This article provides a brief description of dental implants, what their benefits are and why people sometimes need them.

Considered as one of the most significant advances made in the field of dental science in recent decades, dental implants offer benefits that would have you wondering why you would ever consider another option. Aside from the fact that they are virtually impossible to differentiate from natural healthy teeth, the biological fusion between the jawbone and titanium screw comprising the dental implant allows the complete tooth replacement structure to stay firmly ‘rooted’ in the jawbone and work very similar to a natural tooth!

Unfortunately, the need for dental implants can be as unavoidable as the need to take out the trash. At some point, regardless of your age, (accidents happen!) a trip to the dentist’s office will be necessary. Tooth loss can be the result of accidental trauma, tooth decay, dental caries, certain illnesses and periodontal (gum) disease. These oral afflictions are almost always the result of poor dental hygiene and a lack of professional care. Rest assured; the dentist in Silver Spring MD supplies the best solution modern dentistry has to offer patients who have lost teeth: dental implants!

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

• Minimum discomfort: Aided by sophisticated computer software and 3D Cone Beam CT scans, implant dentists are able to place dental implants using very few incisions and sutures. Since this kind of trauma is what’s responsible for most post-operative pain, recovery is hastened and made far more comfortable.

• Restoration of smile aesthetics: Gaps left by missing teeth are filled by the dental implants, thus restoring a full, healthy-looking and confident smile.

• Restoration of bite strength and function: Dental implants are strong and function like natural teeth, meaning that you can return to enjoying your favorite foods as soon as the implants have properly healed.

• Improved speech: Missing teeth can and do affect speech and one’s ability to articulate their words properly. By filling the gaps left by missing teeth, dental implants help to address this problem, returning the proper interaction between the teeth, tongue and lips during speaking.

• Fixed and non-removable: Dental implants are ‘rooted’ in the bone of the jaw and as such, they do not require support from surrounding teeth (like conventional bridges) and underlying gums (like removable dentures). This prevents them from causing irritation, damage and inflammation.

• Lasting solution: If looked after properly with good oral hygiene as well as frequent visits to your friendly dental healthcare professional, your new teeth can last several decades and even a lifetime! This makes dental implants the perfect long-term option for addressing your missing teeth misery.

It’s not as if you need more reasons to be convinced, but just in case, additional benefits of dental implants include: the promotion of dental stability, functional stimulation and preservation of bone and gum shape. When we lose teeth, the gum tissue and bone in the surrounding areas atrophies and begins to disappear, undergoing a natural remodeling process. Left untreated, this can cause many aesthetic and functional problems for the surrounding teeth. However, a Silver Spring dentist can offer solutions, complete with all the benefits mentioned above, giving you the opportunity to walk away with a beautiful, healthy and beaming smile.

In this two-part article series, we will be explaining exactly what dental implants are, how they work, what the procedure entails and why they are the superior solution to replacing missing teeth.

Due to a great variety of reasons, people living in the United States are often faced with the reality of losing one or more of their natural teeth. Whether the cause is accidental trauma received to the face or an advanced oral bacterial infection (periodontal disease), the fact remains: a missing tooth or teeth can be an eyesore, not to mention a grave oral health risk.

In this two-part article series, we will be explaining the ins and outs of dental implant technology. With the help of a dentist in Silver Spring, we will clarify why dental implants are by far the most sophisticated and effective solution to missing teeth today’s dental healthcare professionals have to offer.

Dental Implants: What Are They?

Dental Implants are teeth replacement contraptions that look like tiny metal screws. They are in fact constructed from titanium, which is strong, durable, lightweight, stable and non-corrodible. Titanium is also used because it is 100% biocompatible and supports a biological bonding process known as ‘osseointegration’. This discovery was made in the 1950’s by Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark together with his clinical research team: a discovery that has constituted a very important breakthrough in modern dentistry and orthopedic surgery.

Dental Implants: How Do They Work?

If you are suffering from tooth loss or a failing tooth root, the implant site will be cleared and surgically prepared for dental implant insertion. Once your dentist has successfully inserted the titanium implant and attached a temporary ceramic dental crown, you will be allowed to go home and recover. Over the next few weeks and months, the bone will heal around the implant and bond to its surface. While ‘osseointegration’ is underway, your Silver Spring dentist will provide you with a provisional crown or bridge, so that you don’t have to feel self-conscious about a broken or gappy smile.

Once you have healed, the implant will provide the necessary foundation for the placement of your new permanent ceramic tooth crown or customized bridge. These are constructed from durable ceramics and resin materials, which enable them to look and function like healthy, natural teeth. Furthermore, they will be virtually indistinguishable in appearance from the tooth or teeth they are replacing. Your new dental implants will not only leave you with a fully functional bite, but you will enjoy the benefits of a much-improved smile and all the confidence that brings!

Wrapping Things Up: Stay Tuned for Part 2

Dental implants come with a generous list of benefits and advantages that should not be ignored. The incredible science that goes into the manufacturing of dental restorations, dental implants and the procedures followed to place them enable the dentist in Silver Spring to provide patients with replacement teeth that can last a lifetime if looked after properly.

In this article we explained exactly what dental implants are and how they work. Stay tuned for the second installment of this article series, when we will give you the benefits and advantages of dental implants and explain why thousands of Americans have made the smart teeth replacement choice.

This article addresses questions including: what is periodontal disease, how do I know if I have it and what can be done about it?

I know what you are thinking: not another slow reading, confusing article filled with medical jargon about dental healthcare and why your bathroom habits are just not good enough. Well, it's all fun and games until someone loses a tooth!

Consider the aim of this article is to keep things simple and avoid any plaque build-up while you read about why periodontal disease is NOT your friend! This is despite the fact that many of your friends might just have some form or stage of periodontal (gum) disease. That’s right: this oral affliction is as common as it is nasty. But, not to fear, for the Silver Spring dentist provides easy-to-follow solutions to your oral healthcare woes. At this point you might find yourself asking the question…

So What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. In its early stages, it presents itself as simple gum inflammation, swelling and mild bleeding when brushing: a condition referred to as gingivitis. In its scarier and more serious form, it is known as periodontitis, where the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets of decay between the gums and the tooth roots. Ultimately, this can lead to loose teeth, and the loss of bone tissue in the jaw. In the advanced stages of the disease, your teeth can get left behind in the sink. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.

What are some of the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

• Bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away,
• Red and swollen gums,
• Tender or bleeding gums,
• Painful chewing,
• Loose and sensitive teeth,
• Oral lesions and sores that won’t heal,
• Gums that have pulled away from the crowns of the teeth, making you look “toothy”,
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite,
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures.

What Factors Can Lead to Gum Disease?

• Smoking and excessive alcohol use,
• Bad oral hygiene,
• Hormonal changes in girls and women, such as during pregnancy or menopause,
• Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, respiratory and heart diseases and Rheumatoid arthritis. People that suffer from these ailments tend to be at a higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease.
• Medications: Some medications cause the flow of saliva to be reduced, leaving the mouth vulnerable to oral bacteria.

So what's the good news? Well, you can do something about gum disease with a little help from a friendly dentist in Silver Spring.

Your job at home is to floss and brush your teeth regularly in order to avoid plaque build-up, but once it hardens to form “tartar” only a professional dentist or oral hygienist can help. The longer plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harmful they become and the greater your risk of gum inflammation, tooth decay and disease. Although brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent the onset of gum disease, it is recommended that you visit your friendly (not in the least bit scary) dentist at least once a year for check-ups, or more frequently if you have noticed any of the warning signs above.

This article explains why X-ray is such an important tool for the preservation of good oral health.

You’ve heard it said before: prevention is better than cure! It’s also a whole lot less expensive and, for the most part, completely painless. When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, what does prevention involve? For one, it requires a meticulous home oral hygiene routine with regular and thorough brushing and flossing. It also requires regular scheduled visits with the Silver Spring dentist and oral hygienist. But one of the most important diagnostic tools needed to prevent severe conditions from claiming the lives of your teeth and the youthful beauty of your smile is X-ray!

About Dental X-Ray and Why it’s so Important

Right now, you may be imagining the dentist zapping tiny disease-causing pathogens in your mouth using some kind of futuristic X-ray gun. Well, the benefits of X-ray are a touch more intellectual than that. X-ray provides dentists with a clear picture of what’s going on underneath the gums. It allows dentists to view the jawbone, the roots of the teeth and the insides of the crowns without actually having to perform complex, invasive and painful surgery to do so. X-ray, in other words, is an indispensible diagnostic tool, without which dentists would be “flying blind.”

Imagine you have a toothache and you go to the Silver Spring dentist for a solution. He investigates the problematic tooth visually, but can’t seem to see anything obvious. The tooth looks fine on the outside and the gums underneath it appear healthy and pink. The dentist then takes an X-ray image of your jaw centered on the tooth that seems to be causing you all that pain and discomfort. Upon reviewing the pictures, the dentist spots the cause of all your trouble: a hairline fracture in the tooth root. Without even having to perform any surgery, the dentist has identified the problem and can now plan a very precise and effective solution.

Cone Beam CT Scans

X-ray saves patients thousands of dollars on needless and dangerous surgery by enabling dentists to identify problems and pinpoint treatment. Over the years, even this technology has been advanced, improved upon and refined. Cone Beam CT scans are an example of the more sophisticated machinery being used in dentist’s offices nowadays. CBCT scans take 3D X-ray images and feeds the data digitally into a computer imaging software program. This software allows dentists to manipulate a 3D view of a patient’s jaw and dentition. Treatment planning is done in detail prior to any surgery and, thanks to this technology, without the patient needing to be in the same room!

A Final Note on X-Ray Technology

Any dentist in Silver Spring MD will tell you that a comprehensive dental exam really isn’t complete without X-ray. Hidden problems, such as fractures, abscesses and endodontic infection can readily be identified and treated before any visible or obvious symptoms have begun to reveal themselves. This prevents the need for costly, invasive restorative procedures further down the line. And as we all know, prevention is better than cure!

Teeth whitening is a wonderful quick and easy treatment that can be done to remove the appearance of staining and discoloration, making your smile appear years younger.

It’s an inescapable truth… white is the preferred hue for your teeth when it comes to modern standards of beauty. Just compare the two pictures below! You are inherently programmed to find the second smile the more attractive one. Brown, grey and yellow simply don’t make the cut and rightly so!

Very few people are ‘born’ with perfectly white teeth. It takes a fair amount of professional intervention to get your teeth looking absolutely flawless. In fact, your dental enamel is naturally an off-white or even pale yellow color. So how do all those celebrities get their smiles looking like sunlit snow? Well, it takes a few visits to the Silver Spring dentist and perhaps some teeth whitening!

Ask the Dentist in Silver Spring: How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

A teeth whitening treatment essentially involves the application of a special gel to the crowns of the teeth. A strong dental light is then shone on the teeth to activate the bleaching agent in the gel, which, in professional whitening kits, is typically a 10% concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

After about 30 minutes, the enamel of the teeth will have been bleached quite a few shades lighter, eliminating the appearance of staining and discoloration caused by repeated exposure to the natural tannins, dyes and pigments in foods and beverages. A professional whitening treatment can also help to counteract the appearance of staining caused by smoking or chewing tobacco. In severe cases of discoloration, patients may first require treatment for decay or gum disease, or a cosmetic procedure such as porcelain veneers.

Can Anyone Go for Teeth Whitening?

A professional teeth whitening is one of the simplest and quickest cosmetic procedures offered by the dentist in Silver Spring, so most people are able to book themselves in for a treatment without any problems. However, in cases where patients present with a poor standard of oral health, your dentist may first recommended treatment to resolve these issues. A bacterial infection of the gums – for example, periodontitis and gingivitis – can render the soft tissues in the mouth weak and very sensitive, which might cause them to react adversely to the bleaching agent in the whitening gel.

In any case, it is always advisable that patients first have their oral health restored to an acceptable standard before simply opting for cosmetic improvement. This can quite naturally come about by improving health and hygiene.

How Long Do the Results of a Teeth Whitening Last?

This really depends upon what kind of staining agents – and the frequency with which you consume them – you expose your teeth to. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker and a smoker, no doubt your results will be shorter-lived than a non-smoker who restricts their coffee intake. Generally, however, the results of a professional teeth whitening can last up to a year before re-treatment becomes necessary.

Remember, bleaching your teeth may remove evidence of past staining, but it won’t prevent future staining, so you may want to go easy on the red wine for a while! Also, nothing preserves the youthful beauty of your pearly whites like proper oral hygiene. A teeth whitening treatment will not erase evidence of decay and infection caused by negligence.

This three-part article series takes an in-depth look at root canal therapy: what it is, why it’s necessary and what patients can expect from the procedure.

Welcome back to our three-part article series on root canal therapy. In our previous article post, the first installment of the series, we spoke to a qualified and experienced dentist in Silver Spring Maryland about what root canal or endodontic therapy is and why it’s sometimes necessary. In Part 2, we’ll delve a little deeper into the subject and find out what can cause the insides of a tooth to become infected and what the signs and symptoms of such an affliction are.

What Necessitates Root Canal Therapy?

When bacteria break through the protective enamel covering a tooth, they begin colonizing the soft tissue inside the pulp chamber. Because there is no way for standard hygienic measures, such as brushing and flossing, to eliminate bacteria and their toxic by-products from inside the tooth, they begin to accumulate unchecked. This inflames the tissue, causes infection and can lead to the development of pus-filled pockets inside the tooth. An abscess left without treatment is not only excruciatingly painful, it can also have some severe health repercussions. Root canal therapy can be the only measure left for someone with an infected tooth. It’s that or tooth extraction!

So, what can cause bacteria to infiltrate your dental enamel?

• Poor oral hygiene leading to the development of cavities, which deepen to form a direct pathway into the heart of the tooth
• Deep decay,
• A chip or crack in the tooth as a result of accidental trauma,
• Repeated dental procedures, which expose the inner workings of the tooth.

How Do You Know if Your Tooth is Infected?

When the insides of a tooth become infected, you’ll know! The primary symptoms are severe toothache when eating or clenching your jaw and prolonged sensitivity to extremes in temperatures (when drinking a hot or cold beverage, for example). The pain is a result of the nerve, which resides inside the tooth. The tooth structure itself doesn’t contain any nerves, which is why it’s difficult to tell when you have a cavity or a crack in your tooth. But as soon as bacteria infiltrate the tooth and infect the pulp chamber, the nerve – whose primary function is sensory – becomes incredibly sensitive to pressure and temperature.

Other signs you may require root canal therapy include:

• Swelling and sensitivity of the surrounding gum tissue,
• Discoloration of the tooth,
• A recurring pimple on the gums, which is a sign that an abscess has developed.

Having said all this, in some cases, there are no signs and symptoms present, which highlights the importance of going for regularly scheduled appointments with the dentist in Silver Spring, Maryland. Only a trained and experienced eye will recognize the signs of infection and decay and, should treatment be provided in time, be able to save the tooth from extraction.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series on root canal therapy. In our next article, the Silver Spring dentist will discuss in detail what is involved in the root canal procedure, as well as why its always preferable to choose a simple tooth extraction and replacement.

This article explains why the ‘All-on-4’ procedure is considered the most comprehensive and effective solution to tooth loss and edentulism. It explains the causes of tooth loss and exactly how the ‘All-on-4’ procedure works.

There are 38 million Americans living without any original teeth left and if the statistics of tooth loss are to be believed (and they are), tooth loss is a certainty that a considerable proportion of the population faces as they enter into their late adulthood. Thankfully, there is a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of the revolutionary “All-On-4” technique; a dental implant protocol that provides patients with a fantastic answer to a mouth full of missing or failing teeth.

During the 1990’s, world renown implantologist Dr. Paulo Malo developed the “All-on-4” in collaboration with one of the world’s largest dental implant manufacturers, Nobel Biocare. This dental implant protocol would go on to become the most important breakthrough in the field of dentistry since the innovation of implants themselves. Since its development, the “All-on-4” has improved the quality of life of countless people in countries all over the world.

”All-On-4” Protocol: The Details

The leading cause of edentulism (toothlessness), near-edentulism and a failing dentition in the United States is periodontitis or gum disease. Missing teeth can start causing bone loss in the jaw and without the support of the bone; the roots of your teeth will become unstable and fall out or need to be removed.

According to the Dentist in Silver Spring, the “All-on-4” procedure differs from traditional dental implant methods in that it almost never requires bone grafting, which saves patients the pain, incredible cost and time-consuming healing process typically required by this additional surgery. It is the incredible design behind the “All-on-4” that enables your dental rehabilitation team to give you a full set of stunning, new and non-removable teeth. But if that wasn’t impressive enough, this can be accomplished in as little as a single dental appointment!

The “All-On-4”: How Does It Work?

The “All-On-4” dental implant technique is made up of a custom-tailored prosthetic dental bridge (a firm construction of a full set of aesthetic and functional replacement teeth) attached to the abutments of four dental implants. Using advanced imaging software and 3D Cone Beam CT, a qualified Silver Spring dentist can insert the dental implants with hardly any incisions, making the “All-On-4” far less invasive in nature. This reduces post-operative pain and the length of the recovery period.

Once your dental implants have been successfully inserted, your prosthodontist, or dentist, can take over and place your new teeth on the very same day! Speak to a Silver Spring dentist about why the “All-On-4” is the best possible solution to tooth loss and edentulism, not only aesthetically but functionally as well. Since the “All-on-4” bridge is secured tightly to your jaw using dental implants, you will feel far freer to smile, eat and talk openly with friends, family and colleagues.

A Final Note on the “All-on-4”

Although your smile is worth a million bucks, it shouldn’t have to cost you as much! Thankfully, the “All-on-4” costs tens of thousands of dollars less than traditional dental implant protocols and this comes down to the lesser number of implants used, the fewer surgeries it takes and the fact that it rarely requires bone grafting!

This two-part article series discusses the signs and symptoms of gum disease in both the beginning stages (gingivitis) and advanced stages (periodontitis).

Are your gums healthy? Most people would like to think so, but according to the dire statistics of gum disease in the United States, our oral health and standard of hygiene just isn’t up to scratch! As much as 80% of the population suffers from some form or stage of gum disease, whether it’s a mild infection of the gums known as gingivitis or pervasive and chronic periodontal disease.

How Can You NOT Know You Have Gum Disease?

The reason this disease seemingly flies under the radar is because it doesn't cause much pain or discomfort in its beginning stages. Consequently, most people are convinced they don’t have a problem. Concerns they DO have over the changes they've noticed in the condition of their gums are filed away under the “It’ll probably go away on its own” mental catalogue.

“This is a dangerous way of thinking and is one of the biggest reasons oral diseases cause as much damage as they do,” cautions a dentist in Maryland. “Patients ignore problems that are easily treatable in their beginning stages. With time, these problems just get worse leading to poor smile aesthetics, chronic bad breath and eventually tooth loss.”

So what are the symptoms to look out for? When should we start feeling alarmed for the sake of our oral health? And what signs should we definitely never ignore? We spoke to a qualified and experienced Silver Spring dentist about when you should seek professional attention for seemingly small oral problems.

Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss

“You would be amazed at the number of people who think it’s normal for gums to bleed when brushed or flossed,” says a dentist in Maryland. Your hands don’t bleed when you wash them, but if they did you’d probably jump straight in your car and go to the doctor! Why is it that you see your gums differently?”

Bleeding gums are indicative of infection. The tissue becomes compromised and weakened and consequently, it tears more easily. If your gums bleed when brushing, try not to press down so hard and see if that works. If you don’t floss very often, it’s possible that the gum tissue between your teeth is irritated by the food debris and plaque you leave between your teeth. As a result, it could be a little inflamed and prone to bleeding on the rare occasion that you do pick up the floss. To remedy this, start flossing every day and if the bleeding doesn’t subside, book yourself an appointment with your Silver Spring dentist.

Your Gums Look a Little Red and Puffy

“Healthy gums are pink in color and firm to the touch,” explains a dentist in Maryland. “If your gums look red and swollen or spongy, it’s because they’re inflamed. And they’re inflamed because they’re irritated by the levels of bacteria in your mouth along with the acidic wastes they produce.”

You will need to up your efforts to keep your teeth and gums clean, which includes brushing more regularly and for longer. You must floss before you go to bed at night and you could even include an anti-bacterial mouthwash in your hygiene regime – or at least until your gums start looking a little healthier. Also, it would be a good idea to book an appointment with your dentist!

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series for more advice on the signs and symptoms of gum disease!

This article looks at general oral health and hygiene maintenance regimens. We provide advice about what you can do at home to ensure your oral health remains in good condition and what your dentist can do to help.

Feeling great about your teeth and subsequently your smile is important not only for your confidence, but it also means that your mouth is happy and healthy. Just like a home needs regular maintenance, your mouth requires and deserves an excellent standard of oral health and hygiene maintenance. In this article, Silver Spring dental experts explain what you can do from home to ensure that your teeth remain not only aesthetically pleasing, but healthy. We also explain how your dentist can aid in your dental care and maintenance.

Oral Health and Hygiene: What Can I Do At Home?

It all starts with you! The best thing that you can do to look after your teeth is to commit to a consistent oral hygiene routine. Here is where to start:

• SPEND: Invest in a good toothbrush and good toothpaste. Seek the advice of your dentist with regard to what kind of toothpaste you should be using for your unique situation. If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you should be using toothpaste specifically designed for your needs. Silver Spring dental experts explain that if you consistently drink coffee or entertain other stain-causing habits, you should use toothpaste with whitening properties.

Going to your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and whitening procedure will be far more effective, but using whitening toothpaste will definitely help reduce the build-up of tough stains.

• CONSISTENCY: A good oral hygiene routine is based on consistency. Brush, floss, rinse and scrape daily. It is recommended to brush at least twice a day, and if possible, after every meal, as food debris left behind can cause bacterial growth, which may lead to bad breath and other oral health risks. Flossing will help you get to the hard-to-reach spaces in your mouth that brushing alone does not reach. Flossing reaches the little pockets and gaps between your teeth where food debris is often left behind.

Rinsing is also a beneficial step in your oral hygiene regimen. Using an anti-septic mouthwash kills germs that cause bacterial growth and plaque build-up. Many people forget to scrape their tongue during their daily regimen, and the tongue is known to harbor all sorts of bacteria and bits of food. Scraping your tongue will go a long way in ensuring your breath remains minty fresh for much longer, too.

• MAINTENANCE: Go see your dentist! A Silver Spring dentist explains that although your day-to-day oral hygiene routine will do wonders for your oral health, seeing your dentist at least twice a year for general check-ups will ensure that your oral health remains in excellent condition. Also, it ensures that any problems can be dealt with before they develop into a more serious state.

Oral Health and Hygiene: A Final Word

By following the advice provided above, you will help to ensure that your oral health remains in the best possible condition. Your oral health is intricately linked to your general health and vice versa, so you will also be protecting the rest of your body from other health risks.

This article provides six professional tips for busting and preventing bad breath, or halitosis.

Beat Bad Breath Tip # 1: Good Oral Hygiene

“Good oral hygiene is at the very heart of preventing bad breath, therefore, brushing and flossing more thoroughly and more often is a must,” say a Silver Spring dentist. “As a rule, you should be flossing before you go to bed at night and you should brush for two minutes, three times a day.”

Beat Bad Breath Tip # 2: Use a Tongue Scraper

The tongue is often neglected in the home oral hygiene routine and yet, it’s full of tiny cracks and crevasses where bacteria can hide. Stick your tongue out in the mirror. It should be pink all the way to the back of the mouth – any whiteness or staining is evidence of the oral bacteria that sour your breath. Brush your tongue or make use of a tongue scraper to avoid this problem.

Beat Bad Breath Tip # 3: Stop Smoking

“Smoking causes halitosis, not only because the smell of it seeps into the soft tissues of your mouth, but also because it causes dry mouth,” explains a dentist in Silver Spring. “This renders the oral cavity a more favorable environment for bacterial growth, since saliva contains anti-bacterial enzymes. Smoking also impedes the natural healing process and leaves you more vulnerable to infection, tooth loss and oral cancer.”

Beat Bad Breath Tip # 4: Avoid Stinky Foods

No matter how good you are about keeping your teeth clean, there are certain foods and beverages that will sour your breath. “Pungent foods, such as onion and garlic will immediately make your breath smell bad, but the real problem behind these foods is that they get absorbed by the bloodstream and are then exhaled out through the lungs,” explain Silver Spring dentists. “The same applies to alcohol. Drink enough of it and you’ll literally start breathing alcoholic fumes.”

The best way to remedy bad breath caused by pungent-smelling foods and alcoholic beverages is to either (1) avoid them entirely, (2) enjoy them WITH your date so that you don’t notice it on their breath later, (3) decide not to care what other people think!

Beat Bad Breath Tip # 5: Chew Sugar-free Gum

“Lots of people suck on mints or other candies in an effort to sweeten their breath, when in fact it can have the opposite effect,” explains the dentist in Silver Spring. “Anything with sugar in it will encourage bacteria to flourish in your mouth. And bacteria are responsible for making your breath bad. So, while an after-dinner mint may sweeten your breath for ten minutes or so, it will start to sour shortly thereafter. Chewing sugar-free gum is way better. It also remineralizes your teeth, neutralizes acid and helps to irrigate your mouth.”

Beat Bad Breath Tip # 6: Book an Appointment with Your Dentist or Doctor

If none of your oral hygiene efforts are paying off, it might be time to go and see the dentist! You may have an infection somewhere in your mouth. It is also possible that your problem isn’t oral at all! Certain diseases and infections elsewhere in the body can cause your breath to go bad. Sinus infections and liver, kidney and respiratory problems all have “bad breath” listed under their symptoms, so make sure you ask your Silver Spring dentist for advice!