Category: Bad Breath

What Causes Bad Breath?

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Chronic bad breath is often a sign of a serious dental problem, and should be investigated by your dentist right away. Temporary bad breath may be caused by dehydration, or forgetting to brush your teeth. Chronic bad breath can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, infection, or oral cancer.

Watch this video from the American Dental Association to learn more about the most common causes of bad breath. As harmful bacteria build up in your mouth, it combines with food particles, resulting in unpleasant breath.

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you should visit one of our general dentists in Chicago for a dental consultation. During your dental exam, your dentist will check for signs of dental problems that may be causing your bad breath. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (312) 704-5511.

What Exactly is in Toothpaste?

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People have been finding ways to clean their teeth for as long as they’ve had teeth, but toothpaste as we know it is a relatively new innovation. If you’re like most people, you probably have a favorite brand of toothpaste, but it’s also probable that you’ve never given too much thought as to what’s in it. Even if you have taken time to read the ingredients on the label, you may not know what those ingredients are. Watch this video, and you’ll get an overview of what’s in the toothpaste you use.

The video does a great job at explaining what’s in toothpaste, and even offers a recipe for homemade toothpaste, but there are a few things it doesn’t address. One important note about toothpaste is that it is possible to be allergic to it. Toothpaste includes many ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, including flavorings, preservatives, and even fluoride. If you’re allergic, you might experience mouth swelling, canker sores, cracking at the corners of the mouth, dry, chapped lips, gum irritation, or an upset stomach. You may also experience a rash or peeling skin around the mouth, or lips that are scaly and itchy. A toothpaste allergy can be confirmed by a patch test, so if you think you may be allergic, talk to your doctor.

If you are allergic to something found in toothpaste, it’s good to identify the exact allergen so that you can seek out a toothpaste that doesn’t contain that particular ingredient. You might have better luck with a different flavor of toothpaste, or a toothpaste from a brand that specializes in natural products. Of course you can also make your own toothpaste, using ingredients such as coconut oil and baking soda.

The right toothpaste can help keep your mouth healthy, and so can regular dental checkups. At your appointment at University Associates in Dentistry, ask your dentist about the best type of toothpaste for you.  You can make a dentist appointment in Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511, or visit our website for more information or to set up a complimentary consultation.

 

Why Does Garlic Cause Bad Breath?

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Many different things can cause bad breath, but one common trigger that most people know about is garlic. Garlic-linked bad breath may not need treatment from your dentist, but it does have a tendency to be remarkably persistent, lingering long after you’ve brushed your teeth. Why does it cause such bad breath, and why is garlic breath so hard to treat?

 

Bulbs of garlic on cutting board and garlic press on light background

 

Watch this video to learn more about why garlic causes bad breath. The sulfates in garlic are primarily to blame, and since they enter your bloodstream, brushing isn’t enough to get rid of them.

 

At University Associates in Dentistry, our dentists in Chicago can’t stop garlic breath, but they can help you keep your smile healthy and strong with general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry treatments. For more information, please call (312) 704-5511.

Unusual Causes of Bad Breath

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Most people have experienced bad breath after a garlic or onion-laden meal, but what if your bad breath lingers, no matter what steps you take to fix it? Chances are that you have an undiagnosed oral health problem that needs to be treated by your dentist.

 

Watch this video to learn more about some oral health issues that can cause bad breath. As seen in the video, a salivary stone can be a surprising trigger for bad breath. If you have one, it needs to be removed by your dentist.

 

At University Associates in Dentistry, we offer preventive care as well as dental implants, teeth bonding, and other important services. To make an appointment with a general dentist in Chicago, call (312) 704-5511.

Could Your Favorite Fast Food Cause Bad Breath?

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A greasy burger and fries can hit the spot, but your dentist won’t be happy about the effect it could have on your oral health. Regular fast food intake is also linked to halitosis, which could reduce your self-esteem. Watch this video and see if your favorite fast food is causing your bad breath.

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Most fast food options contain greasy residues that cause reactions inside your body as you swallow and digest the food. These reactions result in an unpleasant smell that comes up through your mouth and taints your breath. Fast food also makes your stomach more acidic and can contribute to gastric reflux, so balance your diet with fruits and vegetables.

University Associates in Dentistry can give you a dental consultation in Chicago to find out what is causing your bad breath. Call us today at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website for more information, including general and cosmetic dentistry.

The Link Between Acidic Foods and Your Dental Health

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The Link Between Acidic Foods and Your Dental Health

Taking care of your oral health has many facets to it, and your nutrition is an important one. Acidic foods can have a negative impact on your teeth, but you can protect yourself by knowing what you should and shouldn’t eat. You can also work with your dentist to minimize the damage and maintain your beautiful smile. Here’s a look at the link between acidic foods and dental health.

What’s Going On

Certain types of foods and beverages are more acidic than others, and the acids in these products can wear away your tooth enamel. Any acidic food debris left on your enamel can trigger demineralization, which can make your teeth more sensitive. The more demineralization occurs, the closer your dentin will get to being exposed. Remember that brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods can be counterproductive, so drink some water and wait a few minutes before you brush your teeth after a meal.

Which Foods to Be Careful With

If you’re looking to modify your diet so you can keep your dentist happy and your teeth healthy, you should know what foods to stay away from. Ketchup, hot sauce, and products made with tomatoes are acidic, as are lemons, limes, and oranges. Wine and coffee can also wear away at your enamel and cause sensitivity and discomfort. Enjoy these foods, but try to eat them in moderation.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely in order to take care of your oral health. Foods like citrus fruits and berries can be good for you, so you might want to keep them in your diet. Remember to drink water while you eat these types of foods and let your saliva clean out the acidity. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can also help to keep you healthy.

In addition to avoiding (or at least cutting back) certain types of foods and drinking plenty of water, be sure to visit your dentist in Chicago on a routine basis. Don’t forget to call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 whenever you are in need of teeth bonding, periodontics, or Invisalign, or stop by our offices to meet with us.

The Link Between Smoking and Your Oral Health

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The Link Between Smoking and Your Oral Health

Smoking has been linked to a variety of serious oral health conditions. When you go to this site , you will take a brief look at the link between smoking and your oral health. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease, and tooth discoloration. Your dentist can provide you with additional details about the affect that smoking has on your teeth and smile.

When you are seeking a reputable dentist in Chicago , look no further than University Associates in Dentistry. Whether you need a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist that can provide you with dental implants, you will be able to schedule your procedure at our office. Give us a call at (312) 704-5511 to make your next dental appointment today.

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