BAD BREATH & GOOD ORAL HEALTH
At some point in our lives, we ALL suffer from bad breath. It can be caused by many things… an onion sandwich, garlic pizza, dry mouth, smoking -- even stress!
OK, so your breath stinks. The question is why, and how can we stop it?
First of all, tooth decay and gum disease have their own distinct smells. Have you ever stood close to someone and smelled something horrible coming out of their mouth? Odds are, that’s gum disease. They should immediately see a dentist or hygienist for dental care. Most people pop sugar-laden mints or gum, and while that might help for a little while, all those gums and mints really do is contribute to even more gum disease and decay, so in the end you’re actually making your bad breath worse!
Fear not. Getting rid of bad breath is easier than you think. It’s all about reducing bacterial plaque, and there are two easy ways to do this:
- The well-known way: brushing and flossing.
- The less well-known way: Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and our own bodies. You can also find it in toothpastes, nasal sprays, mouthwashes, gums, mints, and other products. Most companies only put very small amounts of xylitol in their products so look for products with 100% xylitol.
There you have it -- how to cure bad breath in a nutshell! If you have questions about this or any other oral health topic, we’re always here to answer your questions, and we always look forward to seeing you in our office for your next visit.