In almost every social situation, there is one thing most people are concerned about: halitosis, better known as bad breath. It can be embarrassing for you, uncomfortable to other people, and potentially a deal breaker for a job interview or date. To make it even more difficult to manage, our bodies have a great way of blocking out constant smells, making it very hard to determine if we have bad breath before it’s too late. How do I know if I have bad breath? You can easily test how your breath smells to others with this simple test. Lick part of your arm and smell it after about 10 seconds. Now, licking your arm in public may seem weird (and have its own social consequences), this test can give you a good indication of how your breath smells. However, it may not always be accurate. The best thing you can…

With the joy and revelry of Oktoberfest fading quickly into the past and your lederhosen and suspenders freshly packed away for another year, the post-festivity blues can begin to set in. Even with an array of seasonal holidays on their way, none offer 16 days of merriment in honor of your favorite libation. Don’t despair! The memories you made enjoying large varieties of beer while eating schweinebraten, yodeling, and dancing the polka will last — and so will your smile after you learn about the post-merriment oral health benefits you received. Your Teeth & the Benefits of Beer From polishing and strengthening your teeth to protecting your gums from periodontal disease, drinking beer comes with benefits that support better oral health. This is not to say that you should go out and overindulge, but just know that when it comes to the effect beer has on your health, it’s not…

Making the Best of Your Summer and Fall For most parts of the country, summer and early fall are often filled with outdoor adventures. From enjoying the local water hole and hiking to classic barbecues and playing your favorite lawn game, the fun is endless. However, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, for more than 23 million Americans, nature has created a buzzkill: ragweed. Ragweed may not be that person who signs up to bring only napkins and plastic cups to your barbecue, but the allergy symptoms of ragweed (hay fever) can make your eyeballs feel like an overfilled balloon. While the symptoms of hay fever can be merely uncomfortable and a nuisance, there are instances in which they can significantly hinder your daily life. Hay fever includes the following symptoms: Itchy eyes and throat Nasal congestion Sneezing Runny nose Hives Coughing If left untreated, symptoms…

A sudden, sharp pain when you take a bite out of your breakfast roll, bleeding gums when you brush, a loose tooth long after your baby teeth have all fallen out — these common dental issues could be your mouth’s way of telling you something’s not quite right. Fortunately, most oral health issues can be addressed and fixed before they become serious conditions if identified and dealt with early on. The following are five oral health troubles translated, along with steps you can take to regain your beautiful, healthy smile. Sudden tooth pain when biting down: Pain that occurs for more than a week could be a result of tooth decay or cavities. When holes in teeth caused by acid get deep, they can cause sensitivity and pain, and can eventually result in cavities. Call your provider and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Porcelain fillings can prevent…