The hygienist will assess the state of their gum health, perhaps with the Halometer to legitimize the problem. It is usually found that the person has unhealthy gums, and teeth cleanings and home care instructions are given. This is borne out by American Dental Association statistics indicate that 85 - 90 percent of all adults will have some form of gum disease during their lifetime.

Our Dental Wellness Center has been a breath center for over 25 years. Dr. McBride's study of oral microbiology led to the use of laboratory microscopes in our office. It is well-known that bacteria enter the blood stream through "leaky gums" and are contributing factors in coronary disease, diabetes and low birth weight babies.

In our office, the source of the problem is identified for each patient by assessing the types and numbers of oral bacteria. Our hygienist has a scholastic background in microbiology and the use of the microscope. Appropriate regimens are prescribed for each patient based upon individual microscopic and periodontal assessments. Gum infection is eliminated or controlled, healthy gums are developed with an added benefit - the person now has sweet breath and knows how to keep it that way.

Got Breath?
Bad breath (a.k.a. oral malodor/fetor oris/halitosis) is a very common but insidious human predicament, in that it is rarely experienced by the offender. Since it is so personal, the one having it may never get a clue from those affected by it.

Studies indicate that this condition arises directly from either exhaled digestive gases, various conditions within the mouth, or a combination of both. Dental plaque bacteria that reside between the teeth and gums, tongue, and cheeks can absorb certain foods that have a high content of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC's). This alone can be offensive, especially the morning after a meal high in VSC's. Aside from the foods that have a high content of VSC's, the plaque by itself that causes gum disease (periodontal disease or pyorrhea), is definitely the most common cause of bad breath. Add to this, high VSC foods such as garlic, etc., and you have a walking halitosis factory - an offender usually not "in the know".

It is true that 80% of the population stays away from the dentist on a regular basis. Although most would rather be somewhere else than at the dentist, there are those who only seek dental care when their pain level exceeds that of their fear. Most often fear starts from negative past dental experiences involving lack of compassion, lack of adequate time to inform, pain during treatment or a combination of the above. Many of my “dental converts” have told me that they would actually become nauseous or undergo a panic attack even while picking up the phone to call the dentist. Although we can use relaxation medications or nitrous oxide/oxygen (“laughing gas“) to “get the work done”, most of these patients indicate that the most important thing that helped with their fear was the time given to be truly heard & understood, which is crucial in the development of a trusting, therapeutic relationship. True wellness involves allowing enough time to listen, because people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. A dentist who cares will be compassionate and have the stage set to listen to his patients and understand the nature of their fears, possible misgivings or skepticism. It is only through this that the mistrust barrier can be broken. Although I believe that it is extremely important to deliver high quality dental treatment, it is equally important to have an atmosphere of mutual trust. This is necessary to create magic through proper diagnostic, preventive and restorative care that can change and extend people’s lives!