Halitosis is the general term used to describe bad breath, regardless of the origin of the abnormal smell (oral or other). Today's society is very demanding with image and it requires that your look is as pleasant as possible, not just in friendship relations but also in social and work relationships. Bad breath or halitosis might ruin social communication of any kind. We speak about oral halitosis if the abnormal smell substances come from oral sources, and this is the most frequent in healthy individuals (approximately 90% of the cases). Abnormal smell can also emanate from non-oral sources, such as   respiratory tract or digestive tract.

What is the reason of oral Halitosis?

Most of the halitosis have their origin in local oral factors, because of the emission of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC), responsible of bad breath. Other factors include the saliva flow, the impact of food debris between teeth and the diet. Saliva, in healthy condition, has a pleasant smell; however, alkaline changes in its pH and reduction in oxygen concentration produce its decaying and the emission of volatile sulphur compounds responsible for the bad breath. 

The same happens during sleeping time, when the salivary flow is minimal. This favours the stagnation and the start up of the putrefaction mechanisms.

It is important to follow a proper daily oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth with manual or electric tooth brush in the morning, right after every meal and before going to bed.
• Use the most appropriate tooth paste and the mouth wash to complete your hygiene.
• . Don't forget to clean the interproximal spaces with dental floss or ribbon (closed spaces) or interproximal brushes (open spaces) .

Bad breath is a common problema, but the lack of information and the psychological barrier around this disorder make it difficult for the patient to look for solutions actively. Do not stay inactive. Not looking for a solution might be even more embarrassing as you can bother others and this can negatively affect your interpersonal relations. Taking good care of your body includes caring about your mouth too.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Information on Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal posts or frames which are placed in the jaw bone under the gums by surgery. After it is implanted surgically your dentist can put replacement teeth onto them.

How do Dental Implants Work
The implants after placement get fused with your jawbone. This then give a stable support for the artificial teeth or dentures and bridges. Dentures and bridges that do not slip or shift in your mouth is big advantage while eating and speaking. Another advantage of implants is that the healthy teeth adjacent to the implant don’t need to be prepared.

Where as standard bridges and dentures may not be as comfortable, and need to be fixed to teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth.

Prerequisite for an implant
Your gums should be healthy and there should be adequate bone to support the implant.
After implant you have to maintain good oral hygiene to keep these structures healthy.
Regular dental visits and cleaning as required will be needed for long-term success of dental implants. But remember that implants cost a lot more than the standard bridges and dentures. The two types of implants that are considered to be safe are endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. When you consult your dentist for an implant he or she will advise regarding the appropriate implant for you.

Deciding if implants are right for you
Implants can not be placed in everyone who wants it. Your dentist after examining you will tell if you are suitable to get an implant.

Some considerations before you get an implant are
You should have healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw to allow an implant to be placed in.
If you have periodontal (gum) disease, infection or injury you may need antibiotics or other treatment for it before the implant is placed.
If there is a severe infection in your tooth root then after extraction the area will need time to heal before the implant can be placed.
At times uour jaw bone may need bone grafting or augmentation. In this procedure, before the implant is placed, your jaw bone is built up by bone grafting to increase the chance of implant success. Your dentist may do the bone grafting and place the implant at the same time. At times he or she may do the bone-graft procedure first and the place the implant after a few months (about 4 to 12 months). During this time you will be given dentures or bridge, so that you are not without teeth.
You should be ready to take good care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums. You will have to maintain good oral hygiene by daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for cleaning.

People who are not good candidates for implants include
Children whose jawbones are still growing
Pregnant women
Heavy smoker as smoking interferes with healing and can decrease the chance of implant success.
Excessive use of alcohol or substance abusers
Patients who have been administered high-dose irradiation to the head or neck
People with chronic diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, connective-tissue diseases, hemophilia and certain immune deficiencies
Patients on medications that suppress the immune system such as steroids, immunosuppressant
People with severe bruxism (who severely grind or clench their teeth)
Your dentist after examining you will decide whether you can receive implants.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar