Our breath often affects our self-esteem and can tell us if we have an underlying dental condition. Despite its importance, some people are unsure how to tell if their bad breath is something to be worried about or how to improve it.
There are various ways to get rid of bad breath. Our dentist in Elkin, Dr. Manigault has provided several ways to determine if you have halitosis and outlined the top tips for maintaining a fresh and healthy breath in this guide.
Halitosis: What Causes It?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is an oral condition caused by sulfur-producing bacteria that resides in the throat and surface of the tongue. These bacteria occasionally break down proteins, causing the release of odorous volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) from the back of the throat and tongue.
Aside from the sulfur-producing bacteria, other causes of bad breath include:
- Dental conditions, such as periodontitis or poor dental hygiene
- Smoking
- Dry mouth
- Foods such as onions, cauliflower, or garlic
- Acid and bile reflux in the stomach
Symptoms of Halitosis
A common symptom of halitosis is a foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away. You may likely have the halitosis disease if you’re experiencing persistent bad breath. We recommend that you contact Dr. Manigault for a proper diagnosis.
Top 7 Tips By Our Elkin Dentist To Maintaining a Fresh and Healthy Breath
Maintaining a healthy and fresh breath often depends on our lifestyle, especially regarding our dental health. Here are the top seven tips to get rid of halitosis and give yourself a breath of freshness:
1. Use Mouth Rinses and Fluoride Toothpaste
If your bad breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria, our dentists in Elkin may recommend a special mouthwash or a toothpaste containing antibacterial agents.
2. Treating Dental Conditions That Affect Your Breath
Dental conditions such as gum diseases and tooth decay should be treated to curb bad breath.
3. Brushing Your Teeth After Eating
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating, can help you maintain a fresh breath. Toothpaste containing antibacterial agents has been known to reduce bad breath.
4. Keep Your Mouth Moist
Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy help produce more saliva, which keeps your mouth moist. You should avoid tobacco and reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. They can dry out your mouth.
5. Brush Your Tongue
Your tongue performs a lot of functions while you eat. It gathers up food debris and bacteria, which can cause bad breath if not cleaned. Carefully brushing it twice daily is a good bad breath remedy, as it helps reduce odors.
6. Floss At Least Once Daily
Flossing regularly and properly, at least once daily, helps control bad breath by removing food particles and plaques lurking between your teeth.
7. Schedule Regular Appointment With Your Dentist in Elkin, NC
A visit to our dental office in Elkin, NC, for a dental examination allows our dentist to examine your teeth and identify if you have a potential condition that can cause halitosis. We can clean your teeth to help remove bacteria and treat gum diseases or any dental conditions you might have. Schedule an appointment for a dental exam in Elkin, NC, today, and let’s give your oral health the best care it deserves.
