Dental crowns are a common solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, offering a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing option for those with broken or weakened teeth. Many people are concerned about whether crowns can contribute to bad breath. Let’s explore whether crowns can cause bad breath and what you can do to prevent it!

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. They are typically used after a root canal treatment, to cover a large cavity, or to strengthen a tooth that has been significantly worn down.

While crowns are designed to last for years, it’s important to note that the way they interact with the surrounding tissues can affect your oral hygiene. Like any dental restoration, crowns need to be properly cared for to prevent complications such as infections, gum disease, or bad breath.

Can Crowns Cause Bad Breath?

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria thrive in areas where food particles and plaque are. Crowns do not directly cause bad breath, but poor oral hygiene around a crown can contribute to unpleasant odors.

There are a few ways crowns can indirectly cause bad breath:

1. Plaque and Bacteria Build-Up: If the crown is not properly cleaned, plaque can build up around the edges, especially if the fit of the crown is not perfect. Plaque is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, and when bacteria break down food debris, they release sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath. Over time, this build-up can result in gingivitis (gum inflammation) or periodontal disease, both of which are common causes of bad breath.
2. Gum Infection: If the crown doesn’t fit properly or if there is decay underneath the crown, it can create spaces where bacteria can accumulate, leading to gum infection or inflammation. This infection can contribute to bad breath, especially if it’s left untreated.
3. Decay Underneath the Crown: In rare cases, a crown might become loose or crack, allowing bacteria to infiltrate the tooth underneath. If a cavity forms under the crown, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which will lead to foul-smelling breath. This is why regular dental checkups are essential to ensure that your crown and underlying tooth remain in good condition.
4. Food Traps: Crowns, especially those with large gaps or uneven edges, can create spaces that trap food particles. These particles can ferment in the mouth, leading to the production of bad-smelling compounds. These trapped particles are often difficult to remove with brushing alone, which can result in persistent bad breath.

Preventing Bad Breath with Crowns

The good news is that bad breath caused by crowns is preventable. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of bad breath and other dental issues associated with crowns. Here are some tips for keeping your breath fresh and your crowns in good shape:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the area around the crown. Flossing once a day helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and around the crown that your toothbrush may miss.
2. Use Interdental Brushes or Water Flossers: If traditional flossing is difficult around your crown, try using interdental brushes or a water flosser. These tools can help clean areas that are hard to reach and reduce the chances of plaque buildup.
3. Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly to check the condition of your crown and ensure there are no signs of decay or gum infection. If your crown feels loose or uncomfortable, let your dentist know right away.
4. Stay Hydrated: Dry mouth is another common cause of bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles and bacteria.
5. Avoid Strong-Smelling Foods: Foods like garlic, onions, and coffee can contribute to bad breath, regardless of whether you have a crown. Limiting your intake of these foods can help keep your breath fresh.

Conclusion

Dental crowns do not directly cause bad breath, but poor oral hygiene and related issues like plaque buildup, gum infection, or decay underneath the crown can contribute to foul-smelling breath. By taking care of your crowns with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, you can prevent bad breath and ensure your crowns continue to serve their purpose for years to come. If you’re experiencing persistent bad breath, it’s always a good idea to consult with Dr. Kyle Harmon to rule out any underlying problems.

Maintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and fluoride toothpaste is one of the simplest yet most effective tools in your dental care toolbox. But what makes fluoride toothpaste beneficial, and why do dentists consistently recommend its use? In this blog, we’ll explore the key advantages of fluoride toothpaste and understand why it’s a staple in dental hygiene routines.

What is Fluoride Toothpaste?

Fluoride toothpaste contains fluoride, a natural mineral known for its protective properties. Fluoride strengthens a tooth’s enamel, making it resistant to decay. It’s usually a top and essential ingredient in toothpaste because it fights against the harmful bacteria and acids that lead to cavities and overall dental issues.

Key Benefits

1. Strengthens Enamel: One of the top benefits of fluoridated toothpaste is that it can rebuild the tooth enamel. Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth and can be eroded by acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride will remineralize the enamel. It can reverse early damage and protect teeth against future decay.
2. Prevents Cavities: Cavities are common issues caused by demineralization, which is the loss of bodily minerals, of tooth enamel. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by neutralizing the acids and promoting the repair of weakened enamel. Fluoride can lower the risk of cavities by up to 25% in adults and children.
3. Reduces Tooth Sensitivity: If you experience tooth sensitivity, fluoride toothpaste can make all the difference. It will help build up and strengthen the enamel and reduce the exposure of the dentin. This is important because the dentin can be sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Regular use of fluoride can alleviate that discomfort and protect sensitive teeth.
4. Fights Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, starts with gingivitis and can progress into more serious forms if not taken care of. Gum health can be improved by using fluoride because it reduces the plaque buildup which plays a big factor in gum disease. While fluoride isn’t a cure, it does prevent and help in overall oral hygiene.
5. Enhance Overall Health: Using fluoride not only protects against cavities and sensitivity but also contributes to overall oral health. When bacteria and acids are reduced, fluoride toothpaste creates a balanced oral environment.

Why Dentists Recommend Fluoride Toothpaste

1. Proven Efficacy: Dentists do recommend fluoride toothpaste because the benefits are well-documented by extensive research. Studies have shown time and time again that fluoride toothpaste reduces the incidence of cavities and strengthens tooth enamel.
2. Cost-Effective Prevention: Preventing dental problems with fluoride toothpaste is more cost-effective than treating the problems later. By investing in fluoride toothpaste and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, costly dental procedures can be avoided and keep their teeth and gums healthy.
3. Educational Standard: Dentists are trained to provide evidence-based care, and fluoride toothpaste is a fundamental part of that standard. Fluoride toothpaste aligns with best practices in preventative dentistry, ensuring that patients receive the most effective care to protect their oral health.
4. Tailored Recommendations: Dentists often tailor their recommendations based on individual patient needs. Fluoridated toothpaste can be especially beneficial for patients with a higher risk of cavities, those with sensitivity issues, or children who need extra protection. Dentists can provide personalized advice on fluoride use, ensuring it aligns with each patient’s needs.

Fluoride toothpaste is more than just a dental care product; it’s a cornerstone of effective oral hygiene. It can create strong enamel, prevent cavities and contribute to overall oral health. It becomes a crucial part of one’s daily dental care routine. By understanding and utilizing the benefits of fluoride toothpaste, you can maintain a healthier, brighter smile and enjoy long-term oral health.

Schedule your cleaning appointment today and get your fluoride applied! Contact us at (801)544-9777

Why your mouth is dry and what is dry mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that can significantly affect quality of life. Dry mouth occurs when not enough saliva is being produced which eventually leads to discomfort. Saliva is important to produce because it is essential for digestion, speaking, maintaining oral health, breaking down food, neutralizing acids and washing away food particles and bacteria. If you’ve ever experienced that parched feeling in your mouth, you’re not alone.

Common reasons why your mouth is dry

1. Medications: Many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications have dry mouth as a side effect. Common culprits of the side effects are antihistamines, pain killers and anti-depressants.
2. Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome and Parkinson’s disease, can affect saliva production. Additionally, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer can damage the salivary gland, leading to dry mouth.
3. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause dry mouth. If you ask yourself why your mouth is dry, try drinking some water first.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking or chewing tobacco can reduce saliva flow and worsen dry mouth. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to the problem, as it is a dehydrating effect.
5. Breathing through the mouth: Conditions that cause nasal congestion may force people to breathe through their mouth, which can dry out the oral tissues. This could be a leading common factor as to why your mouth is dry.

Effects of Dry Mouth

1. Dental Issues: Saliva is essential to dental health and a lack of it can lead to a higher risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Saliva does help to neutralize acids and remove acid and remove food particles. So the absence of saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay.
2. Difficulty Swallowing: Saliva plays a role in lubricating food which makes it easier to swallow. Without enough saliva, you may experience difficulty swallowing and even lead to choking.
3. Altered Taste: Dry mouth can affect your sense of taste, making food seem bland or unpleasant.
4. Sore Throat or Hoarseness: A dry mouth can lead to a sore throat and hoarseness, as the throat and vocal cords may become dry and irritated.
5. Oral Infections: Reduced saliva flow can make your mouth more susceptible to infections, including oral yeast infections.

7 things to do when your mouth is dry

If you are dealing with dry mouth, there are several strategies you can try to alleviate the symptoms:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important. Sipping water regularly can help keep a mouth that is dry, moist.
2. Use Saliva Substitutes: Over-the-counter saliva substitutes and mouth moisturizers can provide temporary relief. These can come in various forms like, mouth sprays, gels and lozenges.
3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum or Suck on Sugar-Free Candies: These can stimulate saliva production and help keep your mouth moist.
4. Avoid Dehydrating Substances: Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco as that will help as well when the mouth is dry.
5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This does include a water flosser too. Attend your regular dental check ups as they are important to monitor and manage any oral health issues.
6. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home can help prevent your mouth from drying out, especially during the winter months or in dry climates.
7. Consult your Healthcare Provider: If dry mouth continues, it’s important to consult with your dentist or doctor. They can help identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments or making adjustments to your medications.

Dry mouth is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent issue. Understanding the causes and effects can help you take proactive steps to manage the condition and maintain your overall and oral health. By staying hydrated, using saliva substitutes, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can find relief when your mouth is dry and improve the quality of your life.

If you’re struggling with persistent dry mouth, reach out and get professional advice. A healthcare provider can offer personalized recommendations to help you manage the condition effectively.

What is dental anxiety? Over the last decade, we have seen an increase in the number of patients struggling with dental anxiety. We realize the dental office can often be a scary place for so many people no matter their age. Many adults have dental trauma or dental anxiety from practices that were performed back in the day. New children attending the dentist are scared of the new surroundings, people, and scary looking tools trying to be shoved into their mouths. 

Dental anxiety is the fear or stress that people experience when they have to think about going to the dental offices. 

Below are some tips to overcome dental anxiety so you can attend your next appointment with ease! 

9 Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety: 

1. Choose a Gentle Dentist: Finding a dentist who is experienced in treating patients with dental anxiety can make a big difference in your visit. 

2. Bring a Support Person: Bring a family member or a trusted friend that can provide the emotional support that you need. They can also be there to help distract you. 

3. Distraction Techniques: During your appointment, listen to music or focus on a spot on the ceiling. If a dental office has a tv to watch, take advantage. 

4. Start Small: It may be good to simply go in for your regular cleaning check-ups and then you can work up to your bigger maybe more extensive treatments if needed when you are more comfortable in the environment. 

5. Communication is key: Communicate with your dentist your fears and concerns. Let them know that you have previous trauma or current anxiety. Your dentist understanding your needs and letting you know exactly what is going to happen will reduce any stress. 

6. Relaxation Techniques: Before going to your appointment, try a few relaxation techniques like meditating, taking deep breaths, relaxing your muscles. Doing these few things can calm your mind and body which will reduce your anxiety. 

7. Focus on the benefits: Educate yourself on the effects of not going to the dentist can have on your overall health. This can save you money, time, and discomfort in the future. 

8. Reward Yourself: You read this right, reward yourself! You probably did a really hard thing and you deserve a little treat. This gives you something to look forward to after your appointment and will encourage you to make it to your next one. 

9. Central Davis Comfort Menu: Central Davis Dental has a comfort menu for every patient. This menu offers a blanket, headphones, virtual headset etc. that will help you be comfortable at all appointments. 

Overcoming your dental anxiety is possible if you have the right techniques. Remember, your dentist is there to help you feel comfortable and provide the care you need. Take control of your dental anxiety today and take steps towards a healthier smile!