Are People Running the Other Way When You Open Your Mouth?

If people have been covering their noses or turning the other way when you talk, it could be time to schedule an appointment with your Glendale Dentist, Dr. Kenneth Bogdon.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is something that more than 80 million people deal with, and that is just in the United States alone. Bacteria that originate usually cause chronic bad breath from your tongue and gums, with poor oral hygiene being the pain culprit.

According to your Dentist in Glendale, bad breath could be caused from physical problems such as kidney failure, diabetes, or liver malfunction. If you smoke or drink alcohol, you could be contributing to the problem. Eating spicy or odorous foods like onions and garlic could also be causing your halitosis. Spicy foods can be detected on your breath even after it is digested. Onions can actually be absorbed and extracted through the lungs and skin. 

Discovering where the odor is coming from is something that your Glendale Dentist will look for during a dental checkup. If you are undergoing any kind of cancer treatment where dry mouth is an issue that could be part of the problem. According to your Dentist in Glendale, excessive dieting, hormonal changes, age, and snoring could affect the way your breath smells.

When it comes to halitosis, saliva is the key as it helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Morning breath is caused by the slowing down of your salivary glands creating that lovely smell that is usually present when you get out of bed in the morning. You can get rid of morning breath by brushing your teeth as soon as you get up followed by a good breakfast. If you are in the habit of skipping breakfast, your morning breath could suddenly reappear, even after you have brushed.

If you are in good physical health, but still suffer from halitosis, schedule an appointment with your Glendale Dentist who will be able to determine if your bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. If that is the case, Dr. Bogdon may schedule a deep cleaning that includes scaling and planing.

Oral health begins at home, and that means brushing twice and flossing once a day. Rinse your mouth after you eat and don’t forget to clean your tongue after you brush your teeth with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. Chewing sugarless gum can also help with halitosis.

The best defense against bad breath is oral health, and that includes regular checkups with your Dentist in Glendale. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bogden today.

Five Healthy Foods for Your Teeth and Gums

Everyone hears about the foods that are bad for your teeth, but what about the foods that are actually good for your teeth. According to Joy Bauer and your Glendale Dentist, there are certain foods that can keep plaque at bay and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. You can keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy by brushing twice and flossing once a day, and by adding five healthy foods to your diet.  

Milk does a body good, but it can work wonders on your teeth. Your Dentist in Glendale understands that bones will benefit from drinking milk, but so will your teeth. Calcium can help you protect your teeth against gum disease as it strengthens your jawbone and keeps it healthy. Women are more prone to gingivitis and periodontal disease because of poor calcium absorption. Try drinking 1 percent low fat or skim milk, as you will get the nutrients without the added fat.

Salmon and mackerel are both fatty fish that are loaded with Vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy teeth and gums. According to your Glendale Dentist, Vitamin D allows the body to use and absorb calcium, which will protect your teeth and gums. The Vitamin D that is found in both mackerel and salmon make it easy for your bones and teeth to get the calcium they need.

Citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges actually strengthen your blood vessels and your connective tissue, which keeps your gums strong. According to your Dentist in Glendale, Dr. Kevin Bogdon, the Vitamin C helps reduce the inflammation that may slow or even prevent gingivitis from progressing.

Just like citrus fruits, strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C that helps build your gums. Your Glendale Dentist will tell you that Vitamin C helps to produce collagen, which is one of the key proteins needed for gum integrity and strength. Strong gums are the most important part of your overall oral health. Eat a half a cup of strawberries and you will be getting 70 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin C.

Water helps to wash away the debris that is left in your mouth after eating and drinking, but according to Bogdon Dental, it also keeps your saliva flowing. You may not know this, but saliva is the best defense your mouth has when it comes to tooth decay. Saliva contains minerals and proteins that will actually counteract with the acids that eat away enamel. Saliva is 95 percent water, so drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Another reason to drink water is that it helps to displace sweetened waters and other sugary drinks.

For more information, contact your Glendale Dentist and schedule an appointment today.