ADA launches web tool to help prevent dental problems like bad breath

It can often be difficult for individuals to find quality dental care in their area. The problem is compounded if they live in a rural area where there are fewer dentists or they have a subsidized dental insurance plan. A lack of professional dental care may lead to many problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

However, the American Dental Association is working to make it easier for these individuals to find a qualified dentist to treat their conditions and provide advice for improving oral health. The group recently created a dentist search service on their website that will display clinics based on a set of criteria input by the patient.

"Good oral health is essential to good overall health, and that is why it is very important to see a dentist regularly," said ADA consumer advisor Dr. Sally Cram. "It is estimated that 164 million work hours are lost each year because of dental disease."

She added that doing so could help individuals avoid many preventable dental conditions, which may include bad breath.