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Missing Teeth: Replacing Them is Easier Than Ever

I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!

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What's That Awful Smell? Your Low-Carb Diet May Be Causing Bad Breath

Dentist Blog

Most people assume that bad breath is a result of insufficient brushing. However, for those who have suffered from bad breath, they know first-hand that this isn't true. There are numerous causes of bad breath, which is known scientifically as halitosis. The best way to determine the exact cause of your bad breath and how to cure it is to discuss it with your dentist. However, for those who are trying to lose weight, you may not need to look any further than your diet to find the culprit, as low-carb diets have shown to result in bad breath.

Why Does a Low-Carb Diet Cause Foul-Smelling Breath?

There are basically two ways a low-carb diet can be causing your bad breath: 1) the presence of acetone as a result of ketosis; and 2) the presence of ammonia as a result of excess protein.

  1. Smelly Breath from Ketosis – When you cut carbohydrates, the body will begin to use more fat to produce energy. This then produces ketones. The one of the most importance here is the molecule called acetone, which is generated in the breath. The good news is that this bad breath will eventually disappear.
  2. Bad Breath from Too Much Protein – Ammonia is produced when the body begins to metabolize consumed protein. Individuals who eat a high-protein diet are more likely to have ammonia in their urine and breath, which isn't the best smell in the world. While the body needs protein, it doesn't need an excessive amount of it. The body will use protein to build muscles and various other chemical and structural needs, then it will convert any excess protein into energy. This is where the ammonia comes in.

Steps You Can Take to Treat Your Bad Breath at Home

If you can't get to the dentist immediately about your problem, there are a few things that you can do at home to beat bad breath.

  • Increase your daily intake of water.
  • Continue to regularly brush and floss (possibly increase the times you do so each day).
  • Start chewing on mint leaves, fresh parsley, sugarless mints, sugar-free gum or cinnamon bark.

If your bad breath continues to be a problem or gets to the point that you can't take it anymore, you may want to consult with a  dentist like Tony Parsley, DMD. While a low-carb diet can be the culprit, the root cause could also be an underlying medical condition. If your bad breath isn't caused by a metabolic reason or a medical condition, your dentist should be able to work with you on determining the best possible solution for treating your halitosis. 

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21 April 2015