Bad breath can be a big turn off for most people, especially those that are image-conscious. It is also very annoying for people who deal with the problem. Dr. Stephen Yao and the Team at Braces for Pretty Faces want you to have fresh breath all through treatment, using good oral hygiene habits during treatment will eliminate embarrassment that often occurs with bad breath.
How can you tell if you have bad breath?
- What is the cause of bad breath
- Is there any way to prevent it?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a term used to describe the noticeable bad odors exhaled when breathing. It is difficult to notice yourself, and embarrassing if you experience other people’s reactions. They may back away slightly when you start to speak or change expressions when the two of you are standing and talking face to face. If you are lucky, a friend or family member will let you know if you have bad breath before you are offensive to others.
For those of you not wearing braces, the video below shows you exactly how to keep your breathe fresh on a daily basis. Bad smell can come from bacteria in the mouth or poor health. It has a significant personal and social impact if you are offending others. In fact, people who have a fear of halitosis, called halitophobia, often contact their dentist to find ways to combat halitosis.
There are many causes of bad breath
- Eating foods with strong odors such as garlic or onions are the biggest offenders
- Poor oral hygiene if you don’t brush and floss regularly. Food particles that remain in between the teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue can cause bacterial growth
- Health problems like gum disease, yeast infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, diabetes, postnasal drip, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.
Tips to prevent bad breath
- Brush after every meal to remove plaque and food debris from the mouth
- Dental Floss between your teeth every day
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner, if you see the bristles wear out. This often happens with patients wearing braces.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Eating a variety of fruits can cleanse your tongue as you chew and help prevent the accumulation of odor-causing bacteria before you start your day
- For adults…stop smoking or chewing tobacco-based products. This includes cigars of course. The only remedy for this is to “kick the habit.”
- Dehydration – drinking lots of water washes away loose bacteria on your teeth, gums, and tongue… just like a shower or bath.
Many products today help to effectively treat bad mouth. Mouthwash, gum, or breath mints are helpful but only mask a problem caused by bacteria, dental disease, or a medical problem.
If you discover you have bad breath, research your daily habits to determine what may be causing the problem and adjust your routine accordingly. You may just need to improve your oral hygiene or pick and choose when you eat foods you love that offend others.
If the problem persists, let us know. We will be happy to help you determine what is causing the problem. Let us know if you have any questions about bad breath. Leave a comment below.
Whatever the cause, take positive steps to combat bad breath!
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For 35 years I have used a Gripit Floss Holder – http://www.gripit.biz – to floss
regularly. These handy devices come with their own floss supply that can
be advanced in seconds and refilled from local drug and grocery stores.
I feel good knowing I don’t clog landfills with throw away flossers. My
grand kids like using Gripits too because they don’t have to put their
fingers into their mouths to floss.
The gripit is a great product. Unfortunately it does not work well with patients who wear braces. I recommend Platypus flosser when in orthodontic treatment. It is designed to go underneath the wires without bending or damaging them.
No matter what you use, elbow grease or a time saving flosser, the most important thing is to do it! Thanks for commenting Bill.