Preventive Dentistry
HALITOSIS
(BAD BREATH)
Bad breath is something that almost everyone suffers from at some point in their life. Here are the usual causes and what can be done about them:
Infected
Gums
This can be one of the most obvious causes of bad breath. To get gums back into shape, brush thoroughly and often with a soft-bristle brush, and get into the habit of regular flossing. Your dentist can advise you of the appropriate treatment.
Dirty
Teeth
Teeth can certainly collect their fair share of odor-producing debris. The best way to keep oral bacteria to a minimum is with frequent brushing (with or without toothpaste) or even just swishing the mouth with water.
Smoking
Because it sours the mouth and disrupts digestion, smoking has been linked to bad breath for centuries. Chewing tobacco can also foul the breath.
A Foul Tongue
Many dentists believe that keeping a clean tongue may be even more effective at arresting offensive breath than keeping teeth clean. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush you teeth using a soft-bristle brush. Keep away from the very back of your tongue as this may cause a gagging reaction.
An Empty Stomach
Skipping meals can cause foul breath because it reduces the production of saliva needed to flush away bacteria from teeth, tongue and gums. Chewing gum and lozenges can step up saliva flow, as can between-meal snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Overuse of Mouthwashes
Ironic as it may sound, mouthwashes may actually worsen a bad breath problem by irritating oral tissue, although it does mask bad odors temporarily. Try a quick rinse with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil instead.
BREATH
RX
There is a professional breath management system available from your
dentist. BreathRx fights both the cause and the effect of bad breath.
It contains ZYTEX, a unique and powerful complex that fights bad breath
by reducing the foul smelling volatile sulfur compounds that cause the
“odor” of bad breath. Meanwhile, the active ingredient (Cetylpyridinium
Chloride) kills the organisms responsible for the production of these
sulfur compounds. Your Miles of Smiles dentist can assess your individual
situation and provide the BreathRx
products to help you maintain the freshest breath possible.