Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for a solution to bad breath? Enter the revolutionary CloSYSII system—a four-part program that can permanently eliminate bad breath!

Bad breath is one of those unpopular, personal, touchy kinds of topics. It’s offensive to be around, but it’s also difficult to bring up. So, unfortunately, many people walk around with bad breath without even knowing it. Or, if they do suspect it, they try temporary cover-ups, like breath mints or alcohol-based mouthwashes that dry out your mouth and increase your susceptibility to bad breath. However, bad breath actually results from the natural decay of oral bacteria, human cells, and food debris. It’s a process that goes on inside your mouth continually and creates strong, odorous molecules called volatile sulfur compounds.

The revolutionary CloSYSII system contains an active ingredient that is a proprietary formulation of chlorine dioxide and phosphate, which not only neutralizes and eliminates those smelly volatile sulfur compounds on contact, but prevents their return for up to five hours!

CloSYSII manufacturers recommend taking six steps to kissable breath: use an official tongue scraper to remove all the coating off the tongue, reaching as far back as you can. Next, use a q-tip to place a tiny dab of toothpaste between your teeth and below the gum lines; floss over this gently. Then, brush with your CloSYSII toothpaste with warm water, brushing teeth, gums, tongue, roof of mouth, and sides of cheek. Remember, bacteria aren’t picky about where they hide. Next, rinse twice, first with water, then with CloSYSII for 30 seconds, forcing the liquid between your teeth. Finally, use a fresh mouthful to gargle for 60 seconds. Do NOT rinse again with water. Let the CloSYSII do its work for up to 5 hours!

Many have developed a bad habit known as bruxism: unconsciously clinching and biting down with too much force.

Sometimes, people exposed to chronic stress or high-pressure situations can develop a damaging habit known as bruxism: unconsciously biting down with too much force at non-mealtimes. It can happen at night or during the day, and is generally found in about one third of the population and is more prevalent with women. Since “bruxers” are often individuals with personality types who react to stress with anger, pain, frustration, aggression or competition, the inappropriate tendency to constantly clench or grind the teeth may be related to poor stress management. Sometimes, it’s a conscious attempt to force the upper and lower teeth to touch at all times. People with bruxism may have other ‘biting’ habits such as biting fingernails, pencils, lips, or the insides of their cheeks. In any case, it’s a harmful habit that wears down biting surfaces, causes bite imbalances and can lead to serious dental problems.

Since bruxers are often unaware of their habit, we carefully evaluate all of our patients by checking for fractured or chipped teeth, excessively worn or flat teeth, worn enamel, unexplained tooth or gum sensitivity, jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, popping and clicking jaws, tense muscles, headaches, partially exposed and sensitive tooth interior (dentin) and/or tongue indentations.

Severe bruxism can even lead to a dislocated jaw! If you’re diagnosed as a bruxer, we can do several things to help break the habit, treat the pain and eliminate further damage to your teeth and oral structures. This may involve fitting you with an orthotic appliance or nightguard to stop the trigger mechanism that initiates the unconscious clenching and grinding. Sometimes, wearing the guard will eliminate the problem. If not, we can do further examination to determine the cause while, in the meantime, advising continuous wearing of the guard to spare the teeth from further damage.

Although gum disease is terribly pervasive, it’s also preventable. Conservative estimates report that up to 80% of people unknowingly have some amount of chronic gum disease. What’s worse is that this disease is responsible for up to 70% of adult tooth loss. Part of the problem is that the early signs of gum disease are both silent and serious, requiring a dentist’s trained eye to detect, treat, and arrest the telltale gum inflammation and infection. However, once arrested, you can prevent gum disease from recurring simply by developing healthy hygiene habits.

Plaque buildup, heredity and lifestyle choices. By far the most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque– the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Unhindered, they release toxins that break down the natural fibers holding your gums to your teeth, allowing even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Over time, this process can permanently damage or destroy the affected tooth, tooth root, and even the jawbone! Further, plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar– a rough, porous, gum-irritating substance that brushing will not remove.

Besides poor oral health habits, your poor lifestyle choices can affect your body’s ability to fight infection or increase irritation in the gum tissue area. Poor nutrition, poorly managed stress, leukemia, AIDS, and diabetes all reduce your body’s natural ability to ward off periodontal disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco greatly irritate the gum tissue, setting it up for disease. And, finally, some people are simply born with a low resistance to gum disease. All of this explains why we carefully check for the warning signs at every visit: red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, gums pulling away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, bite changes, and/or a change in the fit of partial dentures. These symptoms are overlooked by most people, making regular dental exams even more important.

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: poor oral health is linked to poor physical health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is a key entryway into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to harmful bacteria. Furthermore, the resources needed for your optimum health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy.

Scientific research clearly documents the connections between periodontal disease and poor heart health, resulting in increased risk of stroke, diabetes, problem pregnancies, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis in women. What’s more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.

So what’s the answer? If you want to up your odds of a happy, healthy life, treat your body with respect and put your money (and effort) where your mouth is. Try starting with the basics: learn the latest tips, techniques and tools for top-notch oral hygiene. Then, branch out: incorporate a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air, and regular rest. Eliminate unhealthy habits that are counterproductive. And, remember, taking care of your teeth means better well-being, and it means that your body will be better able to take care of itself.