Banish Bad Breath: Dental Hygienist's Tips

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a pesky problem that affects people of all ages. It's not just an issue of personal discomfort; it can also impact your social and professional life. In this detailed guide, we'll uncover what causes bad breath and how maintaining good dental hygiene can help you fight it... LONG TERM, because let's face it the quick-rinse & gum isn't doing it.

Understanding Bad Breath: The Causes

Bad breath is often caused by a combination of factors, many of which are related to poor dental hygiene. Understanding these root causes is the first step toward banishing bad breath.

1. Poor Oral Hygiene:

Cause: When you neglect to brush and floss regularly, food particles and bacteria accumulate in your mouth, eventually turning into acid, leading to bad breath & caries process.

Solution: Brush at least twice a day, until teeth feel SMOOTH and floss a minimum of 3-5x weekly, to remove trapped particles and plaque buildup. My personal favourite hack: put a little bit of toothpaste on your index/thumb, rub it onto your floss & floss that now elevated floss into the cracks where bacteria thrive

2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis/Periodontitis):

Cause: The accumulation of plaque and calculus (harden plaque) in the gums can cause inflammation, gum diseases and bad breath.

Solution: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent and treat gum disease, majority of the population come between 3-6 months to see their dental hygienist to remove the build up. Harden plaque is not easily removed with your toothbrush & floss anymore, that's why it is important to see your dental hygienist to remove the calculus before progression of gum diseases can happen.

3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):

Cause: Reduced saliva production due to various factors such as: medications, medical conditions, snoring, or mouth-breathing, these can lead to dry mouth & eventually bad breath when our pH is lowered.

Solution: Stay hydrated and consider using saliva stimulants that contain XYLITOL. Xylitol is a natural sugar that bacteria can't metabolize, therefore reversing their acid process, while stimulating your saliva glands to produce and secrete saliva. Gums, mints with xylitol work well, for longer comfort try, Xylimelts. Long term: Try Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for your snoring or mouth-breathing problems. Consult your dental professional or physician for guidance.

4. Tobacco Use/Smoking:

Cause: Smoking [vapes, shisha, marijuana etc.] and tobacco use not only stain teeth but also cause a distinct odour. Smoking leads to dry mouth as well.

Solution: Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products have been proven to improve your breath and overall oral health. In the meantime, follow number 3 solutions to reduce xerostomia. Consult your dental professional or physician for guidance.

5. Dietary Choices:

Cause: Foods like garlic, onions, and certain spices contain sulfur compounds that linger in the mouth, these are the obvious but it is needed to mention.

Solution: Choose breath-friendly foods when possible, and if you're a garlic lover like myself... drink lots of water after your meal. Personally, I carry a travel size toothpaste around, and after a heavy garlic meal I would rub a small pea-size amount of toothpaste and smear it everywhere to combat it.

6. Medical Conditions:

Cause: Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, respiratory infections, and liver/kidney diseases can result in bad breath.

Solution: Managing these conditions with medical professionals can often alleviate bad breath. Follow number 3 to manage xerostomia.

7. Dental Stones, Mouth and Throat Infections:

Cause: Dental stones, Infections in the mouth or throat, including tonsillitis, can contribute to bad breath.

Solution: Seek treatment for infections and maintain good oral hygiene by always brushing 2x a day until SMOOTH, floss 3-5x weekly and always CLEAN your TONGUE with a SCRAPER.

How Dental Hygiene Can Combat Bad Breath:

Now that we've pinpointed the causes, let's discuss how dental hygiene can be your ally in the battle against bad breath.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly:

Maintain fresh breath by incorporating daily brushing and flossing into your dental routine. Using fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush ensures a gentle, thorough clean, eliminating hidden food particles

2. Clean Your Tongue 1x a Day Minimum:

Did you know that 90% of the bad-breath-causing bacteria lives on our tongue?!

Don't forget to clean your tongue! Bacteria can hide here and contribute to bad breath. Use a tongue scraper - Invest in a good tongue scraper, because the toothbrush doesn't clean our tongue properly

3. Stay Hydrated/Combat Dry Mouth:

Water stimulates saliva production, helping to wash away bacteria and keep your mouth moist. If needed, try Xylitol based products like Xylimelts, gums, mints, rinses to help with the dryness.

4. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol:

Kick the smoking habit and cut down on alcohol to not only freshen your breath but also enhance your oral well-being.

5. Choose Breath-Friendly Foods:

Keep your breath minty fresh with crunchy fruits and veggies, and don't forget sugar-free [xylitol] gum or mints for that extra boost of confidence.

6. Regular Dental Checkups:

Stay ahead of bad breath by scheduling regular dental checkups & dental cleanings. Professional dental hygiene cleanings and early issue detection are key to maintaining fresh breath. It is recommended to come every 3-6 months to see your dental hygienist.

Conclusion:

Bad breath may be a common problem, but with the right dental hygiene practices, you can regain your confidence and enjoy a breath of fresh air. By understanding the causes and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to defeating bad breath and embracing a healthier, more confident laugh out loud. Remember, maintaining proper dental hygiene is your ticket to fresher breath, you will see results within days after following these steps! It all starts with your dental check up!