Prevention of Bad Breath By on October 03, 2011

When people think about dental problems, they usually think about tooth loss, tooth decay, discolored teeth, and chips or cracks. Sure, cavities, gum disease, and other similar problems are important to consider, but there are plenty of other dental problems that you should keep in mind and that we can check out at our Philadelphia cosmetic dentistry practice. One of them is bad breath.

Good Breath, Bad Breath, and Ugly Breath

Bad breath can be a real problem, and we don’t just mean for your social life. What many people don’t realize is that bad breath can be the sign of other dental problems as well as some general health problems. It’s important to take care of your teeth by practicing good dental hygiene and making smart choices.

Ways to Keep it Under Control

There are plenty of ways that you can deal with bad breath on your own, and a number of these techniques aren’t particularly difficult. The team at our Philadelphia area cosmetic dentistry practice would like to take a moment right now to look at some simple measures you can take to leave your breath smelling great.

Good Dental Hygiene is the Best Kind

Now, bad breath is caused by bacteria on the mouth. This bacteria feeds on food particles and sugars that are left behind, causing bad breath and also leading to tooth decay and other sorts of dental problems.

One of the most effective ways to deal with bad breath is to practice good dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly means that you will be able to remove food particles left behind and give the bacteria in your mouth less to feed on.

Scrape the Bane Away

Bacteria in the mouth can gather on the tongue quite often, which is why it’s a good idea to clean your tongue at night when you can. This can be done with a toothbrush generally, but it may cause you to gag. A tongue scraper is a great idea and tends to be a more comfortable way to clean the tongue.

Keeping Hydrated is a Smart Decision

Dry mouth can lead to a number of dental problems, one of which is bad breath. It’s a good idea to have a glass of water around to slosh in your mouth and drink. Staying hydrated is a great idea in general anyway.

Don’t Forget Mints and Chewing Gum

Never discount the importance of sugar-free mints and chewing gum. Not only do they help keep saliva flowing in your mouth, but they can help get rid of bad odors in the mouth as well.

Smoking Stinks

Smoking causes bad breath, there’s no doubt about that. That’s just another compelling reason why you should quit.

If All Else Fails, Get Professional Help

Have you tried everything else to no avail? If that’s the case, you may have a more serious dental health or general health problem on your hands. Be sure that you speak with us or your doctor to find out if there’s a more involved dental problem or some kind of systemic issue at hand that needs to be addressed. We can also suggest treatment options such as Philadelphia porcelain veneers and more to help your smile look its best.