Nobody wants to experience bad breath (halitosis), but sometimes it can be difficult for individuals to work out the cause. Perhaps you have noticed that people keep a distance when talking to you, or you yourself are aware of an issue. The good news is that bad breath can often be eliminated by following a few simple procedures. In this blog post, Sparkling Dental will be sharing some helpful tips to stop bad breath so that you can smile with confidence.
Why Does Bad Breath Occur?
As you are likely aware, the human mouth contains bacteria. It is perfectly normal to have some level of bacteria around your mouth, tongue and throat and in fact this bacteria aids with digestion and breaking down proteins. Bad breath occurs when there is an oversupply of bacteria, and you may notice this in the form of plaque coating your teeth. It can also be caused by trapped food particles which have not been removed during your daily brushing routine.
Those who consume a diet high in meat and dairy are usually more prone to experiencing bad breath because these high protein foods are a rich food source for bacteria. After feeding, sulphur is released and this can be an unpleasant aroma.
How Can I Eliminate Bad Breath?
The best way to eliminate bad breath is to establish a good oral hygiene routine. As dentists, we recommend the following:
- Regular Brushing and Flossing – You should be brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night. This will help to remove plaque and trapped food particles and keep your teeth sparkling clean. You may also wish to carry a toothbrush with you so that you can brush after lunch. It is important not to brush too often or too hard, as this may wear down the protective layer of enamel on your teeth and irritate gums.
- Use Alcohol Free Mouthwash – It’s a good idea to follow up your brushing session with alcohol free mouthwash. This will instantly freshen your breath whilst also eliminating bacteria within your mouth, helping you to maintain a healthy level of bacteria at all times. You can also purchase mouthwash with added fluoride which can strengthen your tooth enamel.
- Use a Tongue Scraper – Your tongue is home to a large amount of bacteria, and it can usually be seen as a yellow film on your tongue. If you notice this, you need to clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or toothbrush with tongue scraper attachment.
- Sugar-Free Gum – It’s best to avoid mints, as many of them contain sugar which turns into acid once bacteria start feeding on it. Sugar free gum is a much better choice as it not only removes stuck food particles, it also stimulates saliva flow and freshens your breath. This provides an excellent defence against plaque and keeps your breath minty fresh all day long.
- Address Gum Disease – In advanced stages, gum disease can be the cause behind persistent bad breath. If you notice inflamed and/or discoloured gums, you should schedule an appointment at Sparkling Dental as soon as possible so that a treatment plan can be put in place.
- Avoid Tobacco – Tobacco use not only increases your risk of oral cancer, it also stains teeth and can cause bad breath.
Sparkling Dental Are Here to Help – Book an Appointment Today
The cause of bad breath is often easily explained, and in most cases you can remedy the situation by following good oral hygiene practices. If you are dealing with persistent bad breath, we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible so that more serious causes such as oral infections can be ruled out.
We want every client to enjoy optimal oral health for life, and we are committed to providing quality dental care to people of all ages. To schedule an appointment, please contact us on 02 9953 0088.
