Oral health: Eliminate bad breath once and for all, says Poway dentist

From all the oral health problems that affect Americans every year, bad breath is one of the most embarrassing ailments to discuss for people who are affected. Many men and women suffer from bad breath or halitosis, so don’t be ashamed of your condition. If you’re serious about treating your bad breath, start by visiting a Poway dentist who can identify the cause of your condition as well as prescribe a treatment regimen to get rid of it once and for all. A qualified dentist in Poway can help you get on your way to a better, healthier you.

Causes of bad breath

FOOD. There are many reasons bad breath can occur in otherwise healthy Americans. For instance, bad breath can be caused by eating certain foods such as onion, garlic, and other foods that contain high levels of sulfuric content. On the other hand, bad breath can also be caused by a lack of food in the stomach such as skipping a meal or extreme dieting. The good news is bad breath caused by food-related issues tend to be easily treated by brushing, flossing, and using a mouth rinse. Within 24 to 48 hours, bad breath caused by food – or the lack thereof – can usually resolve itself.

POOR HYGIENE. Men and women who don’t brush and floss regularly can be affected by bad breath or halitosis. When poor dental hygiene is a factor, bad breath can often be hard to get rid of if the case has lead to other oral health issues such as periodontal disease, dry mouth, cavities, or abscesses. That’s why it’s never been more important for people who suffer from bad breath to seek professional help from a Poway dentist. Getting on the right regimen considering your health history is the first step to getting rid of bad breath due to poor hygiene.

 CIGARETTES. The smoke inhaled from cigarettes can often lead to an undesirable taste in the mouth, further leading to bad breath. As most Americans know, smoking cigarettes is detrimental to your health and can lead to a host of other problems often starting with bad breath. Teeth can also discolor when cigarette smoke is a factor. Visit a dentist in Poway to talk about how quitting smoking can improve your oral care and remove bad breath once and for all.

POOR HEALTH. For individuals who suffer from other health problems such as sinus infections, throat infections, thrush, kidney failure, liver failure, gastrointestinal problems, and other stomach related issues, getting rid of bad breath can be difficult – at least until the overall health of the individual is improved. Talk to your doctor or dentist in Poway to find out what options are available to you if you suffer from a serious health issue.

Treating bad breath

The treatment of bad breath can vary from person to person depending on the specific issues you may be facing. However, on a general note, a fresh mouth starts with proper hygiene. Consider the following tips to help alleviate your bad breath issues.

Brush 2x a day

Most Americans know by now that brushing your teeth at least twice a day can lead to better oral health care in addition to addressing bad breath. Do it twice daily for better oral health!

Floss

The great thing about flossing is that is helps remove unwanted bacteria from the mouth when brushing alone cannot. Floss can reach beneath the gums and around the teeth to remove food, bacteria, and other particles that can often lead to bad breath. Floss daily for optimum breath and oral hygiene.

Brush the tongue

The whole mouth should be as clean as possible in order to avoid bad breath, so incorporate tongue brushing so long as your dentist in Poway says it’s okay. Simply use your toothbrush to slough off any white residue from the tongue’s surface and rinse well thereafter.

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Photo credit: Colgate.com