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Dr Paul F Mitsch
Paul F. Mitsch, D.M.D. believes that this is such an exciting time to be a dentist. Innovations and refinements in technology and treatment options are introduced continually. To maintain a leading edge, he has added to his educational foundation with advanced training in the newest of the new techniques. Education: D.M.D. Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. B.A., Biology, University of California at San Diego. Fellowships: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Dentistry International, and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Associate Fellowships: American College of Oral Implantology, American Society of Osseointegration. You can reach Dr. Paul Mitsch at (316) 775-2482 or stop by his office in Augusta at 401 State Street in the historical downtown district.
Dental
2005-02-01 11:24:00
What causes bad breath? I brush!
ANSWER: Bad breath is termed "halitosis."  The social implications of halitosis are easily understood:  alienation, embarrassment and a lasting memory of how a person smells instead of how a person looks or interacts with others.  Our sense of smell is a wonderful sense and it is a protective sense.  Our sense of smell is also closely associated to memory and sense of taste.  As a protective sense, smell will sometimes determine our appetite or may warn us of many pending changes.  And just as we become accustomed to other noxious conditions in our environment, we do not always notice our breath and many times our loved ones do not either.  Even so, our loved ones or close friends might rather endure the foul odors floating from our words than warn us that we are diminishing the insect population!For most of us, we are victims to our habits.  Eating habits, for example, will affect the condition or the smells that produce halitosis.  Garlic is one food that is great for the heart but unmistakable in a wrestling match!  Smoking, alcohol and coffee produce similar results.    Generally, these conditions exist because of sulfides that are produced in the saliva and linger in the mouth.  By neutralizing the sulfides, the breath is neutral and can even be freshened.  In dentistry, many practices have machines that actually measure sulfides and an index or number is produced to tell a patient what his or her particular "halitosis alert" is.  Once the person has a breath level established, the dentist can prescribe a remedy. If a person participates in any habit that results in bad breath, a simple solution in breath care is mouth wash or rinse. There are many available over-the-counter and most will perform very well.  However, breath mints and candies that are used for the same purpose may be more harmful to a person than the halitosis. If the agent (candy) has sugars and especially high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an additive, making a habit of the candy may damage the teeth. In this case, the best option is a breath freshener with a sugar substitute such as my favorite, xylitol, because it destroys cavity-forming bacteria. Some believe chewing gum will solve the bad breath dilemma but it has the same effect as candy and also may damage a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) if the joint is stressed.  There are times when halitosis is a condition of health and the person really has no ability to notice or change the condition.  Diabetics have a characteristic smell to their breath when they are entering a crisis.   Patients with Gastric Esophogeal Reflux (GERD) may have a characteristic smell and odor in the morning. Medicines also will be metabolized in the lungs and create or throw off a particular odor.  Of course, periodontal disease and necrosis or dead tissue both produce characteristic odors.  These signs of chronic bad breath should be evaluated and if one cannot control the odor, the person should seek attention and consider where the odor is coming from. We have not yet come to the point that it is comfortable to tell strangers that they have stinky breath.  However, we should take an interest in those who are close to us and consider their breath a courtesy if they have a problem.  If someone approaches me and explains that I could use a little rinse, I will thank them.  And if my family were to notice a smell like airplane glue coming from my mouth, I hope they would tell me so I could get tested for diabetes.  Halitosis and the treatment of all the conditions that cause bad breath are only sensible ways to live a healthier and happier life.
 
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