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Easy to Prevent, Dangerous to Ignore: The Reality Behind

Bad Breath

A presentation by Callie Anyan, Chelsea Humphries, William Spires, and Katie Williams

What is bad breath?

Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, is caused primarily by the bacteria living on the back of the tongue. About 75% of bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by the mouth itself. Other causes include the following: gastric problems, sinus infections, severe gum disease (Mark Wolff, DDS, Ph.D). Halitosis may also be caused by fungal infections.

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Gingivitis Periodontal disease causing inflammation of the gums and halitosis

Causes:

The most common cause of gingivitis is by poor oral hygiene. Gingivitis CAUSES bad breath!

Pictures of Gingivitis

Symptoms:

Swollen, red gums Picture of Healthy Gums Compared to Gingivitis Infected Gums

Receding gum line

Bleeding of gums after brushing or flossing

Halitosis (Bad breath)

Can cause tooth loss if not treated

Preventions:

Your oral habits matter! It can make all the difference in periodontal disease and your risk level.

Regularly make appointments for

professional oral check-ups.

Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.

Floss your teeth in order to keep your gums strong and clean.

Always rinse your toothbrush and never

enclose it; this can cause bacterial build up.

Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months!

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Periodontitis Inflammation and Infection of the bone and ligament surrounding the

tooth.

Periodontitis“Second stage of Gum Disease”

• At this stage plaque, spreads to your tooth roots causing

an infection

• This can damage the bones, gomphisis (teeth joints) and

fibers that hold teeth in place

Signs/Symptoms of Patients suffering from Periodontitis:

Swollen/bleeding gums

Change in color of gums (healthy pink red)

Receding gums

Formation of pockets

Unpleasant taste in mouth

Loose teeth

BAD BREATH

What should you watch for?

• Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that attach to the teeth at the gum line and result in an infection.

• Although severe, it is usually not painful

• Continued inflammation of the gums from lack of proper dental care leads to damage of surrounding bone, joints and tissue.

• The deterioration of bones from inflammation can lead to teeth falling out.

Periodontal Pockets

Periodontal Probes- used to measure depths of pockets in a periodontal patient.

The average healthy pocket is 3mm with no bleeding upon probing.

Prevention

Proper Plaque control

Professional cleanings twice a year

Daily brushing and flossing

Antibacterial mouth rinse

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Oral Candidiasis•Also known as “Thrush”•Over production of a naturally occurring yeast called Candida•Candida are normally found on Mucous membranes

Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis

White patches or plaques on the tongue or other mucous membranes

Redness or soreness of the tongue or mouth

Difficulty swallowing Cracking in the corners of the

mouth

Causes of Oral Candidiasis

Over production of Candida albicans

Occurs when the immune system is weakened

With a weak immune system, the environment in the mouth becomes imbalanced

Bad oral hygiene and this imbalance allow yeast to multiply rapidly

Medical issues that can lead to Oral Candidiasis

HIV/AIDS

Cancer

Organ Transplants

Diabetes

Use of corticosteroids

Dentures

Prevention

GOOD ORAL HYGEINE!

Regular brushing

Flossing

Mouthwash Patients undergoing cancer treatments

should use mouthwash containing Chlorohexidine

Statistics

It affects 5-7% of children under 1 month old

Estimated between 9 and 31 percent of AIDS patients

Hard to determine severity of cases since Candida albicans is always present

Treatment

Oral Antifungal Medication

Systemic Antifungal medications

Antifungal mouthwashes

More than just your mouth…

Recent studies have shown a correlation between heart disease and oral bacteria

How does bad oral health damage your heart?

Bacteria, specifically the types related to periodontitis, can ultimately affect the health of

your cardiovascular system in a long term, and life threatening way.

Specific Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Oral

Health

Potential heart damages of bad oral health

Carotid intima- media thickening Atherosclerosis Cerebrovascular accident Coronary artery disease

Prevention

Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis

Do not swallow mouth wash

Brushing/flossing

Regular teeth cleanings/dental checkups

Do not smoke

Summary

Good oral hygiene can save your mouth and even your life!

Keep regularly scheduled dental appointments

Brush brush brush!

Floss daily

Use antiseptic mouth wash

Do not use tobacco products in any form

REMEMBER: