Bad breath is embarrassing. Furthermore, it can be an indicator of more serious health issues. Today, your Denver dentist at Metropolitan Dental Care explores common causes and treatments for bad breath and also offers a few tips for keeping your breath fresher for longer.
If bad breath is impacting your quality of life, schedule a visit at Metropolitan Dental Care today. Call us at 303-534-2626.
Common Bad Breath Causes
There are several reasons why bad breath develops. We all know that a particularly oniony or garlicky meal can cause a temporary foul odor. But what about bad breath that lingers? This condition has been linked to a number of factors including:
- Tobacco products
- Xerostomia, or dry mouth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain medications
- Some diseases, disorders, or illnesses
- Infections
- Conditions of the nose, mouth, or throat
Treatments for Bad Breath from Your Denver Dentist
Once the root cause of bad breath is determined, your Denver dentist can devise an appropriate treatment plan. If the condition is due to neglect, we will perform a dental cleaning and talk to you about how to improve your oral hygiene at home. If tooth decay is the problem, restorative procedures can be performed to reestablish oral health. Gum disease can also be the culprit. If this is the case, periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery, may be advisable.
Tips for Fresher Breath
Once any necessary bad breath treatments have been performed, it’s helpful to know how to keep your breath fresh. Here are a few recommendations from your Denver dentist.
Brush after Eating
As soon as food breaks down, bacteria begin to feed on it. For this reason, it’s helpful to brush after every meal. This helps eliminate food particles, plaque, and debris and reduce the risk of bad breath. Keep in mind, however, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal before brushing your teeth. Otherwise, the sugars on the teeth can scratch or erode the enamel.
Floss Every Day
Food becomes trapped between the teeth every time you eat. If not removed, it can lead to bad breath. It’s important to clean the areas between the teeth at least once daily. This also reduces the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Clean Your Tongue
The tongue is like a giant sponge that harbors bacteria and germs. When you brush your teeth, you should also brush your tongue to remove this bacteria and help prevent bad breath. This can be completed with a toothbrush, but there are also special tongue scrapers that can be found in the oral healthcare aisle.
Clean Appliances Thoroughly
Dentures, night guards, and other oral appliances are prone to the buildup of plaque and tartar. Unless removed on a routine basis, the accumulation of these deposits can cause an odor to develop. Be sure to clean all oral appliances as directed by your Denver dentist.
See Your Denver Dentist Regularly
Oral bacteria begin to repopulate immediately after a dental cleaning. It takes a few months for them to reach a dangerous level again. True, at-home hygiene can keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits – but regular dental cleanings are essential for proper oral health, not to mention fresh breath.
Call Your Denver Dentist Today
Do you have bad breath that affects your confidence? Schedule an appointment at Metropolitan Dental Care by calling 303-534-2626.
