Kennett Dental

What Is Halitosis and How Can You Prevent It?

Halitosis is the scientific term for a very ordinary problem: bad breath. Every year, family dentists around the country encounter hundreds of patients with halitosis. This potentially embarrassing condition has a wide variety of causes. If you or someone close to you is suffering from the unpleasant odor of halitosis, it could be due to any of the following factors:

Respiratory Infections
Occasionally, illnesses such as the flu or the common cold can cause bad breath. Bacteria from the nose or throat can also contaminate the mouth and emit foul smells. If you are sick, blow your nose frequently to avoid the buildup of odor-causing phlegm.

Digestive Problems
When gases build up in the stomach, they can escape through the esophagus and mouth, resulting in noticeable halitosis. You can sometimes remedy this type of bad breath with breath mints or gum.

Tobacco Products
Products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco leave residue in the mouth, which can decompose and give off a strong smell. To prevent halitosis, smokers will need to brush their teeth more frequently than non-smokers.

Odorous Foods
Some very pungent foods, such as garlic and onions, leave compounds in your bloodstream long after you have consumed them. These compounds then mix with the air in your lungs, causing odors when you exhale. Again, breath mints or chewing gum can help mask this type of halitosis.

Bad Oral Hygiene
Bacteria growth from improper oral hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis. If you don’t thoroughly brush and floss your teeth, small particles of food start to decay in your mouth, feeding growing colonies of odor-producing microorganisms. Advanced stages of gum disease can also cause halitosis.

The best way to prevent halitosis is to practice proper oral hygiene. The friendly dentists at Kennett Dental can help you keep your breath fresh and your smile bright. Call us today at (610) 444-4033 to schedule an appointment at our Kennett Square offices. From cleaning to whitening, we can meet all of your dental needs. 

Don't Miss Our Open House This Wednesday!

Kennett Dental will be hosting an Open House Event on Wednesday, October 17th from 6 pm - 8 pm. Join us for feature presentations on dental implants, Invisalign, and oral cancer screenings! This event is free to attend and we would love to see everyone there! Call our office for more information at (610) 444-4033.

If You Want To Learn More About Keeping Your Smile Bright, Click On The Following Links

At Kennett Dental, we are dedicated to restoring and boosting the natural beauty of your smile. Our high standards, state-of-the-art equipment, and procedures will leave you completely satisfied. To schedule an appointment at our Kennett Square location, call (610) 444-4033. For some tips on keeping your smile bright, explore the following links.

• Fluoride is certainly beneficial, but it can be damaging in high doses, leading to dental fluorosis.
• Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming root canal therapy? Take a load off with this WebMD.com article that lets you know what to expect.
• Brush up on your dental care basics with this article from Mayo Clinic.
• Jane E. Brody of The New York Times sings the praises of fluoride in public drinking water.
• If you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk for certain dental health issues.

What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?

Root canal therapy is a procedure that is performed to save a dying tooth. When the root of a tooth is compromised due to decay or infection, a dentist must intervene and remove the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and decay. The dentist then fills the empty space with medicated dental materials in order to restore the tooth to full function. Root canal therapy typically involves more than one appointment. Here is an overview of the process from start to finish:

First appointment
Your dentist will numb your teeth and mouth, and place a rubber dam around the affected tooth to keep it dry and saliva-free. To remove the tooth’s pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria, your dentist will make a small access opening on top of your tooth. A series of root canal files are then placed into the opening, removing the substances as well as any tooth decay. Once this process is complete, your dentist will clean the tooth and seal it with a temporary filling.

Second appointment
A week after the initial root canal therapy appointment, your dentist will ask you to return to finish the process. At this appointment, all affected teeth will be permanently filled and sealed. Special dental materials are inserted into the tooth, restoring it to full function, and a permanent filling will seal the access opening. Crowns or caps are also placed on all sealed teeth to protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking.

Follow-up
After root canal therapy, you may feel some discomfort as the tooth heals, but this will diminish as the inflammation goes down. Your dentist will provide you with specific aftercare instructions; be sure to contact your dentist if you feel extreme discomfort or have concerns. As always, be sure to practice correct dental hygiene and continue to visit your dentist on a biannual basis. With proper aftercare, your root canal should last a lifetime.

At Kennett Dental, we are dedicated to maintaining your beautiful smile. To find out more about root canal therapy, or to set up an appointment at our Kennett Square clinic, call us today at (610) 444-4033. 

How Does the Veneer Process Work?

Veneers are a simple, effective way to restore a bright, healthy smile for anyone who has chipped, oddly spaced, or discolored teeth. Watch this video for an in-depth look at how dental veneers work.

Veneers are small pieces of porcelain or plastic that fit over your existing teeth. Your dentist will first take impressions of your teeth, and veneers will then be crafted to fit specifically in your mouth. At your dentist’s office, the veneers will be permanently applied to your teeth, resulting in a natural-looking, beautiful smile.

Kennett Dental offers cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, in addition to standard family dental exams and services. We have been serving the Kennett Square area since 1978, and we will be glad to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. To make an appointment, call (610) 444-4033 today.