Bad Breath? Here’s What You Can Do
Having bad breath can affect your daily life drastically. It can be embarrassing and make talking with other people uncomfortable. But don’t worry, your dentist in St Charles MO can help you find ways to eliminate the causes of bad breath and keep your mouth smelling fresh and clean.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors. Smoking and chewing tobacco doesn’t just affect your health; it also leaves your breath smelling less than desirable. Having poor oral hygiene can also play a role. When plaque sits in the mouth, without being brushed and flossed away, the bacteria can cause a foul odor. Dry mouth is another cause if bad breath. Medications, constant mouth breathing and salivary gland problems can leave your mouth feeling dry. Saliva naturally washes away acids and dead cells that cause bad breath. Without enough saliva it is hard to combat odor. There are also some illnesses associated with bad breath. Respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, post-nasal drip, diabetes, and acid reflux are a just a few that can change the way your breath smells. Even the foods we eat can change the way our breath smells.
Here are a few things you can do to help keep your breath in check:
Brush and Floss Daily
Having a good homecare routine can make a big difference. By keeping the bacteria in your mouth under control, you can eliminate some of the opportunity for bad breath to show up. There are also a lot of mouth washes that can help. Just make sure to use one that is alcohol free to prevent drying out your mouth.
Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco Products
We all know that these products are unhealthy. Removing them from your life won’t only help your breath; it will improve your health in many ways. This is not an easy task for some people, but your dentist can help you find a tobacco cessation program that can work for you.
Keep Your Mouth Moist
Dry mouth is a pain, but there are some things you can try. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy can help promote saliva production in your mouth. If it has sugar, it can cause cavities. So make sure you choose a sugarless option. There is also a variety of products on the market that can help. Dry mouth rinses and saliva substitution gels can help make your mouth more comfortable and reduce odor.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Routine dental exams can pinpoint the cause of your bad breath and help you treat it. By looking at your oral health and total body health, they will be able to provide you with the tools you need to keep your breath smelling clean. Find out more by contacting your St Charles MO dentist today for an appointment.