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Providing comprehensive & integrated oral health care services to adults, youth & children living with HIV/AIDS |
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Oral health is much more than a pretty smile… A patient wrote to tell us: “… what a difference in the quality of my life you have made. In addition, each of you has had an integral part in extending my life with your care… and I appreciate that. How fortunate I am to know you and more importantly to be under outstanding care from each of you.” – Daniel It’s about quality of life!
u Board member, Michael Strand is running for Howard Dental Center Click here to show your support! u Howard Dental Center is seeking a new Dental Director. Click here for more information. u Want to receive our E-newsletter "Mouthing Off"? Click here.
NEWS YOU CAN USE Bad Breath – Your Breath Speaks Volumes!*
Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.
Many things can cause bad breath. A major cause is decreased saliva. Saliva has a cleaning action that helps reduce or eliminate bad breath. When saliva decreases, bacteria can grow, causing bad breath. Because the flow of saliva almost stops during sleep, bad breath may be especially noticeable in the morning. But that’s not all...
Bad breath caused by a decrease in saliva may be especially noticeable: When your are hungry. Bad breath is more common in people who miss meals or are dieting. Chewing food increases saliva in the mouth. When you are not eating, saliva decreases and bacteria growth increases, causing bad breath. When you are dehydrated. When you become dehydrated, you do not produce as much saliva. The reduced cleaning action of the saliva allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath. From diseases that affect the salivary glands, such as Sjögren's syndrome or scleroderma. When you are taking certain medicines. After drinking alcoholic beverages.
Other causes of bad or changed breath include:
Mouth and throat problems can cause mouth odor:
Bad breath doesn’t always start in the mouth:
Help is on the way:
And don’t forget...Have regular dental checkups.
* WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/bad-or-changed-breath-topic-overview |
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Howard Dental Center |
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