Dental Cleanings And Bad Breath
Causes Of Bad Breath
- Plaque
One cause of bad breath is a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth and as bacteria accumulates, it can give off unpleasant odors. Often, poor oral hygiene leads to a buildup of plaque. One way to fight this is to maintain regular oral health habits at home, including flossing every day and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It can also help to use mouthwash and to brush your teeth after every meal. If brushing your teeth after you eat isn’t an option, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away bacteria. - Dry Mouth
Saliva is an important component of oral health. Although saliva is predominantly water, it also contains electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells, enzymes, and antimicrobial agents, all of which help support oral health. Saliva washes away food particles and dead cells that accumulate in the mouth, but it also helps to neutralize acids produced by plaque. When a person has dry mouth, it can contribute to a buildup of plaque and lingering food particles and dead cells within the mouth. Because of this, one common symptom of dry mouth is bad breath. A dentist may be able to diagnose dry mouth, determine its cause, and offer solutions. - Gum Disease And Infection
Bad breath can be caused by gum disease, tooth decay, or infection. These conditions often cannot be resolved with at-home care and need to be addressed by a dental professional. Treatment of gum disease, tooth decay , or infection may include dental cleanings, medication, surgery, or a disease management plan depending on the severity of the condition. Preventative care through regular dental cleanings and dental exams is an ideal way to stop oral disease before it develops. If you have a tooth pulled or have an injury to the soft tissue of your mouth and your breath begins to smell bad, this is a sign of infection and you should visit your dentist right away. If you have an accompanying fever, this means your infection has spread and you need to seek medical help right away. - Dental Cleanings Reduce Bad Breath
Regular oral care at home is a critical part of eliminating plaque, but you also need regular dental cleanings. A dental cleaning can remove plaque between your teeth, around your gum line, and all of the places that you can’t reach on your own and it will provide a deep clean that gets rid of more bacteria than brushing and flossing alone. During a dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and apply polish to your teeth that will temporarily prevent plaque buildup, which will keep your mouth healthier for longer. Dental cleanings are often performed in conjunction with dental exams, which will monitor oral health and intervene if there are signs of developing oral disease. Regular dental exams help you maintain oral health, reduce unhealthy bacteria, and inform you about the health of your mouth.
Dental Cleanings To Fight Bad Breath
If you are struggling with persistent bad breath, speak to your dentist or dental hygienist about your concerns. Dental cleanings are instrumental in fighting bad breath caused by plaque buildup, dry mouth, and oral disease. Scheduling dental cleanings twice a year will help keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. At Marlborough Dental Centre, our dental hygienists perform comprehensive teeth cleanings and give you at-home cleaning instructions to help you further battle plaque and bad breath. To schedule a dental cleaning for plaque-free teeth and pleasant breath, call Marlborough Dental Centre at 1-403-248-2066 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Will I be able to eat after my dental cleaning?
A: To get the optimal results and prevent future staining, you should wait 30 minutes after a dental cleaning to eat or drink. The fluoride treatment used during a dental cleaning will need these 30 minutes to seal around the teeth and be fully effective.
Q: Can I get a dental cleaning if I’m pregnant?
A: Yes, the products used during a dental cleaning are perfectly safe, even when you’re pregnant. Dental cleanings are actually beneficial for your health during pregnancy. For more details, read Is It Safe To Get A Dental Cleaning While Pregnant?
Q: Can bad breath be caused somewhere other than my mouth?
A: Although bad breath typically originates from the mouth, there can be other places of origin. Tonsil stones and tonsil infections, some stomach issues, and sinus infections can all cause bad breath.
