Can a dentist help with bad breath?
There’s no dental specialty that deals just with bad breath, but your family dentist should be able to address most of your concerns.
If she says your mouth is healthy, she may refer you to a general physician or a specialist to determine the cause of your bad breath. Your doctor can tell you if you’re taking medications that can cause dry mouth, or if you have other medical conditions that might make you more likely to have bad breath.
How often should you visit your dentist if you have bad breath problems?
At least every six months.
Can mouthwash help control bad breath?
Yes. Use an antibacterial one. Gargling once or twice a day is good for teeth and gums, and it kills bad-breath bacteria in your mouth.
How can chewing gum help control bad breath?
Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva. This helps cleanse the teeth and gums, and prevents dry mouth.
Can cleaning your retainer help control bad breath?
Yes. Clean it thoroughly each time you brush. And if you have braces, take extra time and care to clean all the nooks and crannies.
How can you practice good oral hygiene to control bad breath?
Brush and floss after every meal, or at least twice a day. Brush for two minutes each time. Don’t forget your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes bacteria, plaque, and particles that may be trapped between teeth. Many dentists and dental hygienists also recommend cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds upon the tongue. Mouthwashes and rinses can also temporarily relieve bad breath.
How can I tell if I have bad breath?
Heard you can blow into your hands and smell your breath? Sorry. That won’t work.
Instead, do this. Lick the back of your hand, let the saliva dry, then take a whiff. What you smell there is your breath.
Another way? Ask a good friend or family member to smell your breath.
Does tobacco cause bad breath?
Yes. If you smoke tobacco or chew smokeless tobacco, ask your dentist or your doctor for tips on kicking the habit.
Does most bad breath result from poor oral hygiene?
Yes. Basically, that means you don’t brush or floss frequently enough. How many times have you heard that from your dentist?
Bacteria that build up on the back of your tongue or in between your teeth are the main culprits. Certain types of bacteria love to breed on the tongue, in the crevices between your teeth, or in untreated cavities.
What’s the connection between bad breath and a dry mouth?
For some people, a dry mouth causes bad breath. Dry mouth can result from taking antihistamines for allergies or a cold, or from antidepressants. It can also result from localized infections, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or liver or kidney ailments
Can foods cause bad breath?
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, not only leave lasting odors in your mouth but are also absorbed into the bloodstream. The odors are then expelled from the lungs. Until these foods are eliminated from the body, mouthwash, chewing gum, and toothpaste can only mask the odors on the breath.
Where do most cases of bad breath come from?
They come from the gums and tongue. Some bacteria in your mouth may make compounds that give off an odor.
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions, so get an appointment today.