Straight, white teeth are fantastic for attracting a special someone to stand with under the mistletoe, but if your breath is less than fresh, then he or she is not going to stick around for that kiss. Having fresh breath is important, both throughout the holidays and into 2013. Your Milford cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, discusses some of the causes of halitosis and what you can do to keep your breath fresh.
Causes of Halitosis
Halitosis can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common is a lack of overall oral hygiene. Your mouth is filled with billions of bacteria. Some of these bacteria emit a foul-smelling, acidic by-product. While many of these bacteria live on the teeth and gums, the majority live on the tongue. Since standard brushing and flossing doesn’t include the tongue, these bacteria may continue to grow and thrive, even after otherwise exceptional oral hygiene.
Your diet might be another source of foul breath. A number of foods, including onions and garlic, contain pungent oils that retain their odors, even after digestion. These odors can enter the bloodstream and eventually end up in the lungs, where they’re emitted with exhaled air. Underlying health issues could also lead to halitosis. A number of conditions, from acid reflux disease to a sinus infection to pneumonia, might be the cause. If you are concerned that your bad breath is from a medical condition, make an appointment with your physician.
Cleaning Up Your Breath
To cure halitosis, brushing or scraping the tongue is just as important as brushing and flossing the teeth. Cleaning the tongue will wipe out the bacteria that regular brushing and flossing won’t. Indeed, research shows that up to 90% of halitosis can be eliminated by not neglecting the tongue.
Another possible solution is an antiseptic mouth rinse. Unlike most mouthwashes, which only temporarily mask odors, antiseptic rinses kill halitosis-causing bacteria.
There are a number of foods that can also help with breath issues. Yogurt not only helps sweeten your breath, but it can promote the growth of healthy bacteria. Other foods known for causing fresher breath include celery and parsley. In addition, make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water throughout the day will keep your mouth moist, which will help reduce the odor. So would chewing a sugarless gum, especially one containing xylitol.
Your Milford Cosmetic Dentist Has Ways of Making Your Teeth and Breath Shine
If you are concerned about the smell of your breath, your Milford dentists will try to identify the source of the problem and give you suggestions for treatment. We also offer a wide array of cosmetic dental procedures. If six months have passed since your last visit, call our 06460 cosmetic dentistry office at (203) 878-6699. We welcome patients from Milford, Orange, Woodmont, West Haven and all neighboring communities.