There are several underlying causes for chronic bad breath. In most cases, it is caused by the tongue and gums. Bad breath is often the result of bacteria found in plaque deposits left along the gum line and teeth. It can also be caused by various types of infections and dental conditions that are left untreated.
If you have been told you have bad breath or know you have a problem, Kennedy Square Dental offers the following suggestions and tips for combating a chronic bad breath problem.
1. Visit Kennedy Square Dental regularly. Most people only need to visit us twice a year to get their teeth cleaned and help remove missed plaque and tartar deposits. Plus, if you have bad breath, the first place to determine the actual cause is with a dental visit to rule out any potential dental conditions.
2. Brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day. Ideally, you should brush your teeth in the morning after waking and again at night before going to sleep. If your dentist has determined your chronic bad breath is caused from a dental condition, it is also recommended to brush your teeth after any snacks and meals.
3. Floss your teeth frequently. You should make it a habit to floss your teeth, at a minimum, before going to sleep to help remove trapped food particles and plaque caught in between teeth where brushing alone will not reach. It does not hurt to floss after eating snacks and meals, too, in order to reduce plaque and food particles.
4. Talk to your dentist about using mouth rinses. There are special mouth rinses your dentist can recommend to help combat chronic bad breath. Use these based upon your dentist’s instructions.
5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping the mouth moist can help control bad breath. Water does not add any additional plaque deposits, like certain beverage can, and helps rinse away bacteria, loose plaque and food particles.
6. Eliminate using tobacco products. Tobacco products and smoking tend to dry out the mouth and is a cause of bad breath. Your dentist can offer support and recommendations on different methods to help you quit or make a referral to your primary care provider.
7. Brush or scrape your tongue. Brushing your tongue when your brush your teeth can help remove bacteria that can cause chronic bad breath. If you are not comfortable using your toothbrush, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about a tongue scraper and how to correctly use one.
While some people might rely upon breath mints and chewing gums, these can contain sugar and increase the risks of tooth decay. Not to mention, these products only mask the bad breath but do not do anything to actually address the causes for it. For assistance with dealing with chronic bad breath, please feel free to call Kennedy Square Dental today at 905-789-7339 to schedule an appointment.