 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chase Away Bad Breath Fears By Melissa J Wantuck  |
| |
 If you find yourself standing around too much off to the side, cupping your hand over your mouth and testing your breath before you start speaking to people, you need to chase away your bad breath fears.
Most often, bad breath is caused by lack of proper dental hygiene, dry mouth and diet. If the steps we describe below do not help you rid your mouth of this stinky dilemma, see your dentist and doctor. Bad breath is sometimes an indicator of a more serious issue.
Knowing what causes bad breath is the first step in fighting it. In our mouths we naturally have bacteria because our mouths are warm and moist: the perfect environment for bacteria. The bacteria break down the food particles that are left in our mouth and can be missed when brushing our teeth. Plaque that builds up on our teeth and gums are another food source for bacteria.
The bacteria in our mouths live primarily on the tongue so it’s a good idea to brush it. Also, bacteria can live above and below our gum line so brushing and flossing are the best ways to get rid of them there.
Dental Hygiene
This is where dental hygiene comes in to play. The reason we brush our teeth and floss is to remove stray food particles. Once the bacteria find these, as they break down the food, they release the foul odor that defines bad breath. Visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings also helps in getting rid of plaque and checking that our gums are healthy and we don’t have cavities. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for brushing and flossing techniques, the best toothpaste to use, and maybe too a mouthwash to rinse with.
Dry Mouth
Another cause of bad breath is dry mouth. This typically happens while we sleep resulting in the infamous “morning breath.” When we sleep, our mouths stop producing saliva and dries out. Saliva is a good defense against bad breath because when we swallow it, the bacteria are washed away.
Morning breath is unavoidable but your mouth could dry out during the day if you’re not keeping yourself well hydrated. Drink the daily recommended amount of water to aid this problem. Avoiding soda pop and juices containing large amounts of sugar is a good idea. The sugars in these both types of drinks are not good for our teeth and can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, aiding plaque and bacteria growth.
Diet
Some of the foods we eat can give us bad breath. The most well known culprits are garlic and onions. Foods like these release a gas when they’re digested that are expelled through our mouths for up to a few days after we’ve eaten them. Eating unhealthy foods like junk and processed foods can damage our teeth, contributing to decay and gum disease.
All three of these factors are related in different ways to bad breath and can be combated by eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids and taking care of our mouths. Mints, gum and mouthwash can temporarily cover up bad breath but they only last for a few minutes, typically while the mint or gum is being chewed. Practice proper dental hygiene and if you don’t see results, speak with your dentist and doctor about your concerns.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|