You brush your teeth twice every day and floss at least once, always before bedtime. You don’t smoke cigarettes, and you rarely eat garlic, onion, or other strong foods, and when your breath seems to go bad, you’re ready with a stick of sugarless gum. So when your bad breath refuses to go away in spite of your best efforts, it can be especially frustrating, not to mention potentially embarrassing. For some patients, persistent bad breath (halitosis) is a symptom of an underlying dental issue, and treating it is the only way for them to eliminate their offensive exhalations. Often, however, bad breath becomes prominent because a patient’s oral hygiene isn’t as effective as they believe.
Tips for Less Offensive Breath
Your mouth is an ecological forest that contains over 600 different microorganisms, all of which consume nutrients to survive. Certain bacteria metabolize nutrients, like sugar, into acid that damages your teeth. Others incite inflammation in your gums, or release toxins that attack tissues connecting your gums to your teeth. A select few, mainly found on the surface of your tongue, release volatile sulfur compounds that can foul your breath. Aside from brushing and flossing daily, you can also help control these germs with a few simple tips;
- Brush/Scrape Your Tongue—Since the bacteria associated with bad breath like to gather on your tongue, be sure to clean your tongue using your toothbrush or tongue scraper every time you brush your teeth. The roof of your mouth is also a popular hangout for oral bacteria, and should be cleaned frequently, as well.
- Use Mouthwash—Though your toothbrush and floss can usually cover nearly every surface of your teeth and tongue, mouthwash can more thoroughly rinse away food debris and plaque. Anti-bacterial mouthwash can help eliminate harmful bacteria, limiting the amount of gases they can produce.
- Eat Breakfast—When you sleep, your saliva production slows considerably. By the time you wake in the morning, bacteria have spent the entire night gathering on your teeth, gums, and tongue. Eating a well-balanced breakfast before brushing your teeth in the morning to kick-start your saliva flow and more effectively eliminate morning breath.
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.
