1. Controlling the bad breath
The article “Controlling the bad breath” written by Ankita M. Mark is published in Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and comprises of a very detailed account of the possible cause and treatment of Halitosis also known as Bad Breath. It emphasizes that halitosis usually occurs due to inadequate care of mouth, gum disease, dry mouth, or systematic imbalance like diabetes or sinus infections. The underlying cause of halitosis can be found by a detailed dental and medical examination. The effective steps to prevent bad breath are keeping good oral hygiene and brushing twice a day using antibacterial toothpaste which contains fluoride, the flossing of teeth and above all cleansing of the tongue where odor-causing germs normally lie. Toothbrushes or tongues scrapers that have the capability of tongue cleaning are also advisable to eliminate volatile sulphur compounds that cause malodor. Antimicrobial oral rinse which has antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc or chlorine dioxide may also aid in inhibiting the growth of the odor causing bacteria; some, however, can have adverse effects if used chronically. It is important to address dental concerns related to gum disease and cavities and maintain good oral hygiene as its negligence can lead to severe dental issues or chronic halitosis. The article also highlights to stay well hydrated and promote saliva production, especially among the patients on medication or in case of smokers.
One of the most important aspects of treating any disease, apart from medications is lifestyle modifications including avoidance of tobacco, reducing intake of foods that cause offending breath, eg: garlic, onions, and employing natural supplements in freshening breath, eg: citrus peel or sugar free gum. Moreover, the article focuses on the psychological support that is required when people are affected by halitophobia, which involves individuals who hold the opinion that they are having bad breath but have no medical evidence. Finally, the article is in support of a natural manner of coping and assessment of bad breath where both clinical care, as well as better day-to-day oral care, play an essential role.
2. How-To-Do-It Quit-Smoking Strategies for the Dental Office Team: An Eight-Step Program
This paper ‘How-To-Do-It: Quit-Smoking Strategies for the Dental Office Team -An Eight-Step Program’, provides a step-by-step assessment on the procedure of dental team in assisting patients stop smoking tobacco. The first step is to inquire the patients about their tobacco habits during every visit. When the use of tobacco is detected, the dental team is expected to provide clear, firm, and specific recommendations to quit with focus on the health benefits especially that associated with oral health. The next step involves evaluating readiness of the patient to quit smoking. The knowledge about patient readiness to change their habits, assists in the adjustment of intervention to the level of motivation of the patient. A dental team is expected to create a quit plan to help the individuals, who are motivated to withdraw smoking. This would involve the establishment of a quit date, determination of triggers, provision of behavioral coping, and prescription of pharmacological assistance in case of need, nicotine replacement therapy. The team must organize follow-ups, either via telephone or personal visits, to follow the progress, support the patient during the obstacles and keep encouraging. It is also important to devise a favorable atmosphere in the dental office. These include putting up no-tobacco poster and distributing educational materials and having all staff embrace unified anti-tobacco campaigns through their individual efforts. It is importance to train the whole dental team and make every member capable of providing short psychological intercessions, applying motivational interviewing strategies, and assisting patients in a suitable manner. Lastly, the program promotes the referral of patients to other resources including quitlines, counseling resources, or community-based programs to receive a more extensive support. Through these eight steps, dental offices can make a serious contribution to the cause of tobacco cessation, which is beneficial not only to improved oral but also general health outcomes of their patients.
