Does your Breath have you in a Bind?

• Posted on: Jun 15 2017

Bad breath. It’s a problem, no doubt, and a problem that may be on the mind more than we think. Why else would we have such a wide variety of choices in minty-fresh gum or breath-saving mints at every grocery checkout? As a collective, Americans are concerned about making a good impression, and that means doing what it takes to avoid building a wall between ourselves and others – a wall of bad breath.

If the odor on your breath has become a concern, it’s time to take action. There are a few common reasons why the breath may go south. On the bright side, though, there are steps you can take to turn your breath around.

Get Serious

One of the leading reasons that good breath goes bad is because the mouth is, well, dirty. Brushing is something we have all done for years and years. This can work against us. We get lazy. There is no room for complacency in oral care. If you want to keep it fresh, get serious about getting clean.

• Don’t just brush, time your hygiene. Two full minutes of brushing is the recommended guideline. And brushing is only the first step, a precursor to flossing.
• If you don’t floss, start. Bad breath can start in the plaque buildup between teeth. Another area of the mouth that is a common source of the odor is the back of the tongue.
• Scrape the tongue, don’t brush it. Using a toothbrush on the back of the tongue only transfers bacteria from one surface to another. The finishing touch for a fresh smile may be achieved with antibacterial mouthwash.

Get Treated

Hygiene may be the cause of bad breath as well as other dental conditions. In some instances, the imbalance of bacteria in the mouth can lead to inflammation and infection. As awareness of gum disease has increased in recent years, more people recognize that odorous breath may be an early warning sign. Don’t wait to see your dentist. Treating gum infection early can make it easier to manage fresh breath, and also easier to avoid much steeper consequences.

Mainland Dental Associates offers professional care in a friendly environment. Contact us in Pleasantville or Atlantic City for your visit.

Posted in: Dental Health