Though not a medical emergency, bad breath, or Halitosis, is certainly an embarrassing and distressing problem for those that suffer with it. While you might be tempted to pop a mint in your mouth to mask any potential odor, it’s important to consider the origins of bad breath. From dental cavities to gum disease, poor oral hygiene, coated tongue and uncontrolled diseases or infections, there are many underlying culprits when it comes to bad breath. The good news, however, is that your dentist can help you say goodbye to bad breath.
To begin, it is imperative to keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings. Not only do professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar associated with bad breath, patients gain insight into other conditions and habits that might be contributing to their bad breath. Some of these include malnutrition, diabetes, dry mouth, sinusitis, acid reflux and heartburn, as well as intermittent causes of bad breath.
Besides brushing and flossing regularly, consider the following ways to fight bad breath:
- Drink plenty of water, particularly in the morning to freshen up “morning breath.”
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
- Scrape your tongue each morning to get rid of the bacteria or fungi that causes odor.
- Opt for raw, crunchy foods for snacking, as these naturally clean teeth and promote saliva production. Examples include apples, carrots and celery.
- If you smoke, consider seeking help in order to stop.
- If you wear dentures, remove them at night and clean them thoroughly to remove the buildup of bacteria.
It’s true—nearly 30% of the world’s population experiences bad breath to some degree. Even so, dental professionals are well equipped to help you get rid of it, for good.
Is It Time For Your Dental Check-Up?
If it’s been some time since your last dental checkup, the team at Grateful Dental in Marietta welcomes your call today. Dr. Leia Porcaro leads our practice with a focus on preventative dentistry and helping patients achieve optimal oral health. Whatever the cause of your bad breath or oral health condition, there is a treatment or solution for you. Call Grateful Dental today.