This article provides some advice on how to prevent bad breath or halitosis, which is generally a product of bacterial activity in the mouth.
Do you think you suffer from chronic bad breath? Well, if the statistics are to be believed, you’re not alone! According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, as many as 40 million people in the United States suffer from halitosis. But, just because there are lots of people out there with pongy breath, doesn’t mean you want to be a part of the “in” crowd… bad breath is a disaster for your social life, not to mention your chances of kissing that beautiful girl who sits next to you in your sociology class.
So, courtesy of dentists in Colorado Springs CO, here are some simple, yet effective ways to bust bad breath and prevent it entirely!
What Causes Bad Breath?
By understanding what causes breath to sour, you can do what it takes to prevent such circumstances. Bad breath is predominantly caused by bacterial activity in the mouth. Bacteria feed off the food debris and sugary residues left behind in your mouth after a meal, snack or beverage. They then excrete waste products that contain sulfurous compounds. It’s these gassy compounds that cause your breath to smell. Most of us suffer from bad breath at some stage during the day: usually first thing in the morning and when we haven’t eaten for a while. But, the following bad breath busters can quite easily remedy it:
- Brush your teeth more frequently,
- Floss your teeth before you go to bed at night,
- Scrape or brush your tongue,
- Gargle with an anti-bacteria mouthwash,
- Make sure you see the oral hygienist twice or three times a year.
All of these activities make up a thorough home oral hygiene routine that will help to keep oral bacteria in check. This in turn prevents bad breath. In fact, good oral hygiene is the very best way to keep your breath smelling sweet!
Having said this, there are times when professional attention may become necessary.
Knowing when it’s Time to See the Dentist or Doctor
Sometimes the root cause behind bad breath can be something a little more serious than a meal heavy in garlic, or not having eaten for a few hours. Bacterial infection of the gums, known as gingivitis, is quite notorious for causing chronic bad breath. So is its meaner cousin, periodontitis, which could go as far as causing tooth loss if you don’t get it treated promptly by a dental healthcare professional! If you suspect that you suffer from bad breath that won’t go away when you brush and floss regularly and thoroughly, it’s time to book an appointment with the Colorado Springs dentist.
Bad breath can also be caused by certain illnesses and conditions, such as sinus infections, diabetes, post nasal drips, kidney disease, liver diseases or lung infections. So, it might be a good idea to see your medical doctor as well. Speak to him or her about any medications you might be on because certain chemicals in these medications can cause “dry mouth” – a condition that actually exacerbates halitosis. In general, drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum can help improve breath.
When Bad Breath is Deserved
Sometimes, bad breath is earned. Habits such as smoking and heavy drinking are absolutely terrible for the health of your teeth and gums. According to the Colorado Springs dentist, these habits are directly linked with chronic halitosis. Kick the habit or you’ll be doomed to smell unsavory.
A Final Note
After all is said and done, if you look after your teeth well, go to your dentist regularly and are in great physical health yet STILL manage to turn people off when you talk to them, perhaps it’s time to stop using those ridiculous one-liners… or lay off the garlic at dinnertime.