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Bad Breath Facts By Milford Dentists NZ

Announcement posted by Milford Dentists 26 Mar 2014

The main cause of bad breath (Halitosis) is a proliferation of certain types of bacteria in the mouth. Generally these ‘bad breath’ bacteria are anaerobic (non-oxygen breathing) bacteria. These bacteria live in colonies all over the mouth in a slimy layer called a biofilm.  Nine out of ten bad breath odours come from the coating on the tongue which is made up of a mature biofilm and mucous and it is true that chronic bad breath sufferers who are aware of their condition are often ashamed and embarrassed and lacking in confidence as they are frustrated that over-the-counter mouthwashes and teeth cleaning merely seem to mask the problem. It is, therefore, very important to visit a dental practitioner who can assist with finding a solution to this very common problem.

Milford Dentists  on Auckland’s North Shore operate the New Zealand Fresh Breath Clinic with a specifically designed gas chromatograph machine called the OralChroma, developed to analyse oral gases. Certain bacteria create bad breath gases or smells. There are three main gases responsible for bad breath and they are hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulphide. The OralChroma analyses a breath sample, breaking it down into these three main gases. Sampling and running the test is simple and quick and the results are displayed in an easy to understand bar chart. As well as identifying the type of bad breath smell, the OralChroma localises where the bacteria creating these gases are harboured in the mouth, throat and sinuses, and quantifies bad breath smells, giving an indication of the extent of the halitosis. This scientific approach is key to diagnosing and creating a solution for bad breath.

At the New Zealand Fresh Breath Clinic they have a diagnostic process called the Full Halicheck, which involves breath analysis using the OralChroma, saliva analysis, medical history and dietary analysis and taking bitewing x-rays to look for jawbone infection, areas where food is impacting and decaying teeth. They will also do a gum assessment to check for bacterial infection of the gums and jawbone.

The good news for all halitosis sufferers is that the team at Milford Dentists’ New Zealand Fresh Breath Clinic will be able to ascertain where the bad breath bacteria are in the mouth, which type of bacteria they are and will be able to establish a clear protocol for all bad breath problems. For further information, please visit the website at http:// www.milforddentists.co.nz .