Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that no one wants to have. Despite brushing and flossing every day, bad breath happens to everyone at times. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your halitosis. If simple methods do not work, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if it is a symptom of an underlying condition.
Many causes of halitosis are preventable and easily treated. Halitosis is caused by many factors, including poor oral hygiene, a dry mouth and certain foods. People can fend off halitosis by developing good oral health habits and making changes to their diets. Here are four daily tips for managing bad breath.
Brushing teeth properly is an effective way of fighting against bad breath. Brushing teeth twice a day will help whisk away odors. It is important to cover all the areas in the mouth. This involves brushing all surfaces of the teeth, including the inside portion of the teeth near the tongue and palate and the gumline. To eliminate bad breath, a person should brush the entire tongue surface where bacteria tend to linger after brushing the teeth and gumline. The tongue gets a great deal of bacteria buildup, which can contribute to bad breath.
Flossing is an important component of good oral health. Flossing removes the bacteria and plaque buildup from between the teeth that toothbrushes usually cannot get rid of. This should be done at least once a day. Flossing also rids the mouth of debris and food particles. If these are left between teeth, they will rot, which smells foul.
One problem that can cause halitosis or make it worse is having a dry mouth. It occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva lubricates and cleanses the mouth and helps flush out the bad bacteria. Dry mouth causes bad breath because food particles remain trapped in the mouth, and they eventually rot and cause an unpleasant smell when someone exhales.
Drinking plenty of water is recommended. A person should carry a water bottle and take sips frequently. It is advisable to avoid acidic beverages such as soda, orange juice and any drink that contains phosphoric or citric acid. Dry mouth and acid together is a breeding ground for dental cavities.
Chewing sugar-free gum and sucking sugarless candies can stimulate saliva production. Using sugar-free products is recommended because sugar can help feed bacteria, which will make bad breath worse once the gum is gone. Sugar in gum may also cause tooth decay. Artificial saliva prescribed by a dentist can help moisten the mouth and reduce the risk of bad breath.
People can benefit from choosing foods carefully. Certain foods are naturally harsh on the breath. Pungent seasonings such as vinegar and garlic can linger after meals, so these foods should be eaten sparingly. Avoiding sticky, sugary foods that linger on the teeth for a long time is also recommended.
You do not have to suffer from halitosis any longer. By brushing and flossing daily, maintaining adequate saliva in the mouth and choosing food carefully, you can keep your breath fresh. Regularly visiting your general dentistry is also recommended. These tips will assist you in managing and eliminating your experience with halitosis.
Request an appointment here: https://www.johnscreekteeth.com or call Johns Creek Dentistry at (770) 623-1427 for an appointment in our Johns Creek office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Bad Breath in Johns Creek, GA.
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…
Dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as the use of composite fillings. These fillings can not only restore a tooth but also prevent the need for extraction, which can leave gaps in the smile and cause the remaining teeth to shift. They can…
The popularity of tooth-colored fillings keeps increasing among patients with cavities, as well as their dentists. In the past, they were only performed on the front teeth that were more visible. Today, it is possible, and increasingly common, for patients to have fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth in the back teeth as…
Fillings are the most common treatment used for cavities. Composite fillings are a type of filling that may also sometimes be used for treating broken, cracked, or worn teeth.Filling a tooth is a multi-step process:1. The dentist numbs the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic.2. The dentist uses an air abrasion instrument, drill,…
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…
Dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as the use of composite fillings. These fillings can not only restore a tooth but also prevent the need for extraction, which can leave gaps in the smile and cause the remaining teeth to shift. They can…