Bad breath can be caused by all sorts of different things, and the proper name for it is halitosis. It’s an embarrassing condition, and if your dental health is reasonable, it’s most likely only temporary. Foods with a strong odour such as onions and garlic can cause bad breath. Although you can mask the smell temporarily by brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, there’s no real option but to wait until the food is eliminated from your body.
What Else Can Cause Bad Breath?
There are several other reasons as to why you might have persistent bad breath. For example, if you snore frequently or sleep with your mouth open, your mouth becomes drier. The drier conditions allow bacteria to thrive. Smokers often have bad breath because inhaling the smoke dries out the oral tissues, and it can affect oral health in other ways too, none of which are good! Poor oral hygiene is another frequent cause of bad breath as leftover food particles, and other debris will gradually break down and rot, causing a noxious odour. Untreated dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease are another cause of bad breath and are why it’s important to see a dentist in Whitby initially.
Why You Should See Your Dentist
If you think you have persistent bad breath, it’s best to book a checkup and hygiene appointment with us here at Margolian Dentistry. Our dentist can check your oral health to ensure you don’t have any dental diseases requiring treatment. A hygiene appointment is an excellent way to get that super fresh, ‘just been to the dentist’ feeling. Having your teeth cleaned professionally removes any plaque and tartar buildup that could have been contributing to your bad breath, and if needed, the hygienist will work with you to improve your home oral care routine. Once you have received a clean bill of health from the dentist in Oshawa, follow these simple tips to keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Regularly brushing your teeth removes food debris and plaque bacteria before they can cause unpleasant odours. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. If you want to brush after meals, wait at least half an hour, as immediately after eating your mouth is more acidic and your tooth enamel is slightly softer. Waiting allows acidity levels to normalize, so your enamel is harder and less easily damaged by brushing.
Change Your Toothbrush Regularly
Toothbrushes wear out after two or three months, so check to make sure the bristles are not worn. Also, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush which won’t damage your teeth and gums. You don’t need to brush hard to clean your teeth, as it is all about your technique!
Floss Once-a-Day
Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque and food trapped in between your teeth. If you are unsure about your flossing skills, ask your dentist in Ajax for help and advice. They will be delighted to assist you!
Brush Your Tongue
Did you realize your tongue harbours lots of bacteria? Carefully brushing it could help to freshen your breath and especially if you smoke. Some toothbrushes have built-in tongue scrapers, or you can buy one for just a few dollars.
Drink Plenty of Water
When you are well hydrated, you can produce more saliva, so old skin cells, food debris and bacteria are more easily washed away.
It is vital to work out why you have halitosis. Sometimes foul-smelling and persistent halitosis can be a symptom of an undiagnosed illness, so don’t ignore your bad breath as we can help you.
