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Did you know 1/3 of the population complains of bad breath? Let’s admit it, everyone has had bad breath at some point, whether it’s because you enjoyed a meal with loads of garlic, or it’s been a while since you last brushed. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and can even cause anxiety. Wearing a mask everywhere may have made you more aware of an odour in your breath. The team at Britannia Dental Care wants you to be confident smiling all day long, so we’ve compiled five common causes and solutions on how to treat bad breath.
Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that forms on your teeth. This bacteria breaks down food and proteins to produce and release smelly volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
Solution: We recommend visiting for a dental cleaning every 6 months for thorough plaque-removal by a hygienist. Also, taking a few minutes to brush and floss daily are vital in maintaining fresh breath. It is recommended to brush for two minutes, first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. We recommend flossing once daily as well, to ensure all surfaces of your teeth get cleaned. If you have braces, bridges or other dental prostheses, there are specially designed toothbrushes and tools available to make cleaning more efficient. Ask our team for some samples at your next visit!
Your tongue has lots of grooves and crevices, making it the perfect place for odour-producing bacteria to grow. This bacteria releases those VSCs that produce foul smelling breath.
Solution: Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove the bacteria that is sitting on your tongue. We also recommend using a mouthwash to reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath. Be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after brushing to use a mouthwash as you don’t want to wash away the benefits your toothpaste provides.
You may have noticed after consuming vegetables such as garlic and onions, you have strong bad breath. This is because they are Alliums and contain high concentrations of smelly sulfur compounds. Consumption of coffee and alcohol can also cause an odour as they dry out the mouth.
Solution: Drink water immediately after to wash away any residual particles that may be stuck in your mouth. Using a mouthwash and sugar-free gum can help freshen your breath throughout the day as well.
Your saliva is a natural deterrent to bad breath since it washes away the bad bacteria. Some medical conditions and medications can affect your salivary glands. The glands malfunction and don’t produce enough saliva, resulting in dry mouth, also known as xerostomia.
Solution: If you have dry mouth, it’s important to regularly sip on water so it mimics the rinsing effects of saliva, and washes the bacteria away. We recommend drinking tap water as it is fluoridated and that provides additional benefits for your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva.
Medical conditions and disorders can be the cause of your bad breath. Some medications, such as those used for blood pressure and autoimmune diseases, can cause dry mouth. Other medications can result in the breakdown of chemicals that produce an unpleasant odour in your breath. Some common medical conditions that cause bad breath include gum disease, tonsillitis, diabetes, acid reflux, and lactose intolerance.
Solution: If good oral hygiene and diet changes aren’t solving your bad breath, it’s time to visit your dentist. Our experienced team will identify and propose solutions for any underlying health concerns that may be causing this foul odour.
We know your health and self-confidence are important to you. Britannia Dental Care in Mississauga is an Oravital Certified Clinic. Book an appointment with us if you are unable to get a control on your bad breath.
For this treatment, we will use a gentle swab to get samples of bacteria from your oral cavity. These are then sent to a laboratory, which will conduct a microbial analysis to identify any bad-breath causing bacteria. Our team will then provide a special Oravital rinse that is specifically targeted to kill the germs responsible for your foul breath. Use of this specially curated solution will get the harmful bacteria under control and provide a proper balance of healthy bacteria in your mouth.
If you would like to find out more about Oravital bad breath treatment in Mississauga, call us at 905-785-1412 or email us at reception@britanniadentalcare.com. We hope to restore your confidence in your smile!
