FAQs about Bad Breath

What should I do if I have bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What may cause bad breath?

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

Pass This Exam BEFORE School Starts

It's almost back to school time. This time of the year parents are starting to think about purchasing school supplies, backpacks and just the right pair of tennis shoes. Little do the kids know that there is one exam they need to take before the school bell rings -- a dental exam.

A good dental examination is an important part of maintaining a child's overall health. Additionally, oral pain can cause a host of problems in the classroom, making it hard for the student to concentrate. It may also be hard to eat lunch or speak properly. These symptoms can interfere with learning and even cause the student to miss school.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children get a dental exam every six months. So, if your child is due for a checkup schedule it now. Regular checkups can help discover and solve potential problems before there are even any symptoms - sparing you and your child precious time, money and pain!

Dining Out for Life 2014

For the 4th year in a row, I was honored to be part of Nashville CARES' Dining Out for Life this spring. We enjoyed the evening of April 22 at Nashville restaurant Virago. A portion of all sales that evening went to fund Nashville CARES' important HIV/AIDS resources and research. More than $150,000 was raised across all participating restaurants this year.

Dr. Dan and Sara Melamed, Dr. Warren Melamed, Alice Newgarden

Warren Melamed, Amy Rose, Dr. Randall Rose, Dr. Joel Veitschegger

Oral Cancer Walk 2014

Alice Newgarden, Warren Melamed, Pam McAteer

I was proud to once again be a part of the annual Oral Cancer Walk in Nashville, Tennessee, this year.

Oral Cancer is a devastating disease that affects more than 600,000 people worldwide. This year alone, more than 42,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.

Risk factors for oral cancer include use of tobacco products, alcohol use, viruses and improper dental care. Early diagnosis is critical to ensuring the best possible outcome. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid use of tobacco products and to be screened regularly. This is done at your regular dental exam. Yet another reason to get good, regular dental care.

For more information about oral cancer, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation online.

Best Wishes,
Warren Melamed

4 Tips for Selecting a Dental Professional

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Likeable Dentist

While a large percentage of Americans only think about going to the dentist whenever they experience pain in the mouth or teeth, Warren Melamed explains that is important for every individual to establish a solid relationship with a trusted dental professional. Locating a reliable, friendly and professional dentist is a great way to motivate yourself to visit a dentist on a regular basis—it can even make the experience much more enjoyable.

As a trusted and experienced dental professional, Warren Melamed offers the following tips to those who want to find a high quality dental care provider.

Tip #1 Find a Dentist that Offers Many Services

Most dental care professionals are able to assess and treat the immediate needs of oral health when they are certified as general dentists. However, those that want to locate a provider that offers comprehensive care should research professionals that offer a wide array of services. Having a dentist well-versed in various practices can provide trusted assistance in times where a person experiences an unexpected oral health emergency, rather than just routine dental care. In addition, some may benefit from enlisting the help of a dentist who also offers cosmetic services, such as whitening and veneer placement.

Tip #2 Choose a Dentist based on Your Location

When it comes to selecting a physician or dentist, it is often important to find one that is conveniently located near one’s home or place of work. While this close proximity can make going to appointments more convenient, the location of a dental office is also important for other reasons. For instance, if a person experiences sudden dental pain or emergency, he or she will not want to drive far in order to receive the medical attention that they require.

Tip #3 Investigate a Dentist’s Continuing Education Experience

Certification is one of the obvious requirements when selecting a trusted dentist; however, it is also important to examine the continuing education experience of a dental professional. Those who are considering a new dentist will often benefit from enlisting the services of one who is up-to-date on current practices and technologies used in the modern dental field. The more a dentist is aware of, in terms of modern dental practices, the more likely it is that his or her patients can access optimal care and greater treatment options.

Tip #4 Do Not Forget about Personality

Even is a dentist has all the skill necessary to treat patients, a winning personality can make the difference between an effective professional and a great one. Just like a doctor should have a great bedside manner, it is important for dentists to develop a formidable rapport with patients. If a dental professional is educated, experienced and friendly, it is more likely that a patient can have a better time when seeking consultation and openly discussing treatment options.

It is important for patients to remember that a dentist will generally spend more time with them than a general physician, especially if they are performing dental work in the patient’s mouth. Therefore, it is essential for patients to find a dental professional that aligns with their personality and can make the experience much more comfortable.