By Dr. Michael Brown, on February 20th, 2012 No matter what you call it, bad breath or halitosis, it’s an embarrassing issue to have to deal with. Even if you’re not aware of it, you can be certain that the people closest to you are. But don’t despair, if you have this problem, a trip to your dentist will help you get to the root of the problem, and eliminate your bad breath in no time!
 Garlic and onion can cause bad breath, but there are other reasons too! The most common cause of bad breath is the food you eat. After you eat a meal, especially one containing the usual suspects, such as garlic and onions, you may have an unpleasant breath odor. While it seems to go away after a while, the truth is it doesn’t. When the food you eat is absorbed into your body, it is also transferred to your lungs, and emerges as halitosis. So just brushing, flossing or using mouthwash only hides the foul odor temporarily. Only after your body finishes “processing” the meal will your bad breath disappear.
People who are dieting sometimes develop bad breath because they eat less frequently. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, because your saliva helps to cleanse your mouth, and removes food particles that can cause odor. Your dentist can tell if salivary gland problems are the issue, and may prescribe an artificial saliva or suggest chewing sugarless gum to increase the amount of saliva you produce. We don’t have to tell you how tobacco products cause bad breath, as well as discolored teeth. If you smoke, ask your dentist for help kicking the habit.
A variety of health related issues can cause halitosis. Continuously breathing through your mouth can also give you bad breath, this can be caused by a sinus infection, or another nasal obstruction. A respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and liver or kidney ailments can all cause bad breath. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, he may refer you to your family doctor to determine the cause of your bad breath.
Finally, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day. And lightly brush your tongue. Not doing so will allow food particles that remain in the mouth after meals to growing bacteria, rotting your teeth and giving you bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you have chronic bad breath, bring a list of the foods you eat and the medications you take for your dentist to review at your next visit. With this information, he can suggest solutions to help you combat your ongoing, and embarrassing breath problems.
Mints, mouthwashes and breath fresheners only hide unpleasant mouth odor. If you need more powerful weapon to use against your halitosis problem, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse, a fluoride mouth rinse that when used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can contribute to the prevention of tooth decay.
Don’t go on living with bad breath. The root of the problem is easy to find, and correct. Make an appointment with Dr. Brown today, and look forward to a much fresher, healthier tomorrow!
By Dr. Michael Brown, on February 1st, 2012 The ADA has stated that chewing sugar-free gum is safe, and beneficial, for your teeth.
 Along with brushing and flossing your teeth daily, there are indeed benefits to chewing sugarless gum.The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva to your mouth. And saliva is a natural enemy of bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. So, if you chew gum after a meal, the increased saliva you produce from chewing gum will actually help to neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. This is only true when chewing sugar-free gum, however. When you chew gum that contains sugar, the acid in the food you eat will eat away at your tooth enamel, creating the perfect environment for tooth decay to start. Another benefit of chewing sugarless gum is that the increased saliva flow can also help to strengthen your tooth enamel, because it carries more calcium and phosphate to your teeth. After reviewing the above mentioned information, the ADA did clinical studies showing that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
All that said, chewing gum is NOT a replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth. The ADA still recommends brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and to also clean plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss or other dental cleaners. Make sure you have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least twice a year, because they can do a much more thorough locating and removing of any plaque deposits you may have.
So what does the future of sugarless gum hold? Soon you may find chewing gum that delivers a variety of therapeutic agents that rival the additional benefits to those provided by the ability of gum to mechanically stimulate saliva flow. For example, gum may become available that contains active agents that enhance the gum’s ability to remineralize teeth and reduce decay, or enable gum to resist plaque and gingivitis.
Look for the ADA Seal when purchasing sugar-free chewing gum. It will assure you that the gum you choose has met their stringent safety and effectiveness requirements. In order to get that seal, companies must verify all of the ingredients they use to make their gum with the ADA.
If you have any other questions about ways you can keep your teeth healthy gives our office a call at 636-395-0042.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on January 6th, 2012 Tooth decay is the second most common disease, following the common cold. Just like we keep our bodies warm to prevent catching a cold, we need to take care of our teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases.
Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both enamel (the outer layer of teeth) and dentin (the hard, dense, bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth beneath the enamel).
While getting your teeth cleaned at least every six months is a vital component of preventing tooth decay, there are things you can do at home to keep your mouth clean and disease-free.
Here are five tips to fighting tooth decay:
- Daily oral hygiene – Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss once a day. Use a mouth rinse at night, before you go to bed.
- Eat well - A good diet is incredibly important to your dental health. Eat nutritious and balanced meals. Avoid carbohydrates such as soda, chocolate and candy. If you eat sticky foods, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
- Regular checkups and dental cleanings – A dental cleaning appointment is recommended every six months to check for signs of tooth decay and remove dental plaque that you’ve missed.
- Take vitamins – Calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are important for healthy teeth. Bone density declines as one ages, so take calcium supplements can help improve bone density.
- Drink fluoridated water - At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
Preventive Dentistry is the best kind of dentistry. If it has been more than six months since your last check-up, give my office a call today at 636-395-0042.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on November 15th, 2011  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you’ve probably already started to plan your feast. Some of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes are delicious, but the bacteria in your mouth also find them equally delicious. This time of year is one of the biggest times of year that we “feed” the bacteria in our mouth. You can still enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving feast, but save your teeth and health too!
Try to incorporate foods into your dishes that are high in vitamins and nutrients that help keep your gums nice and healthy. Some great foods that are high in vitamins and nutrients include Cranberries, Pumpkin, Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes. Turkey is a great source of protein and iron and it is also lower in fat than most meats. Avoid adding a lot of sugars and spices to your dishes as they can give the bacteria in your mouth more sugar to feed off of and attack your teeth.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and don’t forget to brush and floss!
Dr. Michael Brown is an O’Fallon Dentist that has provided General Dentistry services to residents of O’Fallon and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Dr. Brown is listed in the Top Dentists in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine for 2010 and 2011, as voted by peers.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on October 18th, 2011  So, you think you can have your cake and eat it too? Not necessarily. When it comes to having healthy, cavity free teeth you need to put that cake down and pass on that sugar-filled soda. If you plan on keeping your teeth healthy, it’s all about eliminating the sweets. The more of them you put into your mouth, the more cavities you are going to get. It’s really that simple. I know that many people dread their annual dental visits. But you can’t afford to skip them, just as you can’t afford to neglect your teeth by eating too many sweets. Now I’m not saying you can never enjoy the occasional special treat, like your favorite ice cream flavor, or maybe a slice of hot apple pie, or that delicious chocolate chip cookie. Sure you can. But only in moderation. Don’t sit down and eat 5 cookies, or 2 slices of cake. Your teeth, and your body, don’t like that. And since you only get one set of teeth, you have to treat them right.
So how do you avoid cavities and fight tooth decay you ask? Start by brushing your teeth 2 or 3 times a day, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning, and right before bed in the evening. It doesn’t hurt to keep a toothbrush handy for after lunch, either. All that sugary coffee, and that mid-day lunch will put your teeth in harms way. Make sure you’re brushing correctly. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. And don’t stop there, you should also lightly brush your gum line, and your tongue as well. These are areas that can be a hotbed of bacteria, and not cleaning the whole mouth is like pushing your shoes under the bed…it looks clean, but the real mess is still in the room, just hidden. Finally, as well as brushing you really should floss once a day. These steps are essential if you wish to prevent tooth decay.
Get into the habit of taking care of your teeth, and your health. You’ll need them for the rest of your life, and you’ll need them to enjoy all those foods you’re going to eat…in moderation. Wean yourself off of the steady diet of sweets, too. You’ll be glad you did. Your teeth will be whiter, shinier, and your waistline will be smaller! And your dental visits will be shorter, cheaper, and far less uncomfortable!
So give my office a call today at 636-240-1750, and start yourself on the path to a healthier set of teeth!
Dr. Michael Brown is an O’Fallon Dentist that has provided General Dentistry services to residents of O’Fallon and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Dr. Brown is listed in the Top Dentists in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine for 2010 and 2011, as voted by peers.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on September 30th, 2011 
Oral hygiene will not only help to keep your mouth healthy, but it can also help to change your heart health for the better. Research has shown that certain types of cardiovascular diseases are linked to poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene involves keeping the mouth, teeth and tongue clean in order to prevent disease. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as brushing or scraping your tongue and keeping up with regular visits to your dentist for a check-up and cleaning.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease
Your mouth is full of bacteria; some are good, and some are bad. The good ones help to digest your food, but the bad ones must be removed from your mouth or else they will multiply and cause your gums to become swollen and irritated which may lead to bleeding when flossing, or even when brushing. Bacteria combine with sugar to make acid that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Most people have heard by now that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack. There is a logical explanation for why heart attacks could be related to periodontal disease. Bleeding gums are a doorway for the bacteria to enter into your bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream they travel throughout the body where they can cause inflammation leading to a build-up of fatty deposits which can clog the arteries. When arteries become clogged it can cause heart disease and stroke. These bacteria can also make their way to the liver, causing the liver to produce high levels of proteins which inflame the blood vessels and eventually can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Listed below are the symptoms of periodontal disease according to the National Institute of Health:
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once per day will help keep your mouth clean. O’Fallon Dentist, Dr. Michael Brown, recommends investing in a good toothbrush, floss and biannual teeth cleanings.
The American Heart Association estimates that almost eighty million people suffer from heart disease and almost one million people die every year. The best defense against heart disease is to consult your physician to advise you about reducing your risks, including dental health. Make sure you keep your regular cleaning appointments and screenings schedules. Doing so will greatly increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. Dr. Michael Brown wants to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible.
- Dr Michael Brown, DDS
Dr. Michael Brown is an O’Fallon Dentist that has provided General Dentistry services to residents of O’Fallon and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Dr. Brown is listed in the Top Dentists in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine for 2010 and 2011, as voted by peers.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on September 9th, 2011 Afraid to visit the Dentist? You should be far more afraid of NOT going to the dentist!
 Some people are just plain stubborn, and refuse to see a dentist until there is a major problem going on. Maybe they had a bad experience years ago, and can’t seem to get it out of their mind. Or the last time they had their teeth cleaned it made them uncomfortable for a short while. Then there’s the silliest reason of all, some people are just afraid of finding out that something’s wrong, and afraid they may have to get a filling, or worse!
Why wait until you have bleeding gums or a terrible throbbing pain that prevents you from eating? Don’t wait until you’re in pain; practicing prevention is far more effective in maintaining good dental health, and will usually lead to a pain-free visit to the dentist. In this scenario, no pain is your gain!
There are many good reasons to visit your dentist regularly; here are just a few…
Bi-annual visits to the dentist can detect problems early, when they can be cured before they become costly. For example, gum disease affects millions of people each year. With proper dental care a problem can be detected and treated before it leads to periodontal disease, a far more severe form of gum disease. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss. Again, early detection is always the best key to prevention.
The early detection of oral cancer is another important reason for a bi-annual dental visit. Oral cancer kills thousands of Americans who are diagnosed with it annually, usually within five years of initial diagnosis. During your routine check-up, your dentist will screen you for suspicious lesions. If detected in its early stages, there is a very good chance that they will be able to treat it effectively, before it becomes life threatening.
Regular Dental visits can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones. A dentist can detect potential problems before they occur. Skipping your visit to the dentist may result in your having to undergo painful and expensive procedures, such as root canals and removal of teeth. Regular dental check-ups are relatively cheap and painless in comparison.
You only get one set of permanent teeth, losing them due to neglect will have a detrimental effect on your eating habits. You won’t have to go through the discomfort associated with dentures later if you take care of your teeth today. So brush, floss, and see your dentist twice a year. Don’t let a fear of the dentist prevent you from getting the care you need.
Dr. Michael Brown is an O’Fallon Dentist that has provided General Dentistry services to residents of O’Fallon and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Dr. Brown is listed in the Top Dentists in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine for 2010 and 2011, as voted by peers.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on August 23rd, 2011  Your smile is one of your most important assets. It is the window to your personality and self image. Have you ever looked at someone and when they give you a really warm and nice-looking smile and you get a really good feeling about that person – whether it’s that you’re on the same wavelength, you’re attracted to them or you just want to go over and make conversation?
A nice looking smile is an important aspect of non-verbal communication. A smile is contagious and communicates warmth and friendliness that crosses all language barriers. If you don’t feel confident in being able to openly smile at someone else you may be cutting yourself off from feeling confident and happy in life.
The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is brushing and flossing. Food particles can accumulate on teeth and over time turn into plaque. The bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even loss of teeth. To avoid these problems you need to take regular care of your teeth and gums.
Brushing
Brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes at least twice a day. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to read food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the brush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, making sure you brush on all sides of your teeth. Brush your tongue and roof of your mouth before you rinse.
I recommend chewing sugar-free gum between meals as it helps keep your teeth cleaner.
Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque. It is important to floss your teeth every day.
If you are flossing without the floss threader, pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers reusable floss threader. Guide the floss between all your teeth to the gum line, pulling out food particles or plaque. Remember to floss behind all of your back teeth.
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, inform our office.
I hope you have found these tips to be useful. If you have crooked, yellowed or chipped teeth I can fix those problem areas using cosmetic dentistry solutions such as porcelain dental veneers and teeth whitening. I want you to feel confident and be able to face the world with a brighter, healthier looking smile.
- Dr Michael Brown, DDS
Dr. Michael Brown is an O’Fallon Dentist that has provided General Dentistry services to residents of O’Fallon and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Dr. Brown is listed in the Top Dentists in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine for 2010 and 2011, as voted by peers.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on July 31st, 2011 Missing teeth can often be a source of embarrassment, as well as affect a person’s quality of life. Some of the problems associated with lost teeth include difficulty eating or chewing, speech problems, and also cause the adjacent teeth to shift.
No matter your budget and needs, replacing missing teeth is possible. Your 3 main options for replacing missing teeth are Dentures, Bridges and Implants.
Dentures
A partial denture is a removable appliance that consists of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases and are connected by metal framework. These are sized to fit your mouth so they are comfortable and look as natural as possible. Partial dentures are quite affordable and are priced depending on design, they often last between 2-10 years before needed replacement or modification. The more expensive ones are designed to last longer and provide a tighter fit. However, regardless of the style, partials are removable appliances. As a result, they will often move around during eating. Some people can handle this, others find it too annoying and end up opting for one of the other tooth replacement options.
Bridges
 Diagram of a Bridge A fixed bridge is exactly that, fixed. A bridge involves crowns on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, with a fake tooth in the middle. Visually it looks like 3 crowns fused together with the middle one resting on or near the gum tissue. This is a very solid and functional restoration which costs upwards of $2,000 and increases in cost depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Bridges usually last between 5-15 years depending on home care and restoration complexity. The design for bridges varies on area and size. The majority of bridges are Porcelain bonded to Metal and extend right to the gums where the missing teeth are.
Implants
 Diagram of a Dental Implant Implants come in various styles and designs. The main ones on the market today are comprised of a titanium screw imbedded into the bone and a crown is placed on top. These can be done as single teeth or multiple teeth. They can also be used as anchorage for complete and partial dentures. In the case of single or multiple tooth replacement, implants act and function almost identically to natural teeth. They are aesthetic, they are fixed in place, and they are fully functional. They are not susceptible to decay and are more resistant to gum disease. Implants cost around $3000 – $4000 each, and have the potential to last for well over 20 years. With their long life implants end up being cheaper in the long run than bridges and dentures.
Dr. Michael Brown, a well respected St. Louis dentist, is experienced in the replacement of lost teeth. One of the greatest privileges we receive at our office is that of restoring the smiles of our valued patients. If you are among the thousands of St. Louis residents who are suffering the ill effects of tooth loss, consider the benefits of replacing missing teeth. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. Call 636-240-1750.
By Dr. Michael Brown, on June 15th, 2011 We do an oral cancer screening on all of our patients at their initial exam and at each check-up appointment. If caught in the early stages, oral cancers have a very low mortality rate. However, if left untreated until the more advanced stages the death rate is extremely high. Checking for any suspicious lumps, bumps or lesions is a very important part of our exams and a service I am proud to offer our patients. It is definitely part of our mission to provide beautiful healthy smiles.
Here is a link to more information on oral cancer: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-cancer
- Dr Michael Brown, DDS
Dr. Michael Brown is an O’Fallon Dentist that has provided General Dentistry services to residents of O’Fallon and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Dr. Brown is listed in the Top Dentists in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine for 2010 and 2011, as voted by peers.
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636-395-0042
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31 O'Fallon Square
O'Fallon, MO 63366
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