Insurance Myths: What you need to know

            Trying to decipher the nuances of different dental insurance plans can be difficult. There a so many carriers and then there are different plans within those carriers that it can be overwhelming. Our goal today is to look at some of the common myths of dental insurance and what you actually need to know.

Myth: The insurance company will pay the fees that the dentist charges.

Fact: It has been the experience of many dentists that some insurance companies tell their customers that “fees are above the usual customary rate” instead of telling them that the “insurance benefits are low.” A good thing to remember is that you get back only what your employer puts in minus the profits of the insurance company.

Myth: The new alternative insurance plans are the same as the traditional plans.

Fact: The new plans referred to as PPO’s or DMO’s are simply discount plans. All these type of plans require the dentist to severely discount their fees nearly 50%. In order to take these plans and remain profitable business, the dentist must choose less expensive or faster options that may not provide the same long term results as when they are not restricted by the insurance company.

Myth: Once you reach your yearly deductible, everything else is free.

Fact: Dental insurance does not act the same way as medical insurance. It acts more like a coupon. It typically does not pay for the entire product or service and only pays a vague percentage. And once you have reached your yearly maximum, it no longer pays on anything.

Myth: The insurance will pay for the dental work because I need it.

Fact: Not all procedures that are needed will always be covered by your policy. When your company selects a plan, it is decided which procedures may or may not be covered. The lack of coverage by your insurance company does not mean it is not needed, it just means your plan has chosen not to cover the procedure.

            All of this can obviously be very confusing and even frustrating. If you have questions or concerns on which dental plan may be best for you and your family, please feel free to contact us and we can hopefully help you in deciding which one is best for you.

Brown and Kupper DDS, Inc.

www.brownandkupper.com

Mouthguards: An Athlete’s Best Friend

          Since April is ‘National Facial Protection Month,’ we thought it would be a good time to reiterate and review the importance of protecting the teeth and jaw bone while playing sports. Parents take so many measures to ensure the safety of their kids, but too often the use of a mouthguard is overlooked. Adding a properly fitting mouthguard into anyone’s sports armament can help protect limit to the teeth, lips, tongue, and face.

So what are some key elements to look for when choosing a mouthguard?

·         It has enough flex not to tear or break

·         Ideally it is custom fit by the dentist

·         It doesn’t restrict breathing or speech

·         It fits well and is comfortable (otherwise you or your child will not wear it)

How do you take care of your mouthguard?

·         Store in a container that lets air in and out

·         Rinse after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste

·         Avoid hot water or the sun which can distort the mouthguard

·         Check for excessive wear and replace when needed

How do I make sure the mouthguard remains effective?

·         Bring it to each dental appointment for the dentist to check

·         Do not cut or chew pieces off of the guard

·         Do not wear any retainers or appliances while wearing the guard

We also recommend children begin wearing mouthguards when they first begin playing competitive sports. This will likely make compliance with the mouthguards better as they get older. The guards can be customized to fit the mixed dentition of their teeth and they come in a wide variety of colors and designs that can make them become more excited to use the guards. But as they continue to lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth, be sure to frequently check the fit of the guards as the changing size and shape of their teeth and jaw can change the fit. And if it doesn’t fit properly it will certainly lose effectiveness.

For more information, go to www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Does Pregnancy Cause Cavities?

            There is a common misconception that a developing fetus can actually steal calcium from your teeth during pregnancy. The enamel of the tooth is not directly affected by the pregnancy, but calcium can be taken from the bones of an expecting mother if their diet is inadequate. However, there are other changes during pregnancy that can affect your oral health that are important to understand to avoid any major issues during or after your pregnancy.

            There are a number of studies indicating that dental disease can negatively affect a developing baby. The studies show a link between gum disease and low birth weight from being born too early. The premature babies are then at higher risk of developing other health related issues that include cerebral and hearing or seeing problems. We also know that a mother’s decay causing bacteria can be passed to their child, which makes it very important to make sure their mouth is very healthy before, during, and after the child is born.

            But why are there so many anecdotes about women developing cavities after pregnancy? A common cause is the pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive to plaque, which is a sticky layer of bacteria on your teeth. This plaque leads to gingivitis as the bacteria make your gums red, tender, and susceptible to bleeding. All of the extra bacteria harbored around the teeth can make you more likely to get decay in those areas.

            So then what can you do to avoid or limit these potential problems? The first thing you can do is eat a healthy diet. Not only is it important for your own health, but the baby’s teeth begin to form in the second month of pregnancy. And what about those pregnancy cravings in between meals? Do your best to avoid sugary foods that can lead to tooth decay and try to find healthy foods for a between meal snack. If those will not satisfies those cravings, try to brush, floss, and rinse after each snack.

            So while pregnancy itself does not always lead to cavities, there are certainly some risk factors to know about. Be sure to talk with your dentist or dental hygienist to develop a personalized plan involving good homecare and a healthy diet.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Common Misconceptions about Brushing and Flossing That Everyone Should Know

Myth: The harder or stiffer the toothbrush, the better it will clean my teeth.

Fact: It is universally recommended that a soft toothbrush should be used to avoid abrasion of the teeth and the gums. A hard brush can cause the gums to recede and subsequently abrade the underlying tooth surface. Notching of the root surface will result and may need to be restored with a gum graft and/or a filling.

Myth: I should use toothpaste with an abrasive ingredient to clean my teeth better.

Fact: The ideal abrasive ingredient cleans well with no damage to the tooth. A paste that is too abrasive can cause permanent damage to the teeth and the gums.

Myth: As long as I brush my teeth it does not matter how long I brush.

Fact: It has been found that to effectively clean your teeth you should brush for at least 2 minutes each time.

Myth: I need to scrub my teeth hard to get them clean.

Fact: Excessive force is not needed to remove plaque from the tooth. Electric toothbrushes, which are typically more effective for ideal homecare, only require you to move the brush head along the surface of the tooth and don’t need any extra pressure to adequately clean the teeth.

Myth: If my gums bleed when I floss, then I should stop flossing.

Fact: If you find yourself bleeding when brushing or flossing, it is a sign of gum disease. You should definitely continue brushing and flossing. The more consistently and correctly you care for your gums, the less bleeding you will see.

Myth: I get a bad taste when I floss, so I should stop

Fact: A bad taste can mean many different things. It is commonly the result of old food other debris in between your teeth. When removing the debris during flossing, it can taste poorly. It is also possible there is an area of tooth decay that is trapping food and contributing to the problem. And if there gum disease is developing in your mouth, it is common to notice a bad taste. No matter what the case is, continue to floss and be sure to see your dentist.

Myth: My teeth are so tight or close together that I don’t need to floss.

Fact: You are not flossing to simply remove debris from between your teeth. You are also removing bacterial plaque from the tooth surface. If the bacteria are not removed, you will be prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

For more questions or concerns, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Kathy Newman, RDH

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Is All Floss the Same?

            Just like there are different styles of toothbrushes and toothpastes, there are a number of different types of floss available depending on your dental needs. For most teeth, the traditional thin, waxed floss will do the trick. But for anyone cleaning around bridges, braces, or areas of gum and bone loss, there are some other options that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

            For anyone ever tasked with keeping the tissue around a dental bridge clean, they know that regular floss doesn’t always do the trick. Superfloss is designed with yarn around the floss to better clean larger spaces. After threading it under the bridge, it can then be used like traditional floss to clean the area under the bridge. For areas that have historically been an area of irritation, Superfloss can make things easier in keeping tough to clean areas healthy.

            A floss threader is a great tool for anyone with braces or a permanent retainer. The threader itself is not a type of floss, but instead is used to place the floss under or around wires and brackets on the teeth. The floss is placed through a loop in the threader, and the threader is then guided into difficult to reach places. For anyone that has braces or a permanent retainer, the floss threader is the easiest, fastest and most effective way to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

            Another popular adjunct or substitute for floss is a proxybrush or soft pick. These are small, flexible, tapered bristles that are used to fit between small and wide spaces to dislodge food and clean the gums. They can prove very helpful around bridges, braces, implants, and otherwise hard to reach and clean places.

            Whether you are using traditional floss or a combination of products, it is important to come up with a plan for you. With so many different options, be sure to talk with your dentist or dental hygienist about how to properly use each product and which ones will work best in your situation.

For more information, go to www.brownandkupper.com.

 

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

(513) 860-3660

What Type of Mouth Rinse Should I Use?

         With so many different options out there, patients frequently ask which type or brand is best for them to use at home. Our goal is to evaluate your dental history, your homecare compliance, and any medications you are taking when choosing the best product for you. Below we will discuss three common types of mouth rinse we recommend depending on your risk factors.

            The most common mouth rinse we recommend for those with good homecare and a low risk of dental caries is Crest Prohealth. Within this product family, there are a number of different variations of the rinse. Unless instructed to use a specific rinse within the product family, the best and easiest advice we can give is to find one that you enjoy using and stick to it. This will hopefully encourage your willingness to use the rinse on a regular basis. However, if you see a product claiming to whiten your teeth through a mouth rinse, don’t expect to see significant results or changes.

            For those with a higher risk of cavities or recurrent issues around old fillings or crowns, we may discuss the use of Act Fluoride Rinse. The extra fluoride found in these rinses helps in fighting tooth decay around fillings, crowns, bridges, and root surfaces. Again, there are some different offerings within this product family, but the most common we recommend for adults is Act Anticavity. There is also an Act product line for children that has proved to be very helpful when they are in braces or when the child lacks the motivation or dexterity to properly brush their teeth. They also offer different fun flavors that improve compliance at home.

            When we are looking to dramatically improve the health of the gums before or after dental cleanings, we may recommend a prescription mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine gluconate. We typically only endorse its use on a limited basis because prolonged use can result in staining of the teeth. However, a standard 2 week protocol should not have any significant effects on the shade of the teeth. This is not meant to replace the need for brushing and flossing, but rather to be used as an adjunct to help control inflammation or disease in the oral cavity.

            When used properly, mouth rinses can be a great addition to your dental hygiene at home. However, they are not meant to replace traditional brushing or flossing. When in doubt or if you have any questions or concerns, always talk to your dentist or dental hygienist for instructions on how it can best be added to your daily routine.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com          

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

(513) 860-3660