Category: Dental Tips

Fixing Bad Breath

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Brunette woman covers her mouth with the collar of her black shirt

We all occasionally have bad breath – especially after eating foods full of onion and garlic. For most of us, it’s a temporary annoyance fixed by brushing our teeth, using mouthwash, or even chewing some sugar-free gum, in a pinch.

However, for others, chronic bad breath can be a sign of something more serious. Today, we want to talk about some of the causes of bad breath and some of the ways that Dr. Ghimire and the rest of our team here at Paris Mountain Dental treat it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath has a variety of causes. Sometimes, it’s as simple as the food we eat. But other times, bad breath is the result of a more serious health condition.

  • Smoking is known to cause bad breath. Additionally, smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease, which is another source of bad breath.
  • Dry mouth can also cause bad breath, as it indicates that your saliva production has decreased. A variety of medications list dry mouth as a side effect.
  • More serious conditions such as tonsil stones, chronic inflammation, and cancer are also known to cause bad breath.

    • How Do I Fix Bad Breath?

    If you notice any sudden or severe changes with your breath, let Dr. Ghimire know during your next dental visit. Dr. Ghimire will diagnose your issue, and then come up with a treatment plan.

  • For some patients, a more thorough preventive care routine (brushing twice daily for two minutes each time and flossing every day) will solve the problem.
  • For almost all of our patients who complain about bad breath, we recommend increasing their water intake. Water cleans your teeth in between brushing, and helps you stay hydrated to ensure that your saliva is functioning properly.
  • For others, Dr. Ghimire may prescribe a mouth spray that increases saliva production and can eliminate dry mouth.
  • If it turns out that your bad breath is a result of gum disease or another more serious issue, Dr. Ghimire will treat the underlying issue in order to fix your bad breath.

    • Contact our office to ask any additional questions about bad breath or to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Ghimire.

    Do you have chronic bad breath?

    Let Us Help Freshen Your Breath!

    Is It Possible to Never Get a Cavity?

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    Woman covers mouth embarrassed of bad cavity

    There are a variety of factors that determine whether you get a cavity or not. From genetics to diet to your dental care habits, a multitude of variables can cause cavities. Cavities need to be treated as soon as possible as they can result in dangerous infections and even tooth loss.

    Cavities are one of the most common dental ailments, but is it possible to never get cavities? It turns out, it is. About 92% of adults have experienced a cavity, but the other 8% have not! Today, let’s talk about what causes cavities and why some lucky folks never get them.

    What Causes Cavities?

    At any given time, your mouth is full of bacteria. Most of the bacteria in your mouth is good and helps you digest food, fight disease, and keep your mouth clean. However, some of the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, creating a harmful acid. This acid, combined with other bacteria, food debris, and saliva form plaque and wear down tooth enamel (the hard, protective outer coating of your teeth). The holes created by the acid are called cavities. Left untreated, cavities can result in tooth decay, infection and even tooth loss.

    How Can You Prevent Cavities?

    Some people have a natural advantage in the fight against cavities. Scientists have determined that some people just don’t have the type of bacteria that causes cavities. For the rest of us, there are many steps you can take to reduce the chance of getting a cavity. Limit your intake of sugary, starchy foods that give bacteria something to feed on. Also, make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day to clean away food particles.

    If you are worried you might have a cavity or have any questions about cavities, contact our office and one of our knowledgeable team members would be happy to speak with you or help you schedule an appointment.

    Do you have questions about proper oral care?

    We Have Answers!

    How Common Is Dental Anxiety?

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    brunette woman in gray dress leaning against gray wall holding bridge of nose dealing with anxiety

    At Paris Mountain Dental, Dr. Ghimire and the rest of our team know that many folks are apprehensive about visiting the dentist. If you are part of the 15% of Americans who avoid going to the dentist out of anxiety, we understand, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our patients have a variety of reasons for their dental anxiety. Perhaps they had a negative experience at the dentist when they were younger, or maybe they feel out of control or don’t understand what will happen once they’re in the dentist’s chair.

    Because we know that so many people are reluctant to visit the dentist, our team goes above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable from the moment you set foot in our office. From amenities to pain-free dentistry technologies, we work hard to help you get the care you need.

    Office Amenities

    We’ve designed our office with comfort in mind for our patients and their families. We offer refreshments, magazines, WiFi, TVs, and a serene setting. We also have blankets, pillows, and aromatherapy candles available. You’ll feel relaxed and at ease while waiting for your appointment. We often recommend that our patients, especially those with anxiety, arrive early in order to familiarize themselves with our office and take advantage of our office amenities.

    Gentle Care

    We offer two sedation and anesthetic options to make your procedures more comfortable: nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and DentalVibe, a gentler way of administering numbing medication. Talk to Dr. Ghimire about your concerns, and we will work to make sure that you have a pain and stress-free appointment.

    Know What to Expect

    Our team often finds that patients are more comfortable during their appointments if they know exactly what to expect. For this reason, our staff and Dr. Ghimire take care to clearly explain everything they do as well as the reason for it. This way, you can rest assured knowing that you are in well-qualified hands.

    Don’t let dental anxiety force you to live with painful or unsightly teeth. Call our office today to schedule an appointment and to discuss your options. We will work hard to come up with a plan that keeps you comfortable and healthy. Call us at (864) 610-6188 or schedule an appointment online.

    We can help you feel comfortable in our care!

    Call Us Today

    How Do Different Animals Deal with Teeth Problems?

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    black and white rabbit sitting in grass and leaves

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be your pet? What about what it would be like to be your pet with a toothache? Turns out, different animals deal with their teeth problems differently. Here are just some of our favorite animals, and the ways they deal with dental issues.

    Dogs

    If you have a dog, beware, because they rarely show any discomfort when it comes to dental issues. Man’s best friend will happily wag their tail and act as if everything is normal even with a cracked tooth or gum disease. This is because they’ve evolved to hide chronic pain, and their instincts tell them not to show signs of weakness. If the oral problem is bad enough, you will be able to see certain symptoms like vocalizing when they eat, head shyness (not wanting you to pet them on their head), chewing on one side of their mouth, and difficulty picking up food.

    Cats

    Like dogs, cats are experts at hiding their pain as their instincts are to resist showing any sign of weakness. By the time your cat shows any signs, their dental issue is probably very advanced. Beyond the usual symptoms of bad breath, some indicators that your cat is suffering from oral pain include difficulty eating or loss of appetite, drooling, chattering (jaw shakes or quivers) when they eat or groom, pawing at their mouth, excessive teeth grinding or yawning, head shaking or tilting, decreasing their grooming, pulling away when touched or petted near the mouth, and any changes in normal behavior such as becoming more aggressive.

    Rabbits

    Rabbits are also very good at hiding their pain. Are you sensing a pattern? When rabbits have tooth pain, you may not be able to tell right away, but it’s important to be on the lookout for some symptoms so you can get them treatment. Some signs of dental problems include picky eating, bad breath, reduced activity, matted fur, weight loss, bulging eyes, slobbering, a creamy discharge from the eyes and nose, facial abscess, and even anorexia.

    To avoid any oral health issues, be sure to practice good dental hygiene with your pet every day. And while you’re at it, be sure you’re taking care of your mouth, too! At Paris Mountain Dental, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best dental care. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

    Your smile is important to us!

    Call Today