What Can I Do About Bad Breath?

We've all dealt with bad breath at one point. Whether it was something we ate or a medical condition, bad breath, also known as halitosis can be unpleasant and affect our self-esteem. 

So, what can you do about it? First, it's important to understand what causes bad breath and how to address those exact issues. 

So, What Causes Bad Breath? 

• Certain Foods - What you eat can affect how your breath smells. Foods like garlic, dairy products, or tuna can make your breath smellier.

• Poor Oral Health - If you skip brushing your teeth or do it just superficially, then the food stuck on your teeth and tongue will eventually rot and cause bad breath. It's also important that you see your dentist for regular check-ups so that they can perform a thorough cleaning. 

• Gum Disease - This is connected to poor oral hygiene. Improper brushing can lead to the formation of plaque and plaque can cause gum disease, which can turn into periodontal disease if left untreated. 

• Dry Mouth - If your mouth is not producing enough saliva, then it cannot clean the bacteria and the food debris left in your mouth. This condition can be caused by certain medications, so check with your doctor. 

What Can You Do About Bad Breath 

Here are some of the things you can do to prevent or reduce gum disease: 

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene - That means brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. You should also floss every night to remove the food particles that get stuck in between your teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue too! This is especially important if you are a smoker as bacteria can coat your tongue and cause bad breath. 

• Drink Plenty of Water - Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks can actually dehydrate you so always replenish your body by drinking about eight glasses of water per day. You can also chew a sugarless chewing gum after eating to stimulate saliva production. 

• Change Your Toothbrush - In time, your toothbrush gets coated in bacteria and cannot clean your teeth as efficiently. Make sure to change it every three months or after you've been sick. 

• Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups - Even with all the precautions you are taking at home, it's still important to see your dentists about two times per year. They can make sure that your oral health is in good condition and perform an in-depth cleaning to remove debris that can't be removed with a regular toothbrush. 

Get a Healthy and Beautiful Smile with Precision Dental 

Whether it's bad breath you are worrying about or other dental issues, at Precision Dental in Bowling Green, you can rest assured that you will get compassionate and personalized care. 

Contact us now to book your appointment with Dr. Bryan Packard, DMD. We will be happy to assist you with any of your dental needs!