The Breath Question
By: Stephen Price DDS | Sunday, July 30th, 2017 | General Dentistry
Sunday, July 30th, 2017
Does my breath smell? If you have someone whom you trust implicitly, you may ask this question from time to time. If you don’t or are just on the shy side, you may ask it of yourself. We all like to know that our breath is not creating a barrier between ourselves and other people. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know for sure. So, we often rely on mints or chewing gum to provide a sense of security that our breath is fresh. If you want to put an end to a continual cover-up, try exploring the potential cause of persistent bad breath.
Might it be your brushing habits?
The first place we look when exploring bad breath is in the daily routine. We all know how mundane brushing and flossing can be. We know how easy it is to skip, forget, or just get through the act of oral hygiene as quickly as possible. The downside to these mistakes is a buildup of plaque and bacteria on teeth, the gums, and on the tongue. To resolve bad breath, first try:
- Setting a timer for two minutes to ensure adequate brushing time.
- Spending that two minutes in close attention, making sure to brush every tooth, every surface.
- Moving straight from brushing to flossing. Yes, it’s a must.
- Scraping the back of the tongue with a tongue-scraper. You may be surprised just now much “gunk” accumulates there.
- Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash to top off morning and evening hygiene.
If improvements in oral hygiene do not get to the heart of the matter of bad breath, it may be time to see your dentist.
Do you wear dentures?
Denture wearers often become highly conscientious about their breath. A bad taste in the mouth is a prime indicator that something is not quite right, and that breath may be turning toward the dark side. If dentures and bad breath are walking hand-in-hand, you can:
- Brush dentures every day rather than only soaking them. Brushing should be done with a denture brush, and only over a soft surface.
- Brush or wipe the gums with a soft cloth, morning and night. Bacteria don’t just gather on dentures; they also linger in the mouth.
- Scrape the back of the tongue to remove debris and odor-causing bacteria.
- Schedule a visit with your dentist for a denture evaluation and adjustment. The fit of your dentures affects chewing, speaking, and general oral health.
There are more reasons that bad breath may occur, including oral infection, dry mouth, and health conditions such as diabetes. We can help you manage bad breath with personal dental care in our friendly Burke office. Call (703)750-9404.
