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Almost everyone has bad breath occasionally. It’s usually not a big deal, but there are times when it can be a sign of a more serious problem. If you have bad breath and it doesn’t go away after a few days, you should visit Glacier Creek Dental. Mouth odor can be caused by many different things, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even adults’ bad habits! In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and some tips on how to get rid of it.
Isn’t Bad Breath Common?
Yes, bad breath is a common occurrence. In fact, around 1 in 4 people suffer from it at least once in their lifetime. It’s usually caused by poor oral hygiene and the build-up of bacteria in your mouth. This can happen if you don’t brush and floss regularly or if you don’t get regular dental checkups. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, the bacteria in your mouth can multiply quickly and cause bad breath.
What Else Could Cause Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can also be caused by other things such as smoking or drinking alcohol. These habits increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth, leading to bad breath. Other causes of bad breath include dry mouth, certain types of food, medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure, and even medications.
Is it Serious?
In most cases, bad breath is not a serious problem and can be solved with good oral hygiene. However, if the bad breath persists for more than a few days or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in your mouth, you should visit Glacier Creek Dental to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the bad breath.
How Can I Get Rid of the Smell?
The best way to get rid of the odor is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Additionally, you should visit Glacier Creek Dental for regular checkups and professional cleanings. Our team will help keep your mouth healthy and free from bacteria that can cause a smell. It’s also important to cut down on habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol, which can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth and make mouth odor worse.
Professional Treatment for Bad Breath
If your bad breath persists after trying self-care methods, you should visit Glacier Creek Dental for more detailed treatment. We will perform a thorough exam to determine the underlying cause of your condition and create a personalized plan that is tailored to your needs. Our team can also provide professional teeth cleanings, which can help remove any built-up bacteria and freshen your mouth.
Prevention is Key
The best way to avoid bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene. To reduce or prevent bad breath, you should:
- Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath odors.
- Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
- Brush your tongue. Your tongue harbors bacteria, so carefully brushing it may reduce odors. People who have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from using a tongue scraper. Or use a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue cleaner.
- Clean dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a bridge or a denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best cleaning product.
- Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth. Chew gum or suck on candy (preferably sugarless) to stimulate saliva. For chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
- Adjust your diet. Avoid foods such as onions and garlic that can cause bad breath. Eating a lot of sugary foods is also linked with bad breath.
- Regularly get a new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, about every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis — generally twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.
Make an Appointment with Glacier Creek Dental
At Glacier Creek Dental, we understand that bad breath can be embarrassing, which is why we are here to help you get rid of it as quickly as possible. If you or someone in your family suffers from bad breath, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
