SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI-Whether it is bumping into a neighbor while out shopping, making small talk in the close confines of the office or meeting up a first date, fresh breath should be a priority for all social interactions.

“Don’t assume that you don’t have bad breath because you don’t notice it,” said Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a Nixa dentist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “You acclimate to your own smell, which means you aren’t able to smell your own breath even with the breathing into cupped hands and sniffing technique.”

There is a simple fresh breath self-test for a more accurate representation of what breath smells like to others. Use a spoon to scrape from the very back portion of the tongue toward the front of the mouth. After the saliva dries, smell the spoon to find out what others smell.

“Bad breath, which is medically called halitosis, is not something you have to live with or ineffectively mask with breath mints or gum,” said Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Springfield MO family dentistry expert. “We can help you find out the source and get your breath smelling fresh again.”

Bad Breath Causes
Many factors could be causing or adding to halitosis, but ultimately bad breath boils down to one cause: oral bacteria. These conditions can contribute to oral bacteria and negatively affect your breath:

• Untreated periodontal disease
• Food with strong odors like onions, garlic
• Dry mouth, also called xerostomia
• Sinus infections, allergies or post nasal drip
• Digestive issues and acid reflux
• Poor dental hygiene and overdue dental visits
• Smoking and using other tobacco products
• Dentures

Bad Breath Solutions
Treating halitosis means controlling the oral bacteria in the mouth that causes it. That means removing as much bacteria as possible, using products to clean bacteria off hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and treating conditions that promote its growth.

“Ruling out periodontal disease is the first step in treating halitosis,” said Dr. Marc Barnett, a Nixa dental care provider since 1984. “Treat periodontal disease will improve breath, but if gum disease isn’t to blame, then we can discuss other treatments or mouth rinses to get long-lasting fresh breath.”

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The disease is characterized by swollen, red gums and a receding gum line. The bacteria from gum disease causes toxins to form in the mouth and left untreated will damage the gums and supporting jawbone until tooth loss occurs.

“Food particles and plaque get on and in between your teeth every time you eat or drink anything,” said Dr. Nick Matthews, who offers cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening. “Your primary weapon against bad breath is brushing and flossing to remove the food source of the bacteria.”

However, oral bacteria reside in areas that cannot be brushed, including the very back of the tongue, back of the throat, tonsils and deep below the gum line. Saliva is the body’s natural defense for these areas because it moistens and cleanses the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque. It also washes away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums and cheeks, so it is essential to deal with any condition causing dry mouth to avoid an increased risk for cavities and bad breath. Saliva alone is not enough to keep teeth healthy. Regular dental appointments are essential to scrape away the plaque from below the gum line and keep bad breath at bay.

“Mouthwash and breath mints are temporary fixes that mask bad breath,” said Davis. “We can prescribe antiseptic mouth rinses that are far more effective and long lasting because they kill the germs that cause bad breath.”

Whatever the cause of halitosis, it is not a condition that people need to continue to cover up or be embarrassed about. The dentists at Barnett-Davis Dental Group can help people get on their way to fresh breath and renewed confidence.

Learn More
To learn more about Barnett-Davis Dental Group, call (417) 581-3600 or visit their website (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/).

About Barnett-Davis Dental Group
Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett, Dr. Tracy Davis and Dr. Nick Matthews practice a full range of cosmetic and general dentistry in the Springfield, MO area. The dental group has been ranked as “Best of the Ozarks” by the Springfield News-Leader newspaper and “Top Dentists” by the local 417 Magazine.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – No dentist wants a dissatisfied patient, but it happens from time to time. Dr. Greg Larson, a dentist in San Francisco, wants patients to understand that seeking a second opinion can be best for their oral health.

Patients might be overwhelmed by the idea of choosing a dentist for life. Larson believes patients should be completely satisfied with their dentists and their dental offices. Sometimes patients visit the same dentist they’ve seen since childhood. Some patients choose the closest dental office to their home or work. These factors should be taken into consideration, but they shouldn’t mean patients should compromise on the dental staff or the oral care the office provides.

So when is it time to get a second opinion on your oral health?

You’re Uncomfortable
Larson’s San Francisco cosmetic dentistry office takes comfort to the next level. His staff believes an inviting environment puts patients at ease. They provide patients warm hand towels and aromatherapy. A comfortable neck pillow stabilizes patients’ postures in the dental chair. They even have refreshments and a hookup to play your iPod during your cleaning.

Dental work automatically makes certain patients uncomfortable. Patients should take note of the dental office environment to make sure it’s pleasing and warm. A clean, neat dental office is more inviting than a cluttered, dusty office. Dental hygienists, office staff and dentists have a responsibility to treat patients with care and respect.

You’re Confused
Dentists have different specialties, backgrounds and philosophies of oral care. One dentist may give a patient one diagnosis, while another dentist’s diagnosis may differ. Patients should seek a second dental opinion if their diagnosis is confusing or inconsistent with their oral care.

It is possible for patients to brush and floss faithfully and still develop cavities or gingivitis. Crowded teeth, irregular bites, oral pH and mouth breathing can cause problems in an otherwise clean mouth.

Larson and his staff take pride in their customer service. His patients receive full disclosure on dental procedures such as dental implants, laser gum contouring and teeth whitening.

Patients should know not only what to expect during a dental procedure, they should also understand the reasons a dental procedure is necessary or recommended for their oral health. Dentists should talk honestly with patients about the causes of their conditions.

You’re Not Being Talked To, Heard
Dentists treat a wide variety of conditions. They go beyond general teeth cleaning and X-rays to treat TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, teeth grinding and gum disease. Patients should be able to talk candidly with their dentists. The best dentists take their patients’ concerns seriously, and they listen carefully to the patients’ needs.

Dentists and hygienists should be excited to share new advancements in dentistry with their patients. An ideal dental staff helps patients achieve optimum oral health, including bringing a patient’s desired smile to life. An average dental staff does the minimum work required to keep patients’ mouth free of disease. Patients have the right to be picky regarding dental care. It’s the patient’s responsibility to search for a dental office that meets all their needs and provides excellent dental care.

Dentists who are unwilling to hear patients’ concerns are likely to be dropped for a more caring dentist. Patients should put their oral care and their family’s oral care first. A good dentist, a comforting environment and a friendly and informative dental staff can take dental visits from acceptable to outstanding.

Learn More
To learn more about Larson Dentistry, visit http://www.larsondentistry.com/or contact their office at 415-397-2804.

About Us
The Larson Dentistry team offers extensive dental care for San Francisco patients. Dr. Greg Larson stays current in his field by attending more than 200 hours of continuing education each year and mentoring other dentists worldwide.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Greg Larson. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Greg Larson and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – When a San Diego orthodontist sees a new adult patient for the first time, there often is more to be addressed than aligning teeth.

In addition to seeking affordable braces options from an orthodontics clinic, adult patients frequently are on a mission of achieving smile perfection. Accomplishing this can entail alterations to the soft tissue, or gums.

For that reason, soft tissue lasers are becoming a more common feature in many orthodontic practices across the country. A diode soft-tissue laser acts as a surgical instrument and emits concentrated energy via a light beam that precisely vaporizes gum tissue. In addition to being precise, it is quick, painless, less invasive than other alternatives, and preserves healthy tissue. Read More »

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Studies show that the number of adults who seek out an orthodontist in San Diego and other parts of the country continues to grow.

The New York Times reported in early February that between 1994 and 2010, the number of Americans age 18 and older undergoing orthodontic treatment increased 58 percent.

The number of people seeking adult treatment went from 680,000 per year to 1.1 million annually, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. In 2010, the most current year of statistics available, adults made up 22 percent of orthodontic patients, a 5 percent increase since 1994. Read More »

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – San Diego children’s and adult orthodontics providers are learning some interesting facts about premature babies and the effects of prematurity on oral health, based on research coming out of Sweden in the past several years.

Several Swedish studies have shown that a higher rate of premature babies need orthodontic treatment than babies who go full-term, and premature babies also tend to have smaller teeth.

Researchers at the Faculty of Odontology in Malmo, Sweden have conducted a handful of studies over the past several years about children’s dental health, according to an article posted on Science Daily.

In one study, Liselotte Paulsson-Bjornsson, an orthodontic services specialist, observed 80 children who were born at 33 weeks.

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – If braces are a part of your child’s future, you’re going to want to find the best kid’s orthodontist. San Diego parents should consider these five factors to help ensure your child’s path to orthodontic treatment is a smooth one.

1. Know when to consult an orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be assessed by an orthodontist by the time she turns 7. Frequently, there is no treatment required at this age. But if serious bite issues or poor oral habits are present in your kids, braces may be needed in the future. Identifying and correcting these sorts of problems early can lessen the length of treatment down the road, perhaps prevent the need for adult orthodontics, and even prevent your child from needing surgery in the future.

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Braces have transformed through the years and date back longer than you might think.

Archaeologists have discovered ancient mummies with crude metal bands wrapped around each tooth. Around 400 to 500 B.C., Hippocrates and Aristotle pondered about ways to straighten teeth while fixing many dental problems, according to the Arch Wired website. People have strived for straight teeth for millennia.

“Different breakthroughs included the 1728 creation of a horseshoe-shaped piece of metal,” says the San Diego Orthodontist. “This supposedly helped widen the arch.”

In the early 1900s, orthodontists used materials such as gold, platinum, silver, steel, gum rubber and vulcanite to create loops and ligatures. Wires and bands were made from 18-karat gold because gold is easy to shape.

Around the late 1960s, the Hyrax appliance was introduced. This expander consists of bands on the upper first premolars and first molars, which were connected by a steel bar. A hole sits in the middle of the bar. A turnkey is placed into the hole every night and pushed back to slowly widen the upper jaw. This is used in children’s orthodontics, because it is easier to widen the jaw of a patient whose bones haven’t yet fused together.

Bands were placed on the entirety of each tooth, and this type of braces continued until the mid-1970s when brackets were introduced. Brackets cover a small portion of the front or back surface of the tooth.

Self-ligating and lingual braces became a hit around the mid-1970s. Self-ligating brackets have a “trap door” that closes the archwire in without the use of elastic or metal ligatures. Lingual braces are brackets bonded to the back surface of the teeth. These became the “invisible” choice for many until the 1980s when aesthetic, tooth-colored brackets came out.

Invisible braces for teeth were taken to the next level when Invisalign was first made available to orthodontists in 1999. In 2000, the creator of Invisalign, Align Technology, launched its first U.S. national consumer campaign, according to the Align Technology website. This treatment proved to be a great asset to many orthodontists who were reaching out to the adult demographic.

Invisalign consists of custom-made aligners that are created for you and only you. These trays are smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible. Invisalign allows you to have the freedom to brush, floss, eat and drink without the worry of braces getting in the way because the trays are removable.

This treatment is available to teens as well. There are a few differences between the teen version and the original Invisalign. Invisalign Teen has the blue dot indicator- which fades when the aligners are worn for the appropriate length of time- extra aligners and the prevention of supra eruption for the second molars.

In 1998, a revolutionary digital technology was created to enhance orthodontic treatment. The SureSmile system creates a detailed 3D image of the patient. The entire treatment can be seen from beginning to end through this technology.

SureSmile archwires are customized for each patient and are bent robotically. Teeth don’t move faster; they move with more precision, according to the SureSmile website. Since 2004, this treatment has been used on more than 100,000 patients in the United States, Australia and Canada.

Orthodontic companies are always trying to develop more precise, high-tech methods of treatment. Braces have come a long way, and it doesn’t end here. The possibility of having a shorter treatment time, less discomfort and smaller, less visible brackets are within reach.

© 2012 San Diego Orthodontics and Master Google. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, an agency that specializes in orthodontic SEO, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein embedded links.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA -March is National Nutrition Month, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s slogan is “Get Your Plate In Shape.”

Created in 1973 as a week-long event, “National Nutrition Week” became a month-long campaign in 1980 due to the growing public interest in nutrition, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

This campaign focuses on the importance of making good food choices and developing stable eating and exercise habits. “Establishing sound nutritional habits early can be beneficial for your children throughout their lives”, says the San Diego pediatric orthodontist.

Choosing nutritional food can be important when striving for healthy teeth. The foods you choose for your children not only affect their general health; it can affect their teeth and gums as well.

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – Your child may be excited about losing a tooth and getting a gift from the tooth fairy and that’s great, provided baby teeth fall out naturally.
The baby teeth work as a pathway for the adult teeth. If your child takes great care of his/her baby teeth, chances are he/she will have great permanent teeth as well.

The primary teeth act as a space maker, and if your child prematurely loses a baby tooth that space can close before the permanent tooth erupts, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. A pediatric orthodontic care specialist can help create space if needed.

Your baby’s teeth begin forming before birth. The first baby tooth typically appears around the age of 6 months. Many infants don’t get a tooth until their first birthday. The two lower central incisors are usually the first to erupt, followed by the top central incisors.

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – National Tooth Fairy Day is right around the corner. The event is celebrated annually on February 28.

Losing your first tooth can be an exciting time, especially when there is a gift to look forward to. This day celebrates one of childhood’s make-believe visitors. Your child will look forward to placing their baby teeth under their pillows in hopes of waking up to something special in its place.

This is also a great time to teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth. Baby teeth are important to the eruption of the permanent dentition, according to the San Diego invisible braces provider. One purpose of baby teeth is to keep the space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
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