Local dentists offer halitosis help
By Nick Hytrek | Posted: Thursday, November 13, 2008
We've all been there.
You're at a social gathering and you strike up a conversation with someone. You share a hearty laugh and then it hits you. The other person's breath reeks. You make up a reason to excuse yourself and move to another part of the room.
Bad breath is no laughing matter. We've all had it at and have had the displeasure being in close proximity to someone else who has it. Scientists have given the condition a pleasant-sounding name: halitosis. But how can a nice word like that be applied to such an unpleasant problem?
Maybe because bad breath can most likely be the result of a medical condition. Its cause is more complex than just a lunch full of smelly food. Popping breath mints might help a little, but that's not a cure. Two Sioux City dentists recently shared their knowledge on bad breath to help understand the condition.
What causes bad breath?
"It's caused by odor-producing bacteria in your mouth. That bacteria grows on food particles in the mouth," said Dr. Brian Bursick of Wheelock & Bursick Dentistry, 4100 Morningside Ave.
That bacteria then releases a sulfur compound, which causes the odor.
So it's not because of that sandwich loaded with onions that I ate for lunch?
Partly. Bursick said smelly foods like onions and garlic contain oils. Blood transports the oil to the lungs and when you breathe, the odor is exhaled.
Sure, all those onions are going to make your breath stink for the rest of the day, but it's often the result of more than just what you had for lunch.
Then if it's not just food, what is it?
"The most common problem is periodontal disease or gum disease," said Dr. Johanna Halbur of The Dental Depot, 3900 Floyd Blvd. "Most of the really bad breath is because of gum disease."
Gum disease can lead to pockets forming around the teeth. Those pockets trap food and bacteria, which we already have heard is the main cause of bad breath.
One of the big problems is that people often don't know they have gum disease.
"The bad thing about gum disease is it doesn't hurt," Bursick said.
There are other causes, too. Smoking causes bad breath. People with dentures sometimes will have bad breath. It might be an infection in the tonsils or respiratory or gastrointestinal tract problems.
"Other people just seem to have a problem with bad breath," Halbur said.
If it's gum disease, how can it be treated?
A good periodontal cleaning at the dentist's office can clean out those pockets, which will eventually shrink and no longer be a place for bacteria to thrive.
What can I do to prevent bad breath?
No. 1 is good oral hygiene.
"Good brushing, good flossing, regular dental checkups, regular cleanings," Halbur said.
Don't forget to brush your tongue. The rough surface traps food particles, thus giving bacteria a chance to grow.
If you wear dentures, clean them well daily.
Can't I just fix the problem with mouthwash?
Sure, if you're that lazy. But be aware that most mouthwashes just mask the odor. If you use mouthwash, use one with antiseptic to kill germs, Bursick said. Your dentist may be able to recommend other types that work well.
Do people know that their dentists can help?
Not really, and most patients usually don't want to bring up the subject.
"I think people are a little embarrassed. They're embarrassed to say something, and dentists are embarrassed to bring it up," Halbur said.
But those who swallow their embarrassment can work together with their dentist to figure out the most likely cause and best way to tackle it.
To learn more about bad breath, visit the American Dental Association's Web site at www.ada.org. Under the heading The Public, click on Oral Health Topics A-Z.
You're at a social gathering and you strike up a conversation with someone. You share a hearty laugh and then it hits you. The other person's breath reeks. You make up a reason to excuse yourself and move to another part of the room.
Bad breath is no laughing matter. We've all had it at and have had the displeasure being in close proximity to someone else who has it. Scientists have given the condition a pleasant-sounding name: halitosis. But how can a nice word like that be applied to such an unpleasant problem?
Maybe because bad breath can most likely be the result of a medical condition. Its cause is more complex than just a lunch full of smelly food. Popping breath mints might help a little, but that's not a cure. Two Sioux City dentists recently shared their knowledge on bad breath to help understand the condition.
What causes bad breath?
"It's caused by odor-producing bacteria in your mouth. That bacteria grows on food particles in the mouth," said Dr. Brian Bursick of Wheelock & Bursick Dentistry, 4100 Morningside Ave.
That bacteria then releases a sulfur compound, which causes the odor.
So it's not because of that sandwich loaded with onions that I ate for lunch?
Partly. Bursick said smelly foods like onions and garlic contain oils. Blood transports the oil to the lungs and when you breathe, the odor is exhaled.
Sure, all those onions are going to make your breath stink for the rest of the day, but it's often the result of more than just what you had for lunch.
Then if it's not just food, what is it?
"The most common problem is periodontal disease or gum disease," said Dr. Johanna Halbur of The Dental Depot, 3900 Floyd Blvd. "Most of the really bad breath is because of gum disease."
Gum disease can lead to pockets forming around the teeth. Those pockets trap food and bacteria, which we already have heard is the main cause of bad breath.
One of the big problems is that people often don't know they have gum disease.
"The bad thing about gum disease is it doesn't hurt," Bursick said.
There are other causes, too. Smoking causes bad breath. People with dentures sometimes will have bad breath. It might be an infection in the tonsils or respiratory or gastrointestinal tract problems.
"Other people just seem to have a problem with bad breath," Halbur said.
If it's gum disease, how can it be treated?
A good periodontal cleaning at the dentist's office can clean out those pockets, which will eventually shrink and no longer be a place for bacteria to thrive.
What can I do to prevent bad breath?
No. 1 is good oral hygiene.
"Good brushing, good flossing, regular dental checkups, regular cleanings," Halbur said.
Don't forget to brush your tongue. The rough surface traps food particles, thus giving bacteria a chance to grow.
If you wear dentures, clean them well daily.
Can't I just fix the problem with mouthwash?
Sure, if you're that lazy. But be aware that most mouthwashes just mask the odor. If you use mouthwash, use one with antiseptic to kill germs, Bursick said. Your dentist may be able to recommend other types that work well.
Do people know that their dentists can help?
Not really, and most patients usually don't want to bring up the subject.
"I think people are a little embarrassed. They're embarrassed to say something, and dentists are embarrassed to bring it up," Halbur said.
But those who swallow their embarrassment can work together with their dentist to figure out the most likely cause and best way to tackle it.
To learn more about bad breath, visit the American Dental Association's Web site at www.ada.org. Under the heading The Public, click on Oral Health Topics A-Z.
