Bad breath is an epidemic. It’s estimated that up to 50% of the adult population suffers from it. But this doesn’t have to be the case for you. A whole other half of the population is aware of the tips and tricks necessary to ensure that they have fresh breath throughout their day. Whether you seek treatment from a dentist in Collinsville or practice some at-home strategies for more minor cases, you can be well on your way to rosier exhales.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may emerge from the following factors:
- Poor dental hygiene habits— Even if your teeth look pristine, regular cleaning sessions are vital. It’s important to brush, floss, and rinse your teeth at least twice each day to keep plaque and bacteria from building up around your teeth or gums.
- Food choices— When your body processes certain foods, those odors go into your bloodstream and can later be released through your lungs, potentially creating bad breath. Food such as cheese, spiced meats, alcohol, and spices, such as garlic, may result in undesirable odors following you throughout the day.
- Smoking— Smoking may also trigger episodes of bad breath due to a lack of moisture caused by tobacco. When your mouth is too dry, bacteria levels may become problematic, causing infections and increased plaque levels that may emanate an odor.
- Underlying issues—Finally, other medical illnesses such as diabetes, postnasal drips, and even allergies can contribute to issues with bad breath for various reasons. Asking your doctor about how a medical condition may be affecting your oral health is the first step to finding a solution.
How to Alleviate Bad Breath at Home
While cycling certain smelly foods out of your system might take up to three days, there are a few other things that you can do at home to ensure that your breath smells minty fresh. Consider adopting one or more of these strategies:
- While brushing, clean your tongue too! Use a scraper or your toothbrush.
- Brush after meals.
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
- Drink water to keep your mouth moist and bacteria levels normal.
- Eat fruits and vegetables to ward off any odor-causing plaque.
- Limit or stop smoking as soon as possible. Your local Collinsville dentist may have some tips on how to achieve this.
When to See a Dentist About Bad Breath
If the odor you are detecting is rooted in either gum disease, plaque build-up, or even tooth decay, your dentist can devise a treatment plan to address the root of these issues. Whether it’s an intensive cleaning to tackle plaque buildup or a tooth-colored filling to restore a decayed tooth, they can help you restore your oral health and your fresh breath.
Bad breath doesn’t have to be inevitable. Whether treating it at home or with the expertise of a dentist, fresher, cleaner horizons are just around the corner.
About the Practice
Many consider the welcoming healthcare team at Collinsville Dental Associates a breath of fresh air. For over 30 years, their team has served the Collinsville community through their state-of-the-art practice and caring atmosphere. Collinsville Dental Associates’ four dentists and their assistants are eager to help you achieve your oral health goals today, from fresh breath to a stunning smile. Get your questions answered through their website or by calling (276) 647-1484.