Common Causes of Bad Breath

1. Bad oral hygiene – Not surprisingly, one of the biggest causes of halitosis is not caring for your teeth and gums. Failing to brush and floss regularly allows food and bacteria to build inside your mouth, on your inner cheeks, tongue, and between teeth and gums. These bacteria emit an odor.
2. Dry mouth – Your mouth’s saliva is part of your immune system. When you don’t drink enough water or if you take medications that slow saliva production, your mouth begins to dry out and halitosis becomes an issue. Some medicines can cause dry mouth.
3. Acid or sugar-filled diet – What you eat affects your breath, especially foods high in acid, such as tomatoes, garlic, or an abundance of sweets.  They may taste good, but they can have lingering aftereffects.
4. Tobacco products – Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and related items have numerous adverse effects on your health. Talk to your doctor or dentist about ways to break these habits.
5. Periodontal disease – Gingivitis and periodontal disease affect gum health and can be caused by bacteria building up below the gum.  They also cause bad breath and leave a bad taste in one’s mouth.
6. Certain Diets – The keto diet is often associated with bad breath.  Dieting habits can, too.  One may not eat as often when dieting, and the mouth gets dried out. More so, when your body breaks down fat, certain chemicals are released that can cause halitosis.

Keeping Halitosis Away

• See your dentist often. The minimum is twice a year, but if halitosis or other dental problems are a concern, you may wish to plan more frequent visits. Talk to our Marysville Family Dentistry staff to learn what would be best for your needs.
• Replace your toothbrush often. Use a soft bristle toothbrush, then replace it whenever it shows signs of age. Replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months is best.
• Keep your mouth moist. Minimize, if not avoid, caffeine, spicy or acidic foods, tobacco, and a sugary diet. Drink plenty of water and keep sugar-free candies or gum on hand. If you battle dry mouth, talk to one of our team members about an artificial saliva medication.
• Brush and floss your teeth. You should floss and brush two times a day. However, if halitosis is an issue, doing this more often prevents plaque buildup and leaves you with fresher breath. Don’t put off brushing once you have finished eating. The sooner you brush, the lower the risk of bad breath occurring.
• Brush your tongue. Bacteria cling to the tongue because of the moisture. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper prevents any buildup.
• Clean appliances, guards, and bridgework. While beneficial for your teeth and smile, these items can also cause bad breath if not carefully maintained. Be sure to brush these items daily. There are many products available to clean these items. Call our Marysville Family Dentistry office about what would be best for your needs.

Don’t stress over bad breath. You can meet people with ease by making these practices a part of your routine. Talk to one of our dental team members today to learn more about halitosis and the best preventative steps for you.

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Mindful Eating Habits:

Certain foods are more prone to getting stuck between teeth, such as popcorn, seeds, meat fibers, and sticky candies. Being mindful of these foods and limiting their consumption can help. If you do consume them, be extra vigilant about cleaning your teeth afterwards.

Proper Chewing:

Chew your food thoroughly and evenly. This not only aids in digestion but also minimizes the chances of food particles getting wedged between teeth.

Regular Brushing and Flossing:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Flossing is especially effective in removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. Consider using waxed floss or dental tape if you find regular floss gets stuck or shreds.

Use of Interdental Brushes:

If you have larger gaps between your teeth, interdental brushes can be more effective than floss in cleaning those spaces.

Rinse After Meals:

Rinse your mouth with water after meals to dislodge any food particles. This is particularly useful when you’re not able to brush immediately after eating.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum:

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help remove food particles and increase saliva production, which neutralizes acid and helps clean the mouth.

Regular Dental Checkups:

Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot. Your dentist can also identify and fix any dental issues, like misaligned teeth or gaps, that might be contributing to the problem.

Consider Orthodontic Treatment:

If misaligned teeth are causing frequent food trapping, orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners can correct these issues, reducing the likelihood of food getting stuck.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps in maintaining a healthy flow of saliva, which naturally cleanses the mouth and teeth.

Avoid Sticky and Sugary Foods:

These foods tend to adhere to teeth and are more likely to get stuck, increasing the risk of dental problems.

In summary, preventing food from getting stuck between your teeth involves good oral hygiene practices, mindful eating, regular dental checkups, and potentially corrective dental treatments. Taking these steps not only improves your oral health but also contributes to your overall well-being.  Keep your smile fresh and pay attention to good oral hygiene by visiting Marysville Family Dentistry every six months for a dental exam and professional cleaning!

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