Archive for August 2015

Seniors Face Unique Oral Health Issues

By 31 Aug, 2015 Cosmetic Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry ,

Springfield, MO – As you age, you’ve probably noticed new health issues creeping up. Issues with your oral health can begin to appear, too, but by understanding issues unique to seniors, you can take better care of your teeth and mouth.

seniors couple“Senior citizens face a host of unique oral health issues,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, one of the Springfield dentists at Excel Dental. “Our bodies change, and you may once again become susceptible to cavities. In many cases this is because of a condition known as dry mouth.”

Dry mouth doesn’t go hand in hand with aging, but it does go hand in hand with many medications – in fact, there are more than 500 medications that can cause it. And as we age, more health issues begin appearing, so chances are great that you may be prescribed a medication that can lead to dry mouth. If you’re on medication for high blood pressure, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases, pain, or a host of other issues, it’s important to understand possible side effects. It’s also important to share all medications you are currently taking with your dentist. This way, he or she can understand why you may have dry mouth and then properly address it.

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Common Causes of Bad Breath

By 21 Aug, 2015 Preventive Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry ,

DoctorSpringfield, MO – Do you worry about halitosis and wonder how you can prevent it? There are many common causes of bad breath, and knowing them is the first step to eliminating the odor.

“The most common cause of bad breath is from food particles that remain in the mouth after eating,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, a Springfield dentist. “This is why it is so important to brush and floss every day. If you don’t, or if you don’t do it properly, these food particles stay in your mouth, collecting bacteria, which causes bad breath. But not just that, the food will also begin to rot, emitting a bad odor as it does.”

The foods you eat can also play a role in halitosis. Foods such as garlic and onions can cause bad breath, and the odor can continue until the food is eliminated from the body. Additionally, people on diets can experience bad breath from infrequent eating. This is from chemicals called ketones that are released during the breakdown of fat. Ketones are then exhaled, and can have an unpleasant, sweet smell.

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