Various things can cause halitosis, and it can affect your personal, professional, and romantic relationships. Fortunately, a dentist can help diagnose the root cause of your bad breath and recommend appropriate steps to combat it.
Here are a few things that patients can do to freshen up.
Bad breath is often caused by the same bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing helps reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and removes the food particles that they can convert into unpleasant smelling gases. The tongue should be thoroughly cleaned during each brushing session because that is where most of the bacteria in the mouth make their home. One of the best times to brush is right before going to bed because it reduces bacteria in the mouth and prevents the remaining ones from consuming food particles to convert into volatile sulfur gases.
Bad breath is often caused by food particles stuck between teeth. Some of these food particles can be stuck on teeth for weeks if the patient does not floss regularly, which can lead to a stinky environment in the mouth. As a bonus, regularly flossing also helps protect the teeth against decay and gum disease.
Patients should make sure to clean their tongue, gums, and other soft tissues in the mouth when brushing their teeth. The bacteria that can cause halitosis can live on any surface in the mouth, so remember to brush the cheeks and gums. Consider purchasing a tongue scraper, as it is more effective than a toothbrush.
Some foods and beverages make the mouth smell worse than others, so watch out for them. For example, drinking coffee often leads to bad breath later in the day. The caffeine in the mouth dries out the mouth, creating conditions favorable to odor-causing bacteria.
Food like fish and onions are other examples of foods that can lead to bad breath. Brush out the mouth after consuming such foods to prevent that from happening.
A dentist can help diagnose the cause of bad breath. In some cases, it is caused by issues like cavities, tooth infections, or gum disease. Good oral hygiene can only help mask bad breath caused by these issues. Getting treatment is the only permanent way to stop them from ruining how the mouth smells.
Give us a call or drop by our clinic in St George to learn more about how our dentist can help you to stop halitosis in its tracks.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Hygiene Basics in St George, UT.
Tooth cavities are one of the most common dental issues treated by your St. George dentist. Some people have the luck of learning about the implications of cavities and how to prevent them early in life. Many parents teach their children how to brush and floss correctly and diligently visit the dentist for cleanings and…
Often people find themselves wondering if they can make their teeth healthy again after damages have incurred, but many people are too nervous to visit a dentist. Damaged teeth can put a person’s entire mouth at risk for further things like disease or infection. While people may think that there isn’t hope for themselves once their…
A common term, dry mouth is the term used for a medical condition known as xerostomia. It occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.Despite the fact that it is uncomfortable to have a dry mouth, it is important to note that saliva aids in the prevention of…
Keeping healthy gums and teeth is essential for someone at any age. Flossing, brushing and maintaining a healthy diet as well as visiting the dentist on a regular basis helps ensure a healthy and attractive smile.The number of teenagers who drink soda today is on the rise from what it was a few years ago.…
Dental veneers are a game-changer in cosmetic dentistry. They offer a safe, effective, and stunning way to correct dental imperfections, giving patients the confidence to showcase a radiant smile. At St. George Dental Care, we often receive questions about dental work and the "veneers process shaving" involved in applying veneers. This guide aims to demystify…
Sensitive teeth can turn simple joys, like sipping hot coffee or enjoying ice cream, into uncomfortable experiences. If you've been dealing with this issue, you're not alone. Dental sensitivity affects millions of people and can significantly impact oral health and quality of life. The good news? The right toothpaste can make a huge difference. This…