Everyone has bad breath from time to time. You’re no exception! Even if you’re on top of your oral care, you floss regularly, and you never skip a trip to the dentist, halitosis can affect us all. But did you know that there are additional ways to keep bad breath at bay? Conquer your halitosis today!
Seeing your dentist regularly is part of the equation. For an appointment in Paducah, KY, call White & White Family Dentistry today at 270-355-7599.
What is Halitosis, Anyway?
Colloquially referred to as “bad breath”, halitosis is a preventable oral health condition. Its main symptom is bad breath. This could be caused by consumption of certain foods, poor oral health, or gum disease, among others.
Getting to the root of your halitosis is an important first step in preventing it. That’s where we come in! Your dentist will smell the odor coming from your mouth, nose, and the back of your tongue. We’ll thoroughly examine your mouth and try to locate a source.
Sometimes, the solution is simple, like prescribing a mouthwash or instructing you to stay away from harmful products such as tobacco. It may take a few lines of defense to defeat your halitosis — that’s normal, too.
Prevention Starts With You!
No one wants to have bad breath! It can make you feel nauseous, make others avoid close contact with you, and contribute to poor oral health. But, luckily for you, there are a few ways to reduce your existing halitosis or prevent it in the future.
- Get Up Close and Personal with Your Teeth – Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step in your oral care routine. Aim for two minutes each. Flossing isn’t always fun, but it’s also an important step to dislodge any trapped food between your teeth or in your gums that could be causing your halitosis. Depending on your situation, we may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste to use regularly.
- Get That Tongue, Too – Brush your tongue! Often, bacteria can live on its surface. By spending a few extra seconds scrubbing your tongue, you may avoid bad breath later.
- Swish and Spit – Mouthwash is your friend to keep that breath minty fresh! Using a mouth rinse that contains an antibacterial agent is another step towards eliminating your bad breath.
- Squeaky-Clean Routine – If you use any dental appliances, like Invisalign, a retainer, or dentures, make sure they’re also a part of your oral cleaning routine. You should be cleaning them before each time you put them in your mouth to neutralize any odor and keep bacteria at bay.
- Your Dentist Will See You Now – Dental checkups twice a year are important to keep your mouth in check. We love to see your smile — but we care just as much about helping you avoid any additional problems. Together, we can get your breath smelling better.
Ready to prevent bad breath once and for all? For an appointment in Paducah, KY, call White & White Family Dentistry today at 270-355-7599 or request an appointment online.