You’ve had bad breath at some point in your life. Everyone has...no one is immune to the occasional bad breath blunder. Unfortunately, sometimes you might not be aware that your breath is causing people to wrinkle their noses. When bad breath strikes, you need to know what to do!
Is Your Diet On Your Breath?
Garlic and onions, of course, can be incredibly tasty in salsas and curries, but are particularly offensive when not flushed out of the mouth with water or a quick brush with toothpaste. Sugary foods, from bananas to the candy you love to pop back, coat the enamel and gums with bacteria—a fertile ground for producing bad breath.
A Dry Mouth Is a Bad Breath Mouth
Not drinking enough water during the day, or drinking coffee or alcohol, dries out the mouth. Without the steady flow of saliva to neutralize acids and flush out debris, bacteria builds up in this dry environment. Even your minty mouthwash can backfire: many contain alcohols, so while your breath might be as fresh as new snow, it will melt in just an hour, and you’ll be back to square one: Bad Breath City!
Is Halitosis In Your Dental Hygiene Routine?
You may not think that skipping a regular brushing before bed is a big deal, but leaving food in the crevices between your teeth is the number one way to produce bad breath. Before you shock others awake with your morning breath, remember that food breaks down in the mouth--and that’s not a pretty picture. Brush, floss and rinse! It could save you from a few uncomfortable scenarios down the road.
Is Bad Breath Serious?
In some instances, consistent, persistent bad breath is not the result of chowing down on onion-heavy salsa every day. You may have a medical condition affecting other parts of the body, or discover signs of periodontal disease or gum disease, a buildup of plaque that settles around the gums. Tooth decay, cavities, and poorly-fitting dental devices (bridges, crowns, or dentures) all contribute to the malodorous offenders in the mouth.
A Healthy Mouth is a Happy Mouth
To keep your smile fresh and your friends happy, follow these few tips for better oral health:
Don’t ignore this one! Flossing at least once a day will keep those odorous sulfur compounds to a minimum
Brushing your teeth after meals (with the minimum being when you wake up and before you go to sleep) and scraping your tongue flushes your mouth of bacteria
Drink lots of water, especially if you enjoy your daily cup of coffee or glass of wine, so that you mouth does not get dry
Use alcohol-free mouthwash. It won’t dry out your mouth!
Get regular dental checkups! Every six months, visit your dentist so that he or she can assess the health of your mouth, keep plaque off of your teeth and gums, and check for cavities and signs of gum disease or tooth decay.
Your Family Dentist in Elm Grove
Dr. Meinerz is committed to maintaining positive oral health in his patients as a family dentist in Elm Grove. Honest Teeth strives to educate patients with the latest and very best knowledge for optimal health as well as provide excellent services, from cosmetic dentistry and implants to orthodontics and Invisalign. Honest Teeth combines gentle dental services with a focus on preventive dentistry. Give us a call at (262) 784-7770 to schedule your next appointment!