What is RADCT? RA Dental Competency Training. I am excited to announce our new competency training course in RA /IS for Therapists and Hygienist. More info here http://bit.ly/hue1bK. Please like and pass this forward to DCP friends and contacts.

Bad breath (halitosis) - your problems answered - Part 1

My thanks to our Dental Therapist Laura Woosey for this first of several guest blog posts for us.


Bad Breath – Too embarrassing to mention ?

Most people do suffer from bad breath (halitosis) at some point in their lives. Perhaps this includes you or someone close to you.

Halitosis can have a big impact on your self-confidence and social life, and can be caused by a number of things. There are many reasons why it happens. Here are the common ones.

There are hundreds of types of bacteria in the mouth some good, some bad.  However it is the sulphur-producing bacteria that cause the unpleasant odour.

Other types of bacteria cause tooth decay (cavities) whilst others cause gum diseases. If your gums feel spongy or bleed easily, its time to see you dentist, hygienist or dental therapist, for help.

Other reasons for bad breath may include smoking, drinking coffee, sinus and mucous problems, a dry mouth, eating protein rich foods and other foods such a garlic and onions. Often, in combination.

Sometimes bad breath occurs if people have stomach problems such as gastric reflux, frequent indigestion, heartburn or a hiatus hernia. All of these need help from your doctor.

To eliminate simple bad breath, follow these simple steps...

Firstly you must have an excellent oral health routine:

1.       Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes.  Remember to brush the gums gently as well.

2.       Brush the tongue or invest in a simple tongue scraper to remove excess toothpaste, plaque and tongue coating. A high percentage of halitosis comes from tongue bacteria!

There are lots to choose from. Here is a great story about how one inventor used YouTube to get his product known

3.       Floss daily to remove any trapped food/plaque from between the teeth that can contribute to bad breath.  By concentrating on tooth brushing and inter-dental cleaning  (flossing or bottle-brushing) around the gums you will also prevent gum disease which is a major factor of bad breath and tooth loss.

4.       Use an alcohol-free, fluoride-based mouthwash after lunch to freshen the mouth and flush out excess food and drink.  Look out for oxygenating mouthwashes or Retardex products, which kill the odour-producing bacteria.

5.       Use a fluoride toothpaste with a mint flavour when brushing.  Try to avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate (a foaming agent), which many do have.

6.       If you suffer from a dry mouth, it is important to stay hydrated with frequent sips of water (not fizzy or flavoured).  People with a dry mouth are very prone to tooth decay so be sure to keep up you dental examinations if you have this problem. This problem occurs as we get older and if we are taking some prescription medicines. Be sure to talk to your dentist, hygienist or therapist if this troubles you. It is important , so don’t ignore it.

7.       Avoid caffeine and regularly chew sugar free gum. Ones containing xylitol are especially good at fighting tooth decay.

8.       Be sure to get professional advice too, don’t cover-up if there is an underlying problem, such as sinusitis or gum disease. Rarely, bad breath may be caused

The Power of a Smile by Ron Gutman

Here is an enlightening look at the power of a smile by Ron Gutman, founder and CEO of HealthTap.
He also serves as the Curator of TEDxSilicon Valley.  This column was adopted from a presentation at the most recent TED conference.

"I found a simple and surprisingly powerful way to significantly improve my own life and the lives of others. So now, whenever you want to look great and competent, improve your marriage, or reduce your stress…or whenever you want to feel as good as when you’ve enjoyed a stack of high quality chocolate without incurring the caloric cost, or as if you randomly found 25 grand in the pocket of a jacket you hadn’t worn for ages…or when you want to tap into a superpower and help yourself and others live longer, healthier happier lives…SMILE."

Ron Gutman

There is much more about the background to his conclusion. It really is very interesting read it here .
So if you are embarrassed by your smile you may be losing out in more ways than you think.

Richard Charon

Just for Red-Nose day

Restored her faith in Dentists

Today we received this lovely testimonial from one of our patients.  Addressed to my wife Chris who runs the practice and is our Treatment Coordinator too.

Hi Chris ,

Just to say thanks again to you and Richard for having a go at fixing that
for me yesterday and for explaining about the veneers. Sounds like that is
next course of action. Just a shame I didn't find you earlier as I may have
been able to save my teeth from being in the state they are now! I know you
now have a complaints procedure but I'm not sure if you have a 'compliments'
one. In case you do then thanks again for helping to restore my faith in
dentists and making it much easier to visit the dentist! (the happy gas is
also fabulous!)

Zara 

If you would like to try us to see if we can help restore your faith in dentists, why not call Chris on 01635 47757 . And yes, the happy gas is also fabulous!

We have a v. busy day including IV sedation smile transformation. Yes we work alternate Saturdays. If you would love to transform your smile but are just too anxious to even think about it,  then pick up the phone, speak to Chris and arange a FREE no obligation chat over coffee to see how we can help you. NO check up or dental instruments to be seen !!