Test Your Bad Breath Here

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Three simple methods to help you test yourself for halitosis (er, um, bad breath) are as follows:

· First take a piece of un-waxed, un-flavored white dental floss and floss between your upper and lower back molars. Examine the floss. Is it red or brown? Wait about 45 seconds and then smell it closely. Does it have a bad odor?

· The next test is to take a clean washcloth and then pull your tongue forward with one hand grasping the tongue with the washcloth. With the other hand and a clean white washcloth rub or scrape the furthest back portion of your tongue two or three times. Again, wait for about 45 seconds and then smell the portion of the cloth that was rubbed on the tongue. Does it have a bad smell?

· A third technique is to simply lick your tongue on your own clean wrist. Wait, then smell. This technique does not get back far enough on the tongue to be of best value but can be a quick test in a pinch for time.

Need A Dentist? How About A Specialist? Can't Decide?

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Not sure which dentist is right for you? Take a moment to read the definitions below and you'll know which dental provider best meets your needs.

DENTISTS
* General Dentist provides most areas of dental service including cleaning teeth and filling cavities.
* Pediatric Dentist specializes in children's dentistry.
* Cosmetic Dentist specializes in restorative dentistry. Please note that many if not most general dentists perform cosmetic dentistry.

SPECIALISTS
* Orthodontist specializes in correcting improperly positioned teeth, uses braces and other appliances to move teeth into proper position.
* Periodontist specializes in the treatment of gum disease.
* Oral Surgeon specializes in dental surgical procedures.
* Endodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseased tooth pulp. Performs root canal work (many general dentists also perform root canals).
* Prosthodontist specializes in crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Rejoicingly Ramadan too all!

Inflamed Gums... More Serious Than You Think

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Research Suggests Chronic Inflammation Links Gum Disease To Other Diseases
Not only dentists but more and more medical physicians are stressing the importance of good oral health in an effort to keep the rest of the body healthy. Research has long suggested an association between gum disease and other health issues- including heart disease, stroke and diabetes- but now an emerging theory, and one gaining support from researchers worldwide, is that inflamed gums -or gum disease- may link the health of the mouth to the health of the body.

Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. Inflammation is often characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain around the affected area. While inflammation initially intends to heal the body, over time, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues, and therefore more severe health complications.

According to Dr. Susan Karabin, Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in New York City, periodontal (i.e. gum disease) is a textbook example of an inflammatory disorder; "For many years, dental professionals believed that gum disease was solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a build-up of plaque between the teeth and under the gums. While plaque accumulation is still a factor in the development and progression of gum disease, researchers now suspect that the more severe symptoms, namely swollen, bleeding gums; recession around the gum line, and loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place, may be caused by the chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection, rather than the bacteria itself."

For more information on the role of inflammation in oral health, tips on how to prevent or treat gum disease, a risk assessment self-test, or a referral to a local periodontist, visit Perio.org.

Chew On This: Treating Gingivitis At Home

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Are your gums a little swollen and bleed easily? Then you may have a mild type of gum disease, called gingivitis. More than 75% of Americans over the age of 35 suffer from some kind of gum disease and, if these are your only symptoms, then you're in pretty good shape. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can become really nasty, so the disease is best dealt with early.

It is recommended that you see your dentist as soon as you can, especially if you're dental insurance pays for it. However, if you don't have any dental coverage and you can't shell out for any of the discount dental plans on the market -which you should consider doing if at all possible- there are still over-the-counter treatments for gingivitis to use.

Rinsing your mouth with Listerine, or a generic equivalent containing an anti-microbial called chlorhexidine, can help prevent and also help combat gingivitis. Furthermore, Colgate Total, which contains the antibacterial triclosan, is FDA approved to fight gum disease.

If you do notice that your gums swell and bleed easily, and are sensitive in general, see a dentist and try these readily available treatments to bring your gums back to top health.

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