Bad Breath – What Can I Do?
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue. Also, bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue, will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. So, it is very important to brush your teeth correctly and regularly. This will help keep your breath smelling fresh.
The plaque – aka bacteria – on our teeth and gums also cause gum disease and tooth decay. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. If you are noticing these symptoms, come see us at Hannon & Sandler and let us know. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.
Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems. Dry Mouth is a condition that means your mouth produces less saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in your mouth which leads to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medications, by salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. Older people may also produce less saliva, causing further problems.
If you suffer from dry mouth, the team at Hannon & Sandler may be able to recommend products or suggest other ways of dealing with the problem. Such as chewing sugar-free gum. It helps your mouth produce saliva and stops it drying out since a dry mouth is one of the leading causes to bad breath.
Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.
Can I prevent bad breath?
To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum disease, and keep your mouth clean and fresh. If you do have bad breath, list any medicines you are taking. Take this list to your dentist, who may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.
- Brush your teeth and gums last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, or use a tongue scraper. Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks.
- Visit us at Hannon & Sandler regularly.
- Clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day – brushing alone only cleans up to about 60 percent of the surface of your teeth. There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash – some contain antibacterial agents that could kill bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant.
If you continue to suffer from bad breath visit us at Hannon & Sandler to make sure you are not covering up a more serious underlying problem.