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August 2008 Bad Breath
Does bad breath concern you? Is it because someone you know has bad breath or is it because you may have bad breath? Almost everyone knows someone who has it, but have you told them about it? Do you think they would tell you if you were the offender? Needless to say it is a very sensitive subject, so here are some facts.
50% of the population has bad breath to some degree. 20% have severe bad breath. It increases with age due to less saliva. Even people with impeccable personal hygiene may suffer from bad breath. You can’t smell your own breath and people are reluctant to tell you about it. Here is the most important fact – bad breath is not your fault! You are not a bad person if you have it.
Bad breath is caused by a bacterial imbalance in your mouth. That is to say, if you have bad breath, there are more smelly, bad guys than there are odourless, good guys. Here is the critical, new understanding. Modern research is discovering that people who have healthy gums may still suffer from bad breath!!
No wonder, as a dentist, I did not want to mention bad breath to clients for all these years. First of all, like everyone else, I did not want to offend them. Secondly, I thought the only two reasons for bad breath were periodontal disease and eating garlic or onions. If they had healthy gums, what was I going to say to them. Since I had no answers, it seemed logical to not mention the topic at all or pretend that it did not exist.
I am now aware that effectively eliminating bad breath starts with identifying the bacterial causes. Then a recognized, proven therapy can be initiated to measure and re-balance the oral bacteria. Follow up and monitoring are necessary to provide continuing success and bolster one’s confidence that they have fresh breath. Sounds simple, right?
Well, here are three options and I need your feedback. 1.) Should we purchase the measuring equipment and obtain the training to offer this service in our office? 2.)
Should we refer our concerned clients to 3.) Should we just pretend it doesn’t exist even though we know it does?
To vote, please click on one of the options below and send it to us. This does not obligate you in any way. I really appreciate your feedback and comments on this very sensitive topic. You have our permission to forward this to anyone else who you think may find it interesting.
1.) Offer the service in Beamsville 2.) Refer interested clients to Toronto
Thanks, Ken Southward
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