Articles and Notes on the Dental FieldHaving a good teeth cleaning can guard against all sorts of nasty diseases By Edward M. Reifman, DDS Whenever I'm at a social gathering and someone finds out that I'm a dentist, the statement invariably follows: “Oh, I've got to see a dentist, I really need a cleaning!” Although I don't push the subject (since I'm working "in the mouth" throughout the week), when that person asks me more questions about all his teeth problems, the most important tidbit I can leave with him or her is the following advice: If you haven't seen your dentist for quite a while, be sure you have x-rays, an oral exam, and especially... a cleaning! Why the incredible importance of a teeth cleaning? Because all that plaque and stuff under the gums has been accumulating for months or years!, and although not painful, it contributes to a continual, chronic bacterial infection. In other words, a chronic gum disease. It is this chronic gum disease that infects over 75% of the adult population to one degree or another. You may not know this, but gum disease also does something far worse than contributing to bad breath, or dingy-looking teeth. Gingivitis contributes to heart problems, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's, lowered immune response, and pre-term birth weight babies. Additionally, last year, it was found out that those with pancreatic cancer usually have had recent bouts of gum disease. Ugh! During this over-due dental visit, your dentist or hygienist will gently sit you down, and tell you just what's going on in your mouth. They shouldn't lecture you into feeling bad about your procrastination, either! And in many, if not most cases, gum disease can be successfully treated non-surgically! That chronic "underneath the gums infection" can be eradicated, and with it your susceptibility to those diseases I mentioned earlier! So call your dentist for that long-delayed teeth cleaning, and get healthier today! The Root Cause of Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis), and How to Get Rid of It! By Edward M. Reifman, DDS When I was attending UCLA Dental School (sometime in the last century), the words 'feator oris', 'halitosis', or plain old 'mouth odor' meant one thing: "Please don't breathe on me!" Bad breath has been an epidemic in society since humans first got close enough around a campfire to coin the term. And today, bad breath remains a societal epidemic. One look at the dozens of commercials on TV extolling different mouth rinses, toothpastes, even herbal pills, and the stigma of bad breath (and benefits of odor-free exhalation), are obvious. Do all those rinses and bacteria-fighting pastes, constant brushing of the teeth, and "enhanced" flossing products really work? Yes and no. Most of these products do work in terms of combating bad breath... for a few minutes. But mouth rinses and brushing cannot get to the root of the problem, which is either killing sulfur-producing bacteria - or reducing their output in other ways. That's why the "hottest" cinnamon gum fades after an hour or two, leaving you with dragon breath that can curl plant life half a room away. How to fight back? One way is to know where the bacteria resides - then attack! Try brushing the back of your tongue. When you get a minute, say ‘ahh' and poke your tongue out in the mirror, pre-school style. Notice all those crevices and slightly elevated ‘pimples' at the back of the tongue? This is a huge and often overlooked surface area, a nice, warm, untouched bacteria farm! Bacteria on these raised taste buds and hiding in the miniature ravines secrete byproducts called ‘cadaverine' and ‘putrescine' - which smell like they sound. So brush your tongue vigorously... 15-30 seconds should do it! And remember to floss. Flossing is not only a great way to reduce your risk of gum disease, but getting remnants of food particles, emerging (soft) plaques, and dead cells from between your teeth will pay off in better breath, both short and long-term. As for the mouth rinses and washes, note that while they may taste good and like flavored chewing gum, "feel" like they are working, many contain alcohol as a significant ingredient. Alcohol can roughen and dry the mouth, making your breath worse in the long run! Look for a mouthwash that contains "chlorine dioxide" - a powerful but safe chemical stabilized in consumer products. If you're hesitant at the name, note that nearly all municipal water sources are already filled with it, and of course, it's widely used for bleaching wood pulp. Hey, nothing's perfect! Simply ask your pharmacist for an over the counter (OTC) mouthwash product containing chlorine-dioxide (if you forget the second part, they'll not have chlorine-based mouthwash, you're safe!). Brands are available at places like Costco, Sav-On's, Rite-aid. Best of all, as OTC products, such rinses are relatively inexpensive and are non-prescription. Here's to a great day, and a breath of fresh air!  15720 Ventura Blvd. Suite 514 | Encino, CA 91436 | Telephone 818-990-6659 | reifmandds@yahoo.com
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