Although most of us experience bad breath upon waking or after eating certain foods, persistent or malodorous breath can be an indication of certain dental and overall health concerns. People are often unaware of any breath concerns because they cannot smell their own breath. At Dental Creations, Dr. Parnaik and her staff test the back of the tongue for odors because even in healthy-looking mouths this area will produce odors.
Dr. Parnaik has incorporated OralChroma™ technology into her Medford dental office to provide more accurate diagnosis for patients with concerns about bad breath, also known as halitosis. This device detects and measures three major volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) in a patient’s mouth air and provides a digital analysis that Dr. Parnaik can use to diagnose and treat halitosis and certain types of periodontal disease.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gum disease
- Certain medications that cause dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Upper respiratory illness
- Liver or kidney problems
While most patients only require lifestyle habit changes or additional oral hygiene products, in some cases Dr. Parnaik may suggest further medical attention after analysis with OralChroma™.
Dr. Parnaik considers herself a partner in the overall healthcare of her dental patients. OralChroma™ enables her to provide more comprehensive oral health care and help patients spot potential health risks as early as possible.