If you feel constantly worried about bad breath, you’re not alone. Bad breath (halitosis) is an all too common problem, not to mention embarrassing and distracting for you and others around you. Deducing what is most likely causing your bad breath will help determine what you can do to prevent it.
Greatly reduced saliva flow during sleep (the cause of morning breath), certain foods (such as garlic, onions, and peppers), poor oral hygiene, periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth, tobacco, dieting, dehydration, and some medical conditions (including sinus infections and diabetes) can all cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and at night) is the first thing to start doing, if you are not already in the habit. Brushing after every meal is even better, if you can. If not, chewing sugar-free gum after meals can get food particles out of your teeth. Additionally, clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, and remember to brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue, especially the back areas, can make a big difference in how clean your mouth feels and smells. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning. Toothbrushes should be replaced every couple months.
Biannual dental cleanings and checkups at our office will not only keep your teeth and gums in good shape, but seeing you regularly will also allow us to better detect problems such as gum disease, dry mouth (Xerostomia), or other dental conditions (like decay), that may be the cause of persistent bad breath. If you have gum disease, more frequent visits to our office might be recommended for your oral and overall health.
Breaking a tobacco habit (smoking or chewing tobacco) can significantly improve your oral health and the way your breath smells. Ask us about ways we suggest to help break a tobacco habit. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy also keeps your mouth moist and more free of bad bacteria. Mouth rinses can help, too, but ask us which rinses actually kill the germs that cause bad breath, because some only mask odor as a temporary solution.
When bad breath is a symptom of a larger bacterial problem in your mouth, Dr. Todd can help. If he finds that your mouth is healthy, he may refer you to your physician for further consultation and more comprehensive treatment.
Biannual teeth cleanings performed by a skilled dental hygienist are central to keeping teeth and gums looking, feeling, and functioning well. If you have gum disease, more frequent visits to the dentist will probably be recommended for your oral and overall health.
During cleanings, plaque and calculus (more commonly known as tartar) are removed from teeth. Plaque is a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria grow, and tartar is basically calcified or hardened plaque, so it is more difficult to remove. When tartar builds up under the gumline, causing gum disease, more extensive treatment than a standard cleaning is needed to remove it and help ensure healthier gums. Hygienists also polish teeth, floss (partly to test the condition of gums, to see if they bleed), and they document any bleeding along with stains they noted during the cleaning in a patient's file.
Dental exams with a dentist make it so problems can be diagnosed and treated before they grow to be big, often painful and expensive. A typical exam includes a visual assessment of teeth and occlusion (bite), along with an appraisal of current restorations. When x-rays have been taken, the dentist will carefully review them to identify areas of decay and other possible areas of concern for cysts, tumors, and other disorders of the mouth. Panoramic x-rays are especially revealing and beneficial to this process. The dentist will also perform a general screening for early detection of gum disease and oral cancer.
In between cleanings and exams at a dental office, brushing teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and at night) is the most important thing you can do to take care of your teeth. Brushing after every meal is even better, if you can. If not, chewing sugar-free gum after meals can get food particles out of teeth. Additionally, clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, and remember to brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue, especially the back areas, can make a big difference in how clean your mouth feels and smells, and how clean it actually is. Restorations, such as bridges and partial dentures, should be cleaned thoroughly, too, just like natural teeth. Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months.
Silver (amalgam) has been something of the "gold standard" of dental fillings for years, but recently, composite fillings have become a popular method. Dentists and patients have plenty of reasons to prefer composite fillings, but before you surrender your silver, consider some facts about fillings.
Silver fillings are durable, lasting on average at least 10 to 20 years, and they are very strong, making them ideal for use in the large back molars. They also tend to be less expensive than composite fillings, but usually require more invasive preparations. The biggest drawback to silver fillings is aesthetic, as they can cast a gray hue over the surface of a tooth. Silver fillings have gotten a bad reputation because of their mercury content, but the FDA and the ADA agree that there's no proof that the compound has any adverse side effects. In fact, the mercury in amalgam fillings is only one component of a chemically stable alloy. Silver fillings have been used in dentistry for hundreds of years, and allergic reactions are rare.
Composite fillings, which are made out of a mixture of glass and quartz materials, provide a tooth-colored restoration that looks more like your natural tooth. Composite materials are also versatile and can be bonded (held adhesively) to teeth, which calls for less invasive preparation and leaves more healthy tooth structure beneath the filling. Compared to amalgam, composite fillings can take longer to place and are slightly less durable, which makes them better suited for teeth with light or moderate bite pressure. Depending on your dentist and your insurance options, composite fillings can cost a bit more than amalgam.
Unless your dentist notices cracks or damages in your current fillings or expresses other concerns regarding your dental health, replacing silver fillings is a matter of personal preference.
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, about 80 percent of U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease, ranging from gingivitis to serious periodontal disease. The prevalence of gum disease increases with age because as we age, our teeth tend to wear down, our gums naturally recede, and medications can affect a variety of oral changes. If your gums feel tender or look red and swollen, you may have gum disease. Other signs include bleeding and/or receding gums, pain or sensitivity in your teeth, loose teeth (caused by weakening gum fibers and/or bone loss), and persistent bad breath. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
The first thing to do is get a thorough dental evaluation to determine whether you have any degree of periodontal disease. Gum disease used to require oral surgery more often than not, and while surgery is still an effective and often necessary solution, many cases can now be treated with less invasive techniques first. Dr. Todd and his team offer a wide variety of treatments, including deep cleanings, medicated rinses, and local antibiotics. Ask us about your options at your next visit!
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the safest anesthetics used in dentistry. Nitrous oxide is a colorless blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide gases with a pleasant, sweet smell and taste. Inhaling it creates a sense of well-being and relaxation, and it is used effectively to help individuals who experience dental anxieties feel more comfortable and at ease. Nitrous oxide increases a patient's pain threshold and, when necessary, makes the administration of anesthetic injections more comfortable. Combined with a caring dental staff, nitrous oxide has proven to be especially beneficial for children and adolescents. It has also been found helpful if a patient has a strong gag reflex that interferes with dental treatment. Nitrous oxide can help make visits to the dental office less difficult for individuals with mental or physical disabilities, as well. The dentist has special equipment that is regularly checked and calibrated to monitor the levels of nitrous oxide released and to adjust the flow rate to each individual patient. The gas is administered by specifically trained members of the dental staff.
Nitrous oxide has few side effects and/or risks. It is non-addictive, and patients remain fully conscious during treatment. Nitrous oxide is administered comfortably with a mask over the mouth and nose, and a pleasant feeling of calm and sedation are felt almost immediately. Normal breathing of pure oxygen for several minutes after dental treatment is finished completely reverses the effects of nitrous oxide, so adults can usually leave the office of their own accord.
Some individuals may experience slight nausea if nitrous oxide is administered on a full stomach. For this reason, it is advisable to limit food intake for several hours before treatment, although fasting is not typically necessary. Nitrous oxide is not effective if a patient suffers from claustrophobia (because of the mask used to administer the gas), or has extreme dental anxieties. Because nitrous oxide is inhaled, it is also not effective if the patient has blocked nasal passages. For unknown reasons, it does not affect about 10% of individuals.
Metal braces can be a hassle and can take between two to three years of treatment to fully realign your teeth. Advancements in orthodontics are helping adults fit braces into their lives and giving them the smiles they've always wanted.
One option is Invisalign®. The Invisalign system involves a series of custom-made plastic trays, called Aligners®, that are replaced every two weeks to straighten your teeth step by step. The trays are comfortable for the sensitive tissues of your gums and cheeks, and they're conveniently removable so you can eat and brush your teeth normally. Because the trays are made from a transparent plastic material, Invisalign clear braces are hardly noticeable. If you don't tell them, people might not even notice you're wearing braces!
Another orthodontic solution is Six Month Smiles™, an accelerated program that gives you great results in less time than traditional braces. Six Month Smiles uses clear braces and thin, subtle wires to realign the teeth that show when you smile. Because they are not intended to completely change your bite, these braces use low force and do not have the risk of causing root or structural damage. The average treatment lasts only 4-9 months, and post-treatment, you will be fitted with a retainer to ensure the longevity of your straight, beautiful smile. Six Month Smiles is a conservative, inexpensive, and efficient way to get the smile you've always wanted.
These alternatives to metal braces are excellent cosmetic solutions for patients with mild to moderately crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, crossbites, and underbites. If you're ready for straighter teeth, ask your dentist about your treatment possibilities. A beautiful new smile could be closer than you think!
Beneath the top layer of your tooth (the enamel) and the second layer (the dentin), there is a pulp, or nerve, that delivers sensations of heat, cold, and pain from your tooth to your brain. Whether from excessive decay or physical trauma, this nerve can become damaged, causing an abscess to form at the root of the tooth. Your dentist has recommended root canal therapy, a procedure in which the diseased pulp is removed from an infected tooth, in order to prevent further damage and tooth loss, and most importantly, to relieve your pain.
Symptoms of an infected root include severe toothaches, sensitivity, discoloration, and upraised lesions on your gums. X-rays and a thorough dental examination will determine whether a root canal is your best option. Though root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, the toothaches associated with an infected root are most likely causing you more pain than the treatment will. In addition, there are a number of ways to relieve pain or discomfort during treatment, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
The nerve is not vitally important for day-to-day function, so removing it will not affect your tooth—unless you count saving the tooth from total loss! In fact, allowing a root to decay further will inevitably lead to more pain and bone loss. An over the counter pain reliever usually takes care of immediate post-operative discomfort, and most patients return to normal activities the very next day. Root canal therapy is highly successful, and a tooth that’s been restored with RCT can last you a lifetime. Especially when used in conjunction with a natural looking restoration (such as a crown or a composite filling), no one will even notice a difference in your smile.
In fact, there are! Dairy products, nuts, chicken, and other lean meats contain calcium and phosphorous, which have been proven to strengthen bones and protect enamel. Calcium is essential for bone development, and while your teeth do not directly absorb it, a stronger jawbone leads to healthy gums, and healthy gums make healthy teeth. Fruits and vegetables are just as good for your teeth as they are for your body, especially firm, crunchy ones with a high water content, such as apples and pears. Water is critical for your oral health because it rinses away food particles and keeps your mouth and gums moist. Dehydration can cause dry mouth, which makes your mouth more susceptible to bacterial growth and bad breath.
As most people know, foods high in sugar tend to stick to teeth and can lead to decay. What many people don't know is that almost all foods contain some form of sugar--even milk products and fruit--so you can't cut it out completely, nor would you want to. The most important part of the "dentist diet" is brushing your teeth after each meal. If you do snack between meals – especially if you reach for starchy or sweet foods – and cannot brush, drink plenty of water or chew gum to loosen any residue. For those of us out there with a sweet tooth, don't despair: not all sweet snacks are off-limits. Chewing sugar-free gum that contains xylitol may actually help prevent cavities.
If you’ve been avoiding that ice cream cone or cup of coffee because of sensitive teeth, you don't have to! Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint and can be caused by of a number of factors. Involuntary grinding, jaw clenching, gum recession, and enamel loss can all cause teeth to become extra sensitive, because the usually-protected layer of dentin (the nerve-packed surface beneath the enamel) is exposed to external stimuli. Surface irritants such as braces and teeth whitening can also cause temporary sensitivity.
Because the causes of sensitivity are so diverse, and because sensitive gum tissue can indicate a more serious problem, it’s important to ask your dentist which treatment is best for you. A softer toothbrush is usually the first step, and special toothpastes can reduce sensitivity over time. There are also over-the-counter fluoride rinses to protect your enamel against further damage, and your dentist can even provide an in-office procedure to coat your teeth with a protective agent.
Oral conscious sedation medications are measured and evaluated by pharmacists and physicians on a safety scale called the therapeutic index, where the higher the number on the scale, the better the safety rating of the drug. The sedation medications commonly used by dentists have high numbers on this index, and you will probably recognize some of the names of the drugs (which include Valium®, Halcion®, and Sonata®). When Dr. Todd is working with you to choose a drug protocol (primary sedation agent), he will take such factors as your age, your weight, and the severity of your dental anxiety into careful account. You should also make sure our team is completely up-to-date on your health history, including any medications you’re taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and supplements) and your alcohol and/or tobacco habits, if either applies. Even certain fruit juices can affect the reaction of sedation medications in the body. For example, patients should not drink grapefruit juice within 72 hours before or after dental treatment with sedation. Prior to your sedation visit, your dentist will go through the proper preparation steps, from diet adjustments and possibly taking a sleep agent the night before, to having a companion drive you to your appointment and what to expect after treatment.
When patients feel anxiety, their threshold of pain is lower and so dental treatments feel more uncomfortable, stressful, and panic-causing than they otherwise would. The most advantageous aspect of oral conscious sedation is that this can be eliminated. The object is to enable anxious patients, and patients with special needs, relax the body and mind to be able to receive the treatment they need. Getting the dental care you need is essential to maintaining your optimal overall health.
Taking medication or undergoing any type of anesthesia always poses a risk, so Dr. Todd will consult with you about this. Also, patients' bodies metabolize pills differently, so the calming effect of sedation medications might take longer. In these cases, dentists should be careful not to over medicate.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort or remaining effects from a sedation dentistry visit. Immediately after treatment, you might feel a little wobbly while the medication wears off, but Dr. Todd will give you simple, helpful instructions for the rest of your day.
Accidents happen, and especially when they involve our teeth and mouths, they can be pretty frightening. Being careful is good prevention, but being prepared promises reassurance in any dental health emergency. It's important to know when home care will suffice and when a trip to the dentist is necessary, so here are some guidelines to help you through common situations:
Toothache/Sore Gums. Rinse with warm water to remove any food or debris; if you notice anything lodged between teeth, floss to remove it. Take an over the counter pain medication (but never apply the medication directly to tooth or gums), and see your dentist if the pain persists.
Chipped Tooth. Save the pieces, if you can, and rinse them thoroughly. Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the swollen lip or gum tissue near the chipped tooth to prevent swelling. If the area is bleeding, apply gauze for ten minutes, or until the bleeding has stopped. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Broken Tooth. With recent advancements in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, you might not lose your tooth. If there’s enough remaining healthy tooth structure, a dentist can create a crown that will “grab onto” your natural tooth, eliminating the need for root removal. While the success of this process, known as “crown lengthening,” depends on the severity of the break, it’s worth asking about options other than complete removal.
Knocked Out Tooth. Depending on the situation, find the tooth and, holding it by the crown only, rinse it briefly with warm water. If possible, gently reinsert the tooth into the socket and bite down on gauze or cloth to keep it in place. If you cannot reinsert it, place it in a container of milk or salt-water. See your dentist as soon as possible—if treated within two hours, the tooth may be salvaged.
Soft Tissue Injuries. Soft tissues such as gums, cheeks, lips, and the tongue tend to bleed heavily, only because the tissue contains a great deal of blood flow. To control the bleeding, first rinse with a warm, mild salt water solution. Apply pressure with gauze or a moistened towel for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, to reduce swelling and help stop residual bleeding, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. In the event of a serious soft tissue injury, in which the bleeding is profuse or the damage is visibly traumatic, it's best to stay calm, keep applying pressure, and go to the emergency room.
You could be suffering from temporomandibular disorder, or TMJ, which affects the flexibility and function of the temporal jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Because this area controls bite, speech, chewing, and all other jaw movements, the pain can be severe.
TMJ has been associated with a number of different causes, but the most common factor is the bite itself. A misaligned bite can place pressure on the jaw joint, forcing the muscles to work overtime in effort to correctly align the upper and lower jaws. This not only compromises the function of your jaw, but it can cause a good deal of fatigue and pain in the facial muscles. Headaches, toothaches, and jaw clenching, popping, or locking are all common symptoms of TMJ. TMJ can also occur after a jolting face injury which causes a normally aligned jaw joint to become damaged or repositioned.
Professional treatment of TMJ ranges from minor fixes to surgical options. If your dentist determines that the main cause of your TMJ pain is an irregular bite, he or she may recommend a retainer-style mouthguard, or even a reshaping of the biting surfaces of your teeth, to subtly change the way your upper and lower jaws meet. If it's a structural issue occurring in your jaw bone (especially if your TMJ is a result of injury), you may benefit from surgery. When it comes to TMJ treatment, it's important to choose the most conservative plan for your individual needs.
In the meantime, alleviating the pain by treating the symptoms can give you some relief. Heating pads or cold compresses can reduce swelling, and limiting your jaw movement (for example, cutting especially chewy foods out of your diet) can stop the clicking or popping. Massages can temporarily relieve muscle tension, and painkillers (medicated or over the counter) can reduce inflammation and make you more comfortable.
X-rays, also known as radiographs, are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages. Panoramic x-rays, which are taken every five to seven years and show the entire mouth, are particularly useful diagnostic tools. Panoramic x-rays are taken with a machine that circles your head providing a complete overview of all the teeth as well as the roots, upper and lower jawbones, the sinuses, and other hard surfaces in the mouth. Many problems with teeth and the surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we visually examine your mouth. An x-ray examination is needed to reveal:
Small areas of decay between teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
Deep cavities
Infections that can develop in the mouth bones
Periodontal (gum) disease
Abscesses or cysts
Developmental abnormalities
Some types of tumors
TMJ Dysfunction
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you unnecessary discomfort, money, and time. In cases where x-rays help us detect oral cancer and periodontal disease early, radiographs can also help save your life!
Each day, foods and acids feed bacteria in your mouth, which can accumulate on your teeth to form plaque. Plaque wears away at a tooth's enamel in a process known as demineralization. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can promote the remineralization of enamel, replacing important minerals that strengthen your teeth and can protect them from decay. Fluoride can also help reverse early stages of decay.
Children with newly-erupted permanent teeth benefit a great deal from fluoride exposure, but adults should make sure their teeth come into contact with it, too. The safe and easy way to ensure that your teeth are getting enough fluoride is to use fluoride toothpaste, available at drugstores in a variety of types and flavors. If your dentist recommends more intensive fluoride treatments, there are a number of gels, rinses, and even in-office procedures that can do the trick. Though the most fluoride is absorbed from direct contact with the teeth, many public drinking water systems contain small, safe amounts of fluoride that can have positive health effects.
The two main types of tooth discoloration are extrinsic (external or surface stains) and intrinsic (internal stains). External stains affects the outside of the tooth, while internal stains discolor a tooth from within. External stains can be attributed to anything that comes into contact with the surface of the teeth, such as red wine, coffee, tea, or tobacco products. Internal discoloration reflects the actual condition of the tooth, often occurring as a result of treatment procedures, exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride (Fluorosis), and certain antibiotics.
Some types and degrees of discoloration respond well to professional teeth whitening, while others require veneers, bonding, or other restorative procedures. Your dentist can determine which type of stains you have and which solution is right for you.
Symptoms of dry mouth (xerostomia) can include a sticky, dry, or burning sensation in the mouth, altered taste, chronic bad breath, and insufficient saliva. Dry mouth is particularly common in the elderly and the very young, but it can affect anyone at any given time, and there are a number of causes. It’s one of the most common side effects of medication, from prescriptions to antihistamines. Hormone changes, chemotherapy and radiation, uncontrolled diabetes, and other medical conditions can also cause recurrent dry mouth.
Dry mouth can be uncomfortable, and is one of the leading causes of chronic bad breath., but it can also make teeth more prone to decay and soft tissue more susceptible to infection. Because insufficient saliva endangers the health of your entire mouth, it’s important to ask your dentist about oral sprays, prescription drugs, or simple lifestyle changes that can provide relief.
If your gums are not sore, it's safe to assume that the bleeding is not the result of hard brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums that apparently have no cause are always a warning sign, often indicating such conditions as gingivitis or even gum disease. Gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums) is not a one-way ticket to gum disease; in fact, if it’s caught early enough, gingivitis can be treated and even reversed. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and high levels of stress can all contribute to gingivitis, so the first lines of treatment are simple lifestyle changes. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles can ease gum damage, too, and getting regular dental cleanings will control plaque and tooth decay. It's important to stop gingivitis before it progresses, since studies have shown more and more serious illnesses are associated with gum disease. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even osteoporosis have been linked to poor oral health.
Though not the first suspect in a simple case of bleeding gums, oral cancer is also a possibility. Oral cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are fairly general and can be mistaken for other conditions. Symptoms of oral cancer include sores, bleeding gums or cheeks, difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw, and a continuous pain in the mouth. If your dentist finds no other causes for your bleeding gums, he or she may recommend a visit to a specialist.
Regular dental check-ups are vital to cancer prevention, as are good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a balanced diet. Inform your dentist if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. You’d go to the doctor if a cut on your hand were infected—do your gums the same service! They’ll thank you later.
Believe it or not, you could have a sinus infection. Recent studies have found a direct connection between sinus infections and impacted or damaged teeth. Sinuses can also become inflamed as a result of intensive dental work or cracked restorations. Sinusitis can mimic the sensation of a toothache – or even cause one – because of the proximity between the paranasal sinuses and the roots of your teeth. If you’re experiencing chronic sinus pain or pressure accompanied by a general, unidentified toothache, it couldn’t hurt to ask your dentist to check it out. A regular check-up and a series of x-rays is usually enough to reveal a tooth-related cause, but if they don't, Dr. Todd can also perform a “percussion test," during which he gently taps on individual teeth to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. After all, when deciding on a treatment plan, it's helpful to know whether it’s a toothache or just your nose playing tricks on you.
Dr. Kyle Todd was born in Huntsville, Texas. His family later moved to a small Northeast Texas town where Dr. Todd went to high school. He then attended Sam Houston State University, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Stacey, a graduate of Cy-Fair High School. Stacey is an elementary school teacher. The Todds are very excited about the birth of their first baby in 2009. Read More»
7630 Fry Road, Suite 100 | Cypress, TX 77433 | Call Today! 832-593-7400
