A bright, beautiful smile suggests a healthy mouth, but bad breath can turn an even pretty smile into a reason to keep distance. Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, can occur for a scope of reasons. Treating the symptoms of bad breath with mouth wash may only temporarily relieve foul breath. Identifying the reasons of bad breath and then treating the causes of bad breath helps not only to alleviate the symptoms but also to prevent stinky mouths from deterring everyday life and interaction.
Dr. Alexander Ash of Studio Dental Care offers general dentistry services and helpful tips to promote pristine oral health.
- Are you really brushing and flossing every day?
Many patients shape up oral routines days before attending the dentist, afraid the dentist, like a teacher, may scold the patient for poor oral hygiene habits. But crash course brushing and flossing is not as beneficial as a regular and thorough routine. Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes (at least 30 minutes after a meal), as well as flossing at least once a day may help rid the mouth of excess food particles that may be hoarding foul smelling bacteria.
- Don’t forget your tongue!
The human tongue is a trap for bacteria and plaque that may be the culprit of bad breath. Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush may help to remove stubborn plaque. Consider purchasing a tongue scrapper for the sole purpose of improving oral hygiene and eliminating bad breath.
- Attend the dentist at least two times annually
Regular dentist visits ensure that a mouth is healthy while removing stubborn plaque and tartar buildup. Dentists and dental hygienists also help to find and reverse decay, which has been linked to bad breath. Skipping routine dental appointments may appear to save funds up front, but the consequences of missed appointments cost patients’ money in the long run, as well as a healthy mouth free of odor.
- Discuss current medications with your dentist
Certain medical conditions or medications may lead to unfortunate, smelly breath. For example, gastrointestinal problems, or digestive issues, may cause bad breath. Consider lifestyle changes, different medications, or discuss new options with a professional physician and dentist.
- Break those bad habits
Drinking coffee/alcohol or smoking cigarettes may not only deteriorate health, but may also produce bad breath. Besides the negative effects of tobacco and alcohol, both habits may cause dry mouth that further increases bad breath. Saliva naturally washes away left-over food particles and bacteria; reducing the amount of saliva produced may increase bacteria in the mouth.
For more information regarding the causes of bad breath or tips to preventing bad breath, please follow the link by clicking HERE.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.