Posted by Dr. Abeyta on Jul 29 2015, 06:35 AM
Brushing and flossing are two of the most common ways to remove bacteria from your mouth. Brushing can help prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Flossing can help remove food particles and debris from between the teeth.
It’s recommended to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. However, it’s advised to brush and floss after every meal. Brushing and flossing should take two to three minutes each time you do it.
1. It’s Preventable
Bad breath is often a warning sign, but it’s usually a sign of something more serious. Regular dental checkups help your dentist identify dental issues before they become bigger problems. For example, bad breath can be a sign that you have gum disease.
2. It’s Not Normal
Even if your bad breath isn’t a sign of something more serious, it can still be a sign that something isn’t right. Even if your bad breath isn’t serious, it still shouldn’t be ignored.
3. It’s Not Just About Bacteria
Bad breath can be caused by a lot of different things. It may be caused by plaque buildup, gum disease, dry mouth, or other causes. Your dentist can help you treat the cause of your bad breath.
The best way to treat bad breath is by visiting the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning. During a cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. He or she will also polish the teeth, leaving them bright, shiny, and free of bacteria.
While daily brushing and flossing are important, they cannot remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on the surfaces of the teeth. These substances can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning.
While mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for good oral hygiene, it can be beneficial as a supplemental measure. It can reduce volatile sulfur compounds, which are the primary offenders of bad breath.
Toothpaste is a simple and effective solution for bad breath. It fights the bacteria in your mouth that may cause bad breath and leaves your mouth smelling clean and fresh.
Bad breath can be caused by a dry mouth. Dry mouth can occur because you naturally breathe through your mouth or because of dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine.
You should also avoid eating strongly-scented foods, such as onions and garlic.
You may also benefit from a sugar-free diet since sugar can contribute to bad breath.
If you have bad breath, it’s time to visit a dentist. Bad breath is a common symptom of gum disease, which is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup in your mouth. If you don’t remove plaque by brushing and flossing, bacteria will begin to eat away at your teeth and gums. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Our team offers several treatments for gum disease. These treatment options will depend on the severity of your gum disease. During your appointment, we’ll discuss which treatment option is best for you.