Are you feeling self-conscious about bad breath? Here are the top 5 bad breath remedies from a Calgary dentist.
Overview
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may be embarrassing and can take a significant toll on your self-confidence level. However, it is a common condition and could be due to a number of reasons including smoking, medical conditions or gum disease.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential to controlling bad breath. This includes regular visits to your dentist and brushing/flossing on a daily basis.
At Marlborough Dental Centre, we offer a wide-range of dental hygiene services from teeth cleanings to dental care for the elderly to help keep your teeth white and your smile bright and fresh.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath is a very common and treatable condition. It can be caused by something you eat, or more seriously, can signify a deeper oral issue or serious medical condition.
Possible causes include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Smoking/Alcohol
- Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, liver/kidney problems, nose/throat infections e.t.c)
- Gum disease
- Eating certain pungent foods such as onions or garlic
- High-sugar diet
- Digestive issues
- Dry mouth
During a consultation with your dentist, they will be able to determine the cause of your halitosis and recommend the appropriate treatment, restoring the freshness and confidence to your smile.
Do you suffer from bad breath? Book an appointment with a Calgary Dentist
Mouthwash and Bad Breath
Mouthwash is an efficient and convenient way to freshen your breath which is why it’s no surprise so many Canadians incorporate it into their dental hygiene routine.
However, not all mouthwashes are created equal and the effectiveness of the product ultimately comes down to its ingredients.
Here are some of the things to consider when buying a mouthwash to cure bad breath:
Therapeutic vs Cosmetic Mouthwash
Mouthwashes can fall into one of two categories: therapeutic or cosmetic.
- Cosmetic mouthwashes only cover up bad breath rather than cure it. Although they give off a minty, fresh fragrance, they won’t kill the bacteria causing your halitosis.
- Therapeutic mouthwashes, on the other hand, contain ingredients that kill odorous bacteria, providing long-lasting, fresh breath and extra benefits including teeth whitening.
If you are adding mouthwash to your daily dental hygiene routine, dentists often recommend that it should offer more than just a pleasant taste.
Fluoride
Another ingredient you should look for when choosing a mouthwash is fluoride.
Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel, making it less susceptible to decay. This in turn leads to less plaque buildup and fresher breath overall.
Read More: Fluoride
Germicides
Some mouthwashes use a germicide to kill germs and reduce plaque buildup.
Given that plaque is a major culprit of tooth decay, which can lead to bad breath, this ingredient helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and fresh for many years.
Antibacterial Agent
Because the mouth tends to be moist and warm, it is the ideal place for bacteria to multiply.
An effective mouthwash contains an antibacterial agent such as alcohol to remove the germs responsible for bad breath.
Other Remedies for Bad Breath
Apart from using mouthwash on a daily basis, there are other simple and quick solutions to battling bad breath. These include:
1. Practicing good dental hygiene
The best place to start when trying to get rid of bad breath is ensuring that you brush and floss twice daily. Sticking to a strict dental hygiene routine will not only eliminate bad breath odor but will also keep your teeth and gums healthy for many years.
Dentist Tip: Remember to give the tongue a little attention, as it may be loaded with decaying food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath
2. Visiting the dentist
Visiting the dentist is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh. Regular checkups will allow your dentist to check for any places where plaque is caught between your teeth.
During a comprehensive teeth cleaning, your dental team will be able to clean all those places that are difficult to reach and show you any areas you may be missing.
3. Stay hydrated
Drinking lots of water throughout the day prevents dry mouth, which can often cause bad breath. In addition, it flushes out debris and food particles before they can break down and create an unpleasant odor.
4. Stop chewing or smoking tobacco
Tobacco use has some very serious side effects but at the very least, it will give you smoker's’ breath. As with any addiction, quitting smoking can be very difficult so talk to your doctor or dentist about how you can beat the habit.
Learn More
To find out more about how our Calgary dentists can help keep your breath fresh & clean, contact our dental team today at 403-248-2066.
