Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem that many people face. Below are some tips on how to get rid of it, and some helpful insights about when to see the dentist about it.
What you eat can affect your breath. Onions and garlic are common culprits. These foods have strong odors and can cause foul odors to come from your mouth after ingesting them. Garlic goes into your blood stream and travels to your lungs where it comes out as a foul odor.
It is important to floss your teeth because particles from foods can get can get stuck between your teeth and cause a foul odor as they decay. Flossing daily is one of the most important tools in keeping your breath fresh and also cleans the plaque (sticky, colorless, cavity causing bacteria) off of your teeth. You will want to brush your teeth morning and evening. Brushing or scraping your tongue is another good trick you can use to get rid of foul-odored bacteria.
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Dry mouth is another cause of bad breath. Saliva helps wash away food particles in your mouth. Drinking lots of water as well as chewing sugarless gum can help you produce more saliva. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medicines. If you suspect that you have dry mouth and chewing sugarless gum, eating sugarless candies, and drinking more water has not helped, see your dentist. Your dentist will be able to help solve the problem, possibly by prescribing you an artificial saliva.
Bad breath is a symptom of gum disease, also called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is plaque filled pockets between your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease needs to be diagnosed and treated by your dentist.
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Smoking and chewing tobacco are common causes of bad breath and can cause dry mouth. Tobacco use also causes gum disease and put you at a higher risk for oral cancer. Speak to you your dentist for tips and resources on quitting smoking.
If you have tried the suggestions above and they have not helped, you should visit your dentist. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help keep your breath fresh and keep your teeth healthy. Keep in mind that mouthwash does not treat the problem, it just masks the problem temporarily.
Dr. David Magid is a Family and General Cosmetic dentist with over 10 years of experience. He Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a dental residency at Columbia University. You can reach Dr. Magid’s office at 973-992-8800 or www.livingstonsmiledesign.com
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