Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is an oral health problem that leads to your breath being less than socially acceptable. Up to one-third of the population experiences this. According to the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, 90% of the causes of halitosis start within the mouth. The bacteria within the mouth can cause unpleasant odors and tastes.

Many states have issued face covering mandates as the cases of COVID-19 have risen around the United States. Wearing face coverings may have you wondering, “hmmm, is that my breath?” A lot of factors could play a role in causing bad breath, for instance poor oral health, uncontrolled diabetes or other medical conditions, smoking, and certain foods, just to name a few! Below are some surprising foods that may be leading to your bad breath and some tips to help combat it:

Alcohol

A study by Microbiome has shown that alcohol consumption reduces the amount of “good bacteria” in your mouth leading to the increase in favorable conditions for the growth of odor producing bacteria. If you choose to consume alcohol, follow it up with water. Not only does it remove alcohol from remaining on the structures within the mouth, it also replenishes saliva and reduces the dry mouth effect created by alcohol.

Sulfur Producing Foods

Certain foods like garlic and onions are part of the allium family which are made of sulfur compounds. These foods are absorbed by the blood stream where their particles are taken to the lungs and released when you exhale. To combat their sulfuric odor, brush and floss after each meal. This removes food residue as well as reduces the amount of odor producing bacteria. Studies have also shown that eating raw apples, mint and drinking green tea can help deodorize breath after the consumption of garlic.

Citrus Fruits

They’re refreshing but very acidic. Do you know what odor producing bacteria love? An acidic environment. Consuming large quantities of citrus creates the perfect home for the unwanted bacteria. If you have acid reflux, the citrus can cause a flare up leading to the production of unwanted, smelly gas.

Coffee

Coffee, especially when had with cream or sugar contributes to bad breath. The caffeine in coffee dries out the mouth and reduces the production of saliva. This allows for odor producing bacteria to feed on any remnants of food that remain in the mouth. The sugars found in milk and cream also feed the odor producing bacteria, causing for rapid growth of the bacteria.  Brushing your teeth and rinsing with water can help alleviate the unwanted “coffee breath”.

High Protein Diet

Bulking up for the summer on protein? This could be contributing to your bad breath. Ammonia is created as the body breaks down protein. This creates a “rotten egg” smell. Consuming foods with zinc helps destroy bacteria and aids in the reduction of bad breath.

Peanut Butter

It’s thick, creamy and delicious. It is also very sticky. So sticky that it is hard for water to wash it away. Peanut butter sticks to the structures in the mouth which allows for the feeding and overproduction of bad bacteria. To help reduce peanut butter from lingering on teeth and other structures, brush and floss after consumption.

Skipping Meals

Has the “Quarantine 15” caused weight gain and you’ve found yourself skipping meals? Don’t! Bad breath is common in those who are dieting or skipping meals. Chewing food produces saliva which washes away bacteria; skipping meals causes a reduction in saliva which allows for the growth of bacteria that cause bad odors.

You will need to visit your oral health provider if you notice that your bad breath is persistent. Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Derek, and Dr. Emad is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Stephens would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig258649spec

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/alcoholic-drinks-kill-good-mouth-bacteria-but-leave-the-bad#3

https://www.healthline.com/health/get-rid-of-garlic-onion-breath#1

https://smartmouth.com/articles/blog/coffee-breath-mouthwash/

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/wellness/unlikely-causes-of-bad-breath-4-foods-that-encourage-halitosis-11363921489068

https://www.glendale.edu/home/showdocument?id=23931

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQAQ56THE9AgiaMcv7vVr9jUMeQmNq68ax_SQ&usqp=CAU

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/alcohol

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRQDlkjkrUZqxM9OOYTL4i5_V9zexczBTTRLQ&usqp=CAU

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/7-citrus-fruits-you-must-try-this-summer-from-blood-orange-to-buddhas-hand-1682443

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/coffee-and-diabetes.html

https://www.pamperedchef.ca/recipe/Side+Dishes/Deluxe+Cooking+Blender/Peanut+Butter/1564381

https://www.mynetdiary.com/can-a-high-protein-meal-plan-help-you-lose-weight.html

https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/diabetes/type-2-diabetes/diabetes-diet-no-no-skip-meals-01-1440x180.jpg?w=720

For many, onions are a must-add ingredient to enhance your meal. For all of the onion lovers, whether in a salad, pasta, or sandwich, the flavor of an onion can take your food to the next level! They’re loaded with healthy antioxidants, fiber, prebiotics, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, C, and potassium. Not to mention, they possess anti-bacterial properties. But, recently, you may have been told to dispose of your onions, as news reports of a salmonella outbreak from onions has reached more than 640 people across 43 states in the U.S. Salmonella is a bacteria, commonly associated with contaminated food, which typically cause symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella could cause severe illness leading to hospitalizations or even death in individuals with weakened immune systems, most commonly impacting children under the age of 5 and elderly individuals over the age of 65. The CDC reports that this recent outbreak has resulted in approximately 85 hospitalizations.

The onion recall was initially issued on August 1st by Thomson International Inc., located in Bakersfield, California, reporting the recall for Red, Yellow, White, and Sweet Yellow Onions distributed from May 1, 2020-present. According to the company, these onions were transported to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Posted on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, the company announced, “Consumers who have any Red, Yellow, White, and Sweet Yellow Onions under the above brand names, or who cannot tell if their onions are from Thomson International, should immediately discard these products and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with the onions.” The onions were sold under several brand names, including Kroger, Thomson  Premium, Tender Loving Care, and others listed on the FDA’s website.

On August 10^th, the FDA released an expansion of the initial recall. The company Progressive Produce LLC recalled red onions sold in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah stores at Trader Joe’s, in addition to yellow onions at Ralph’s in California stores.

The CDC states these guidelines if you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of a Salmonella infection:

The CDC also states, “Several companies have recalled onions and foods made with recalled onions, such as chicken salad, macaroni salad, fajita stir-fry, pizza, sub sandwiches, diced raw onions and peppers, and other salads. Check your homes for these recalled products and throw them away. Do not eat them or try to cook the onions or other food to make it safe.”

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Derek, and Dr. Emad is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Stephens would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/08/health/onions-salmonella-outbreak/index.html

https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/news/food-recall-onions-safe-to-eat

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/onion-benefits#section7

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/thomson-international-complete-list-recalled-products

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/thomson-international-inc-conducts-voluntary-recall-red-yellow-white-and-sweet-yellow-onions-because

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/progressive-produce-voluntarily-recalls-red-and-yellow-onions-because-possible-health-risk?utm_campaign=Progressive%20Produce%20Voluntarily%20Recalls%20Red%20and%20Yellow%20Onions%20Because%20of%20Possible%20Health%20Risk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0807-investigation-update-salmonella.html

https://gwillimdalefarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/onions-1024x683.jpeg

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Derek, and Dr. Emad is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Stephens would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gastrointestinal-disorders/acid-reflux-a-dental-disaster-in-the-making-1013

Best-and-Worst-Foods-for-Acid-Reflux-720x450.jpg

whatyouneedtoknowaboutgerd.jpg

Many of us have shed tears when cracking open an onion to prepare for a meal. Yes it's true, they may make you cry every now and then, but the benefits of onions may help reduce your risk for many diseases that affect your oral health and overall health. Onions have been found to help improve the immune system, bacterial infections, respiratory diseases, and even reduce your risk of developing tooth decay! They are even known to keep blood-drinking insects away.

Onions are one of the most widely used vegetables and are typically known for giving a tasty kick to many foods. They come in a variety of sizes, colors that are grown across the globe based on the season. The great part is that onions have many medicinal applications because they are full of important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This includes, vitamin C, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin B6, Folate, and potassium. They are also rich in sulfur compounds, which are found to stop biochemical processes that lead to asthmatic conditions.

Here’re some of the awesome health benefits of onions:

Good For Your Oral Health:

Of course, onions are the most delicate-smelling food items. But, with proper oral health habits, you can keep your breath smelling good and still reap the benefits that onions have to offer. Onions are believed to help prevent tooth decay and oral infections. Particularly when eaten raw, onions have powerful antibacterial properties as a result of their antimicrobial sulfur-containing compounds. Consuming raw onions can kill many bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease in the mouth.

Helps Keep Your Heart Healthy: 

Onions act as a blood-thinner, which in helps to prevents blood clot formation that could lead to cardiovascular diseases.

A Good Insect Repellent: 

Onion juice can be used to keep insects away and also to help with bee stings.

Can Help Maintain Beauty:

The many antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E help to keep the skin shining. In addition, the high sulfur content in onions can help with hair growth.

Helps Improve Asthma:

As mentioned, onions contain quercetin and sulfur compounds, which researchers have found to act similarly to an antihistamine.

Prevents Colon Cancer:

Quercetin not only helps asthmatic conditions, it also aids in preventing the development of tumors.

Sinus Relief: 

If you experience sinus problems, onions can help loosen mucous and make breathing much easier!

Improves the Immune System:

Onions contain significant amounts of phytochemicals, which helps stimulate the action of vitamin C in the body and prevent toxins that can lead to illness.

Helps Reduce Risk of Cancer:

Vitamin C also helps stop the formation of free radicals in the body and thus the spread of deadly diseases like cancer.

Prevents Diabetes:

Onions can help to lower glucose levels and maintain sugar levels appropriately in the body.

It is important to eat for your teeth!  Healthy teeth and gums significantly depend upon one's diet. Onion is an important ingredient in all kitchens and can easily be added to your favorite dishes. So, the next time onions make you cry, turn them into tears of joy, considering the many health benefits of consuming onions.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Van. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

References:

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/slide/3-raw-onion#oFPz1A6k2Fc9UBKJ.97

http://naturalsociety.com/health-benefits-of-onions/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/onion.html

http://wiskerke-onions.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/onions_clipped_rev_5.png

While vitamin C is a great way to boost your immune system, vitamins can also play a major role in timely recovery after oral surgery.

The Academy of General Dentistry explained that patients lacking in vitamin C have shown to recover at a slower rate. Appropriate amounts of vitamin C, along with other vitamins, minerals, fats, and protein, were reported to be essential for the growth and regeneration of normal tissues. Nutrients work both individually and cooperatively to move along the healing process. Tissue maintenance and repair requires the help of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Recovery of these tissues involves vitamin C, along with vitamins such as vitamins E, B and K.

Vitamin C is responsible for the making collagen (connective tissue) that strengthens skin muscles and blood vessels; this is key to proper wound healing.

Vitamin E has the ability to...thin blood, preventing blood platelets from clumping. It also speed up cell regeneration and promotes blood circulation, strengthening capillary walls while nourishing cells.

Vitamin B is crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It facilitates energy-releasing reactions and can also help deliver oxygen and nutrients, allowing energy pathways to run smoothly.

Vitamin K promotes blood clotting and prevents bleeding; this is can be used to prevent post-surgery bruising.

Without these important nutrients, patients are more prone to infection and healing time can be further delayed. Researchers note that severely underweight or overweight patients, or those who take steroids, immunosuppressant, or chemotherapeutic agents may experience poor recovery after oral surgery. It is crucial to maintain a healthy balance of vitamins before going into surgery.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.

References:

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=N&iid=315&aid=1277

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/003042208290295X

http://www.livestrong.com/article/470706-nutrition-related-to-the-oral-cavity/

Researchers at England’s University of Manchester have looked into the various kinds of germs found in bacteria, and they found that toothbrushes are crawling with them! They discovered that a toothbrush could harbor more than 100 million bacteria, with the likes of diarrhea-causing E. coli and skin-infecting staphylococci bacteria. This may sound completely unsanitary, but wait! The mouth isn't the cleanest place to begin with. There are hundreds of microorganisms in the mouth on a daily basis. Medical professionals note that this is perfectly normal and it is not something to sweat over. But what individuals need to worry about is when there is an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. Many people forget that the plaque that develops inside the mouth (if proper brushing is not taking place) is, in fact, bacteria. Toothbrushes are continuously introduced to bacteria every time it is placed into the mouth.

So if there are constantly bacteria on toothbrushes, can they make people sick? Researchers think that it’s not likely. Considering there are already bacteria in the mouth, the body’s natural defenses make it difficult for an infection to occur just from brushing teeth. However, one should not take the body’s ability to defend itself for granted. There are still ways to keep fewer bacteria from entering the mouth. In many homes the bathroom sink is in close vicinity to the toilet. But that should not be the excuse for placing toothbrushes near where flushing occurs! Every time the toilet flushes, it sends sprays of bacteria into the air. Try to place toothbrushes as far as possible from the toilet, giving bacteria less of a chance in getting into the mouth.

Bacteria love moist environments and it is important that the brush dries through and through between each brushing. Try to avoid covers that enclose the brush, which would leave the toothbrush moist and bacteria-friendly. It is also a good idea to keep the toothbrush upright in a holder, instead of lying it down. Also, no matter how clean your sister or any of your other members of your family, don’t ever use each other’s brushes. Don’t even place toothbrushes in the same cup! Whenever toothbrushes come in contact with each other, they can easily exchange bacteria.

We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every season(3 months) to help prevent bacterial growth and to maintain oral hygiene.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com

References:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/the-ugly-truth-about-your-toothbrush

http://www.ada.org/1887.aspx

Are you worried about the prospect of having breath? Don’t worry you’re not alone; according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, there are 40 millions Americans that suffer from bad breath. However, it doesn't need to be this way! Here are a few ideas on how to go about your day without worrying about halitosis.

1. Keep up with brushing and flossing

After a big meal, people are bound to have food caught in between the many crevices of their mouths. Food that has been left behind can break down, resulting in sticky build-up known as plaque. To keep this plaque build-up from happening, try brushing and flossing after meals, which can keep the mouth clean and breath fresh.

2. Don’t forget the tongue!
After brushing and flossing at night, many people just turn off the bathroom lights and hit the hay. But wait; the tongue can harbor tons of bad-smelling bacteria! Without proper maintenance, a white layer can form on the tongue. People tend to find toothbrushes to big to reach to back end of the tongue without causing discomfort. Dentists suggest using tongue scrapers, which can easily maneuver the tongue, getting rid of bacteria, leftover food, and even dead cells that brushing can’t take away.

3. Pass on the onions and garlic
Although they are undeniably great additions to a great sandwich, these two food ingredients are infamous bad-breath causers. Unfortunately, brushing after consuming garlic and onions does not do the trick; substances within these foods actually travel down the blood stream and into the lungs, where they constantly get breathed out. If you know fresh breath is necessary for a certain social meeting, save onions and garlic for another time!

These are simple tips to keep in mind, but they do go a long way. Always maintain good oral health and soon enough, you’ll be able to say goodbye to bad breath! Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/get-rid-bad-breath

http://www.uihealthcare.org/Adam/?/HIE%20Multimedia/1/003058

While coffee and red wine may have shown to be beneficial for health, they are drinks that can easily darken those pearly whites. Here are some healthy foods that are both great for the body and can leave teeth whiter. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), these are a couple fruits and vegetables that can naturally make teeth brighter and whiter.

Pineapples: research has shown that these tangy fruits contain the enzyme bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain helps fight plaque from forming, which can wear down the enamel of teeth and lead to cavities.

Apples: like that saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, apples can help keep bacteria away. Munching on this particular fruit can generate saliva, which can help neutralize the acid from other foods, keeping teeth free from decay

Carrots: these stringy vegetables are a reservoir of vitamin, which keep tooth enamel in tip-top shape. Eating these veggies raw can help the mouth replenish saliva, which is responsible for keeping the mouth clean. Chewing on crunchy vegetables (count celery in!) will help keep teeth clean.

Broccoli: these mighty greens are chock-full of iron, which helps keep acid that is developed in the mouth from damaging the enamel of teeth. A Brazilian study found that broccoli can prevent erosion of enamel due to acid found in sodas.

Onions: although this vegetable is usually the culprit of leaving bad breath after a delicious sandwich, onions contain sulfur compounds, including thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which can reduce bacteria in mouth that cause decay. Researchers suggest to eat onions raw, for cooking them will destroy these sulfur compounds. If you are not a fan of onions, garlic also can supply you with these sulfur compounds.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment and consultation.

References:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00473.x/abstract

http://www.aacd.com/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20922161

http://www.3dwhite.com/teeth-whitening/teeth-whitening-kits/make-teeth-whiter.aspx

http://modestyplusglamour.wordpress.com/2012/10/07/pineapple-for-acne-scars/ (picture credit) Also, did you know that pineapples are good for acne scars?