Morning Breath- YUCK!

Oh no, morning breath!

Do you ever wake up in the morning and immediately cover your mouth? To some degree, everyone has morning breath. The reason being is because your mouth dries out when you sleep causing odor-producing bacteria to increase.  During the day, bacteria is still at work to break down all the chemicals, protein and amino acids left behind from food but your own saliva is more present to help wash away the bacteria. When we fall asleep, your saliva production takes a rest also which causes the smelly-bacteria to run wild and the grand unveiling of morning breath.

However, if you have a toothache associated with bad breath, this could be caused by other factors. Bad breath has nothing to do with age, but bacteria that causes bad breath may have several health implications. Having bad breath are the first signs of periodontal issues, which has been proven to be involved with diabetes and heart disease.  Make sure you always schedule your dental teeth cleanings at least every 6 months so that periodontal disease can be detected early enough.

So, how do we treat or get rid of morning breath? Unfortunately, there isn’t a foolproof prevention for it but there are some things you can do to help reduce it. When you brush, go directly to bed. Do not eat or drink anything afterwards so you are not leaving anything behind. Make sure you always brush your tongue, including the back of your tongue because statistics say 85% of bad breath comes from the tongue. Invest into a tongue scraper to help clean your tongue thoroughly and floss because brushing along will not remove all the food partials stuck in between your teeth. 

Our Marietta Dentists, Kirk Kimmerling DDS, Suzanna Aguilera DMD, and Garrick McGrath DMD invite you to learn more about bad breath prevention, please contact our office at 770-423-4900 to schedule your next dental cleaning appointment.

You Love Soda but Your Teeth Hate It

More people than ever are facing enamel erosion of their teeth, and what they're drinking is the

Sensitive Teeth Can be Excruciating

culprit.  Enamel, the outer, protective layer of the tooth can erode away leaving exposed more sensitive portions of the tooth. Once the enamel's gone, it's gone for good and can not be reversed. It's a significant problem for many people and dentists alike.

The skyrocketing sensitivity epidemic is caused by many factors, however a big culprit is soda. The phosphoric and citric acids prevalent in sodas alter the pH balance of the mouth and causes enamel to erode.

The sensitivity can be extreme and plague people the rest of their life. Even hot and cold temperatures of food and drink can be continually bothersome and painful.

People are drinking more soda than ever, an estimated 44 gallons a person per year, according to the National Soft Drink Association.

The best way to ward off erosion is to abstain from soda. However, for those who insist, here's a few tips to consider.

1. Limit consumption only to meals.
2. If you must have a soda, drink it at once.  Do not sip it continually throughout the day.
3. Drink water after you have a soda to cleanse the mouth.
4. Brush after drinking a soda, if possible.
5. Chew Trident Gum after drinking.
6. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments in the office and product to take home.

The Marietta cosmetic dentists are +Verde Pointe Dental Associates are happy to answer any questions you may have about tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion.  A sensitive tooth can become like a toothache, giving way to a trip to the dentist.  Drs. Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Suzanna Aguilera offer a New Patient $100 Coupon to help with co-pays and out of pocket expenses.  Let us help you with sensitive teeth.

Monkey Gets Root Canal byTwo Veterinarians and Dentist

A collaboration between a dentist and two veterinarians have made life a whole lot happier for one Allen root canal specialist , Kimberly Lindquist came together to perform a root canal on Noqui, an Allen swamp monkey with a toothache.

Allen Swamp Monkey Gets Root Canal

swamp monkey at Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, MN.  Veterinarian, Louise Beyea, veterinarian Michael Overend and human

 The zoo noticed a lesion on Noqui's face and determined the necessary treatment would be a root canal, just like humans get.

However, the dental procedure posed interesting challenges to the team.  Noqui's root length was extremely long compared to a human tooth, so human instruments were impossible to use.  Specialized tools needed to be located.

The palate of an Allen swamp monkey is very thin and shallow, and the accompanying narrow jaw made the root canal difficult, yet not impossible.  All in all, the procedure went well and was considered a success.  Noqui now lives pain free and able to get back to enjoying the things monkeys enjoy without chronic pain.

Ouch, My Tooth Hurts

If you have ever had a severe toothache, it's usually an event you don't forget. Toothaches cause pain, and people naturally want immediate relief. Emergency dentists receive calls from people every day needing relief.  Most dental staff expect these call.  They know people with a true toothache need help immediately, and it's time to see them that day if the schedule allows.  If an open appointment exists on the schedule, the patient usually gladly accepts the appointment.  However, sometimes people wind up in a situation where they can not find a dentist, and emergency room is the only option.  Avoiding this costly option usually can be avoided by regular visits to the dentist.

Regular cleanings appointments gives a dentist the chance to examine, take x-rays and inform the patient of any pending concerns.  Problems caught early on usually means dental work is less costly in the long run.  Mouths are like cars.  Maintenance means less costly repairs, and teeth are no different.  

Is There Ever a Convenient Time for a Toothache?

There is never a convenient time for a toothache.  That's why preventative care at the dentist makes so much sense.  Preventative care not only keeps your mouth healthy, it allows the dentist to diagnose necessary procedures before they become more costly or the need for an emergency dentist.  Kirk Kimmerling DDS believes most dental emergencies can be avoided if patients would get their teeth cleaned at least twice a year.  "Many of my patients understand the connection of a healthy mouth to a healthy body and come in four times a year for a dental cleaning. It's a healthy way to live," says Dr. Kimmerling.

At the dental practice of Kirk Kimmerling DDS, time is taken with every patient so that they understand why the hygiene of their mouth is important.  It's like taking vitamins or working out at the gym, a good oral condition is just as important, and helps to avoid the dreaded inconvenient toothache.

Let the dental professionals at Kirk Kimmerling DDS ensure a healthier you.  For additional information on dental health and your overall health, visit the American Dental Association's site today.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS, Marietta Dentist