After tooth decay and gum disease, con¬cerns about bad breath is the most common reason people go to the dentist. There are many causes for bad breath, also called halitosis. Many of the germs that naturally grow in the mouth are capable of producing "volitile sulphur compounds" which is the odor we associate with bad breath. Evalu¬ating a patient's oral hygiene is the first step in addressing breath care concerns. Many times, daily flossing can eliminate the germs that cause halitosis. Obviously, decayed teeth harbor odor producing bacte¬ria. Repairing cavities is a big help. Recent studies have shown that a large number of odor producing germs grow on the back of the tongue. Tongue scraping is the best way to remove these germs. There are several devices available for tongue scraping. My favorite is a flexible plastic blade that can be bent into a "U"-shape and be placed far¬back on the tongue to remove that offending bacteria. It has been shown that scraping is much more effective than brushing the tongue.

With the start of the new year, many of us reflect on ways that we can improve ourselves. Some people resolve to lose weight, Some promise to stop procrastinating. These are great goals, but I would like to suggest a simple change that can yield tremendous results.

Most people do an adequate job brushing their teeth, but it is surprising how few people floss on a daily basis. Adding this simple step to your normal oral hygiene routine will have a dramatic impact on the health of your teeth and gums. Studies have shown that this type of bacteria grows between our teeth and are particularly harmful. Because these bacteria are not removed by brushing, they are able to form well organized colonies that are capable of destroying the enamel between your teeth. Also, these bacterial colonies are the cause of the inflammation and bone loss we see when patients get gum disease.

Since 1993, April has been declared National Youth Sports Safety Month by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation. This group has been in existence since 1989, and it promotes techniques and programs aimed at reducing injuries in young people participating in organized sports. Dentists are very supportive of this goal.

Sports injuries of the mouth can have a profound effect on the young athlete. Fractured teeth can be hard to repair because children are still growing. Common procedures like crowns and root canals may not be appropriate or as effective for children. Lost teeth may be difficult to replace in children, again because of the growth factor. Prevention of oral injuries is important for athletes of all ages.

Spring is here. After a long, cold winter we are all looking forward to warmer days and all the activities we've been planning since autumn. The changing of the seasons is a good way to remember that it is time for a new toothbrush. Believe it or not, toothbrushes don't last forever. After about three months, the bristles begin to deteriorate and lose their effectiveness. If you brush hard and aggressively, you may notice that the bristles on your brush may appear crushed and splayed out even sooner. There is also the germ factor. Toothbrushes are easily contaminated and harbor a lot of bacteria. Getting a new one periodically makes sense from a basic hygiene point of view.

There was a recent article in the popular media that pointed out a possible connection between dental X-rays in expectant moms and low birth-weight babies. We are not sure if the Xrays are responsible for low-birth weight in the newborns. However, there is some solid research that show that pregnant women who have periodontal disease are more likely to deliver preterm babies. It seems that the inflammation that occurs with gum disease has powerful and widespread effects on the body. Profound chemical changes in the body in response to this inflammation can actually alter the course of a pregnancy. It is very important that women who plan on having a child go to their dentist for a thorough exam and preventive treatment.