Bad breath, or halitosis, is a problem that many of us worry about. It has an impact on relationships and self-confidence and can also be a sign of other medical problems. People can be reluctant to tell you that you have bad breath and it is hard to diagnose it by yourself. One way to do so is to floss your teeth using tape, and then smell the tape. Any blood on the tape signifies gum disease, a major cause of bad breath.
View Current Offers
Some cases of bad breath are caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux and bronchitis. However, more than 80% of cases are due to dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, cracked fillings and poor hygiene. Good dental care is the best way to prevent bad breath. Using an electric toothbrush at least twice a day is recommended by dentists as it is the best way of removing plaque and is less likely to cause damage to teeth and gums than manual brushing. Floss your teeth daily as the particles of food trapped between your produce odours as they break down. If you are not sure about the best way to do this, your hygienist will be happy to demonstrate. Finish up with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
Having a dry mouth can be a cause of bad breath. Make sure you drink plenty of water and snack on juicy vegetables such as carrot and celery sticks. They not only keep your mouth moist but also have a cleansing effect on teeth, gums and tongue. Smoking also causes halitosis, and alcohol is another culprit that causes bad breath for many hours after your last drink. Other foods to avoid include onions and garlic, and try replacing coffee with herbal teas.
The best way to avoid dental problems that can lead to bad breath is to visit your dentist once or twice a year. Dr. Luis Gomez at Complete Dental Health in Coral Springs, Florida, is a highly-skilled dentist who has practised in South Florida for more than 15 years. His empathetic nature puts the most nervous patients at ease while his education and training in the latest dental techniques means that patients can be confident they are receiving the very highest quality dental care. To arrange your consultation with Dr Gomez call us now on 954-228-2963.
