Bad breath can be downright offensive, however, we all have it from time to time.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can occur for a variety of reasons. Basically, bad breath is created by the natural bacteria that lives in our mouths.
After eating, bacteria feeds on the food particles that are left behind and can cause foul smells that create bad breath. Certain foods that have pungent characteristics, like garlic or onions, can make this problem. Dehydration can also lead to bad breath. Keeping your mouth moist with your saliva or consuming the recommended amount of water each day keeps the mouth moist, you hydrated, and can help to wash away bacteria.
Certain medications may also contribute to this problem. One way to keep your mouth hydrated is to eat healthy foods that require chewing, such as apples and carrots, or even sugar free gum (unless you are wearing braces). Drink lots of water and avoid breathing with your mouth open, this can also dry out your mouth. Of course, smoking will create dry mouth along with the aroma from the cigarettes, which can lead to bad breath.
Chronic bad breath may be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Some signs that you may have gum disease include red or swollen gums or gums that have pulled away from the teeth. If your gums bleed easily, this could also be a sign of gum disease. Chronic gum disease can lead to loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and should be taken seriously. In a way, your bad breath is giving you a warning that something is wrong.
Another way to get rid of this is to keep a healthy mouth by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthrinse on a daily basis.
As we mentioned before, keeping your mouth clean can help eliminate bad breath. Tongue scrapers, a tool used to help clean your tongue, can help. They work by starting at the back of the tongue and pulling the scraper forward. This helps to remove any excess plaque and bacteria from all the nooks and crannies in your tongue.
The best thing to do for bad breath is keep your regular six-month visits with your dentist. He or she will be able to let you know right away if you should have any concerns. If you have any other questions on this topic, please let us know. We would be happy to discuss this problem with you.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
