Suffering from bad breath? It is easy to neglect some of the most important routines when it comes to dental hygiene. While it is recommended to brush twice a day, there are a lot of key steps that many people neglect in taking care of their teeth. Let us take a look at some of the most helpful information that a dentist wants everyone to know about bad breath.
What causes bad breath?
One may be surprised to learn that the odor from the mouth can be caused by many things that range from lifestyle choices to dental health concerns. Some of the causes of bad breath include:
Bad breath may be embarrassing and offensive to others, but it could also be a sign of some dental concerns. Common dental issues that may cause bad breath include:
Because there may be something serious going on inside of the mouth, one should consult with the dentist right away when noticing a change in the odor of the breath.
Tips for improving the smell of breath
A foul-smelling mouth is not something one should have to learn to live with. There are a few things one can do to help their breath smell better. Here are a few quick tips:
Scrapers: Tongue scrapers are a great solution for removing bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that brushing misses. Simply use the scraper to go over the tongue to make sure to get any of those particles that may be left behind. Doing this simple thing can improve the smell of your breath drastically.
Keep the gums healthy: A key aspect that many people overlook is keeping their gums healthy. Gum health is just as important as tooth health. The most recommended way to keep the gums healthy is to floss every day and rinse with salt water.
Stop smoking: Another key contributor to bad breath is smoking and other forms of tobacco use. Not only is smoking a key factor in causing long-lasting gum damage, cancer, and tooth staining, it could also be the reason one is experiencing bad breath. Talk to a doctor about options for how to stop smoking.
Moisten the mouth: When the mouth does not produce an adequate amount of saliva daily, one could be suffering from xerostomia (dry mouth). When one is not producing enough saliva, tooth decay could form, which can lead to bad breath. It is a good idea to sip on water throughout the day to make sure that dehydration does not occur.
When to talk to a dentist
If none of these solutions are helpful, do not hesitate to consult with a dentist to learn what to do to get your breath back to smelling fresh. Make sure to continue regular dental appointments and follow the dentist's advice to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Santa Cruz, CA.
Sugar is one of the main contributors to dental cavities and other oral health concerns, which is why many general dentists encourage patients to limit or avoid sugar consumption. This review discusses the effects that sugar can have on oral health and how to reduce the risk of oral health complications through dietary changes and…
Your general dentist can give you regular dental cleanings. This type of treatment can keep bad bacteria from causing significant dental damage. That is why keeping your dental appointments is crucial. Here are the details about how important dental cleanings are, according to your general dentist.Regular dental cleanings can remove surface discolorations or stains. A…
Like the primary care physician, the general dentist should be one of your most important sources for maintaining good health. This dental professional can spot troubling issues in your mouth but also provide ongoing maintenance. When you choose a dentist, you can take the entire family, regardless of the person’s age or the severity of…
A general dentist might recommend that patients get x-rays during a dental appointment. X-rays serve many purposes in dentistry, from providing a closer look at the health of the oral cavity to checking a child’s bite alignment. Although certain factors necessitate the need for dental x-rays, there is a basic guideline used by general dentists…
Dental bonding is a common dental procedure that repairs damaged teeth (chips, cracks, etc.), fills in gaps between teeth and lengthens teeth that are worn down or naturally too short. Understanding the process that dentists use with dental bonding should help you decide if treatment is right for you. Although each dentist will have their own…
Many general dentists offer dental implant restoration to treat tooth loss. They can also repair the dental implant restoration if anything happens, or they may recommend the patient to an oral surgeon for the most effective treatment if severe concerns develop. It is beneficial to understand what options you have if anything goes wrong with your…