Halitosis: Causes and Solutions
Halitosis, or bad breath, can be embarrassing. But what causes halitosis? In this blog post, we’ve collected a few probable causes and solutions for halitosis. Is bad breath embarrassing you? First, assess your dental hygiene routines with complete honesty. Do you brush twice a day, for a full two minutes each time? Are you flossing once daily, taking about two to three minutes per session? If the answer to both of these questions is a total “yes,” and yet you still deal with consistent halitosis, it’s time to look at some other options for why your breath stinks. Perhaps your halitosis was caused by the foods you eat. Strong-smelling food, such as garlic or onions can cause bad breath. If you have eaten strong-smelling food, try chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating. This will promote saliva flow, which will wash away food particles and bacteria. The scent of the gum will also freshen your breath as your mouth works to clean itself. Alcohol or tobacco products can also give you bad breath. They not only have their own odor, but they also dehydrate the mouth. Dry mouth makes it harder for your mouth to clean itself, allowing bacteria to thrive; this also leads to bad breath. It is best to limit or eliminate the use of these substances. It is good to note that dry mouth can also be caused by a plethora of medications, cancer therapy, stress, or autoimmune disorders. If you suspect dry mouth, speak with your [dr_type]. If you haven’t eaten any strong smelling food and don’t use tobacco or alcohol, chronic halitosis could indicate other medical problems, such as gum disease or other conditions. Talk with your [dr_type] if your bad breath continues. There are many causes and solutions to halitosis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. Dr. Latino and our team are happy to help! We are your one-stop shop for all your dental needs, including cosmetic dentistry in Waco, Texas.
What To Do About Flossing
We know we are supposed to brush our teeth two times a day. Many of us even do this, for 2 minutes each session, on a consistent basis. We know that brushing removes plaque from teeth, keeping them healthy and strong. But when it comes to flossing, some of us struggle. Let’s review the hows and whys of flossing, as well as introduce some alternatives for those for whom it is difficult. The fact of the matter is, if you want a healthy mouth preventive dentistry and gum care are key. It’s important to clean between your teeth. Unfortunately, toothbrushes have a hard time cleaning in between teeth. Dental floss, however, can reach places your toothbrush can’t get to–between teeth and behind back molars, for example. Interdental cleaning prevents plaque build-up between your teeth and along the gum line. If plaque builds up, it can lead to cavities, inflamed gums or even gum disease. The more you know about gum disease the better, because gum disease can hurt your oral health. Advanced gum disease (also called periodontitis) can involve major oral problems, such as tooth loss, persistent bad breath, and bone loss. If you struggle with traditional flossing, there are alternatives available to you. Your solution may be as simple as using a pre-strung flosser, or floss specially designed for sensitive gums. Or, there are other solutions, such as a specially designed dental pick (NOT a standard wooden toothpick), or a water flosser. These alternative are great for those with shaky hands, arthritis, a sensitive gag reflex or other problem that makes it difficult to floss. Only use interdental cleaners that are especially designed for that purpose. Brushing and flossing are the dynamic duo. For more information, contact Chad Latino DDS. Dr. Latino and our team look forward to making your smile shine!
