Living with bad breath can become frustrating, but people sometimes struggle to find a lasting solution to the problem. While mints and gum can mask odors that make you self-conscious, you can be eager to make a change that truly puts the problem behind you. Because this problem is often linked to poor oral health, you may want to consider a change in your current oral care routine. Better brushing and flossing habits will help you remove bacteria and food debris that can gather and cause unpleasant smells. With that said, you should know that this problem is sometimes linked to troubles like tooth decay and gum disease. Our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office is able to help patients improve their oral health by offering preventive care at routine dental exams and cleanings. When necessary, we can also provide restorative treatment to resolve active problems!
How Thorough Are You When You Brush And Floss?
While bad breath is hard to avoid after a meal that features strong flavors, poor oral hygiene can ensure that you spend much of your day feeling self-conscious. Simply put, bad breath can occur when too little is done on a daily basis to clean your smile. If you let bacteria and food debris gather on teeth, the resulting odors can make you experience frequent bouts of halitosis. The following adjustments can lead to better results from your oral care routine:
- Take at least two minutes to clean your smile while brushing
- Floss on a daily basis, and move the string vertically to fully clean the spaces between your teeth
- Swap out your toothbrush for a new one after three months, or as soon as the bristles begin to look worn down
- Remember that even an infrequent tendency to rush or skip oral care practices can lead to tartar formation
Bad Breath May Be A Symptom Of Gingivitis
Has gingivitis become a problem for you? Bad breath is a symptom of this condition, but there are others that you should watch out for if you want to determine whether you might have an issue with an infection. If you are also dealing with bleeding gums, tissue swelling, or changes in the color of your gums, know that these are common signs of gum disease. Your dentist will look for evidence of dental decay at regular exams. If you notice a problem on your own time, make an adjustment to your oral care routine and make sure you thoroughly clean the bases of teeth while you brush and floss.
Can My Dentist Help Me Deal With Bad Breath?
If you have frequent issues with bad breath, your dentist may be able to solve the issue. If the problem is linked to dental decay, restorative dental work can help. It can also help to perform an ultrasonic scaling, a special periodontal cleaning that removes bacteria from below your gum line.
Discuss Smile Care With Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist
Dr. Browne is prepared to help patients keep their teeth in great health! If you would like to learn more, please contact our Prairie Village, KS dental office today at 913-901-8585.
