Fight Bad Breath With Good Dental Health!
We’re all hoping that 2021 ushers in a breath of fresh air! Guess what! You can do your part by maintaining proper oral health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath that not only inhibits your smile, but also weakens your self-confidence. So, here are some insights from Dr. Janet Euzarraga into what causes bad breath and some steps you can take to achieve fresh breath and a healthy, beautiful smile!
What causes bad breath?
Suffering from bad breath? You’re not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have halitosis. Poor oral hygiene is usually to blame. Here are the most common culprits that cause bad breath – and be sure to continue scrolling for Dr. E’s tips on maintaining fresh breath.
Gum Disease
Excessive build up of plaque on the teeth inevitably leads to gum disease. When plaque and tarter are not properly removed by your dentist, your teeth and gums become bacterial breeding grounds …and those around you pay the price! Be aware that constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth are red flags that you may have advanced gum disease.
Bacteria
The tongue is the perfect place for bacteria to naturally lurk and breed. Bacteria feeds on leftover food particles left in the mouth resulting in the release of smelly sulfur compounds. That’s why it is SO important to brush and floss after meals or at least twice daily.
Dry Mouth
Adequate saliva production helps wash harmful bacteria away while keeping your breath fresh and your mouth clean. Dry mouth is typically caused by certain types of medications but can also result from ongoing conditions such as stress, anxiety or depression. However, it’s important to note that other serious diseases or health conditions can provoke dry mouth including respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, and liver or kidney problems. That’s why it is so critical to stay on top of your dental health and overall health. Also, drinking plenty of water is always a good idea!
Edible Offenders
It likely comes as no surprise that the food you choose directly impacts your breath. For example, potent choices such as coffee, garlic and onions cause bad breath. Many of the carbs we love also produce odor-filled acids. Keep in mind that as you digest potent and spicy foods, they enter the bloodstream and we breathe them out.
Poor Lifestyle Habits
Tobacco and smoking lead to gum disease, tooth discoloration, dry mouth and, you guessed it, bad breath – not to mention a range of other serious health issues. For these reasons your dentist urges you to just say NO to tobacco. In addition, poor nutrition can trigger your body’s need to break down fat into glycerol, which can result in foul-smelling breath.
How Can I Prevent Bad Breath?
Don’t fear… there are easy, actionable ways to improve bad breath. Just take a big breath, exhale and follow these guidelines to shoo away your stinky breath and make a positive first impression.
Brush and Floss
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and don’t forget to floss regularly and thoroughly between meals. Be sure to brush your tongue, teeth and gums and replace your toothbrush every 2-4 months so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria and bad breath!
Salivate
Flowing saliva contributes to fresh breath! So, opt for chewable, fibrous, saliva-producing foods such as carrots, apples and celery. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production. If dry mouth persists, your dentist may recommend other specially prescribed treatments and products.
Stop Smoking
Giving up tobacco not only helps you improve your breath, it gives you a fresh start toward a better quality of life. Not only will you find that your smile benefits from this lifestyle change, but your overall health and wellness will skyrocket.
Clean Your Dentures
Could your dentures be to blame for your bad breath? If so, be diligent in soaking, brushing and rinsing them daily – including the underside of the denture appliance. Whenever the dentures are taken out, you should also take care to rinse the mouth thoroughly to bid farewell to any lingering bacteria or debris.
Swish and Smile
Over-the-counter mouthwashes helps kill bacteria and improve bad breath but be aware that they don’t function as a magic potion. Mouthwash only provides a temporary fix and it will not rid you of your bad breath forever. In order to eliminate bad breath, you need to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to get to the root of what is truly causing your bad breath.
Visit Your Dentist
Seeing your dentist regularly is the best way to prevent bad breath from making a bad impression on everyone your encounter. Regular checkups allow your dentist to identify issues such as cavities, gum disease and dry mouth that can lead to chronic bad breath if left undetected and untreated. Remember, the earlier the detection of halitosis, or any other dental issues, the more effective the treatment is likely to be.
While bad breath can be embarrassing and unpleasant, the good news is that it is a very preventable and treatable condition. Don’t let bad breath hold you back. You and your smile can get a fresh start in 2021 by scheduling a visit with the Dr. E Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team! Call us today: 480-494-2435