The most embarrassing dental problem is halitosis or bad breath. You may notice that people will step back when you start talking or even tell you that your breath smells bad. You want to be approachable and the life of the party, but it’s preventing you from doing that. Luckily, there are ways you can cure your problem, and your dentist in Medford is here to help!
What Causes Halitosis?
Every time you eat sugary or acidic foods, it feeds the bacteria in your mouth. When you don’t floss and brush regularly, the bacteria hang around and spread to create a foul odor. Tartar and plaque get trapped below your gumline, which turns into a nest for bacteria to live in. Another cause of halitosis is when you eat foods with strong odors like garlic and onions. They get absorbed into your bloodstream and can cause your breath to smell. Fortunately, there are some simple daily tips that can keep your breath fresh and make you more approachable.
Brushing and Flossing Regularly
Creating a rigid daily oral hygiene regimen is essential to keeping harmful bacteria at bay and clearing your gumline of plaque and tartar. For the best outcome, brush at least twice a day, and floss once. You can also use mouth rinse to aid in killing bacteria. Getting rid of food debris in your mouth is crucial to regulating your breath.
Make Sure Not to Forget Your Tongue
Brushing and flossing are important to have in your routine, but sometimes you need to do a little extra. Your tongue encounters all the food you eat, so it’s a breeding ground for bacteria and other debris, which is why it’s important to clean it regularly. You can use the back of your toothbrush if it has a tongue cleaner or a tongue scraper that you can get from almost any drug store. Doing this after every time you brush your teeth will help prevent bad breath.
Drink Water Often
When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it can’t wash away any bacteria that may be lingering. Drinking water throughout the day can help you produce more saliva, preventing bacteria buildup and washing away leftover food debris.
Preventing Bad Breath
To prevent bad breath, you need to create good preventive routines for your oral health. Going to your dentist for your semi-annual checkups and cleanings helps to keep the bacteria and tartar and plaque buildup in your mouth to a minimum. If you have a good oral routine but still have bad breath, it could be a result of something more serious, so check with your dentist and voice any concerns you may have. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a large one, schedule your checkup today!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino focuses on providing his community with reliable dental care, unique to each of his patients. He strives to give them their best possible smile with focus on restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dental care. Get dental care specifically tailored to you with Giamberardino Dental Care. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us at 339-674-6725.