bad breathHaving bad breath can be mortifying. You may even clam up in an attempt to hide it, preventing you from enjoying yourself and interacting with others. When it comes to bad breath, certain oral bacteria are the primary cause. Therefore, in order to eliminate bad breath, you need to eliminate these bacteria. To do so, you must employ thorough homecare techniques. Brushing and flossing will remove these bacteria from your teeth, preventing them from forming tartar, a substance that cannot easily be removed with a toothbrush. Because the formation of some tartar is natural, a second step for eliminating bad breath is attending a dental cleaning with your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani. In general, dental cleanings should occur every six months, although in some cases, Dr. Villani may recommend more frequent visits. At a cleaning, a hygienist can scrape away bacteria-ridden tartar with special instruments, thereby removing a source of bad breath. During the cleaning, Dr. Villani will also be able to examine your teeth for a variety of symptoms that could point to other oral health problems.

Concerns Raised by Bad Breath

Although oral bacteria are very often the cause of bad breath, this is not always the case. Sometimes an illness or an internal infection may be behind bad breath, in which case you should visit your physician. Other concerns raised by bad breath include the potential for a dental infection and gum disease. Both are the result of bacteria and can, therefore, create bad breath.

Bad Breath Solutions

It sounds too simple, but the best solution to bad breath is keeping your mouth clean. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly and keeping up with your dental cleanings, some other helpful tips include drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, both of which increase saliva production, helping to wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath. You may also consider using a bacteria-killing mouthwash, which will help to eliminate bad breath at its source rather than mask it as a mint does.

About Brighton Family Dental Group: Brighton Family Dental Group is located in Brighton MA. Featuring experienced dentists and an excellent range of in-office treatments, Brighton Family Dental Group is a great destination for any member of your family who is in need of dental care. Patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation with Dr. Thomas Villani by calling (617) 562-5210.