Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Properly
Brushing
and flossing are two of the most crucial elements for attacking bad
breath. Bad breath is caused by bacteria which live on our teeth and
gums. These bacteria feast on food particles left on our teeth
creating volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). These sulfur compounds
give breath its foul odor.
Brushing and flossing remove bacteria and the food bacteria feast
on so that they can no longer create volatile sulfur compounds.
Unfortunately, many people do not brush long enough to remove
bacteria from their teeth. It takes 2-3 minutes to brush all tooth
surfaces yet most people spend less than a minute brushing their
teeth.
Worse yet, few people take the time to floss allowing odor
producing bacteria to grow rampantly in the spaces between your
teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only 70% of your
body when you bathe - the other 30% remains dirty.
Clean Your
Tongue
While brushing and flossing are crucial first steps, brushing and
flossing do not always eliminate bad breath. This is because odor
causing bacteria hide deep within the crevices of the tongue.
Ironically, many of these bacteria are anaerobic meaning they can
not live in oxygen. How do these bacteria live in the mouth then ?
They live safe from oxygen under a protective layer of mucous, food
particles and proteins .
Cleaning your tongue with a tongue
cleaner can remove this layer and much of the bacteria which
resides on your tongue. Remember to clean near the back of the
tongue where most of the bacteria resides but be careful not to gag
yourself.
Drink Plenty
Water
A dry mouth represents the ideal home for odor causing bacteria
which flourish in this type of environment. Saliva normally keeps
the mouth moist. Additionally, saliva helps wash away the food
particles bacteria feed on and dissolves odorous volatile sulfur
compounds. Actions which dry the mouth or reduce saliva flow can
increase bad breath odor. These include:
- The use of prescription medications including antihistamines
and decongestants
- Excessive talking
- Exercising
- Dieting
- Drinking alcohol or using mouthwashes containing a high amount
of alcohol
- Smoking
By drinking water we stimulate saliva flow,
wash away left-over food particles, and moisten the mouth making it
less hospitable to odor causing bacteria.,/font>
Use Chlorine Dioxide
Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide are the latest advance
against bad breath. Conventional mouthwashes at best only
temporarily mask bad breath odor. At worst, conventional mouthwashes
can make the situation worse by drying out the mouth making it more
hospitable to odor producing bacteria.
Chlorine dioxide has been used for years to sanitize water
supplies. In these mouthwashes the chlorine dioxide directly
attacks the volatile sulfur compounds
responsible for bad breath.
Chew Sugarless
Gum
If you can't brush after a meal or snack consider chewing
sugarless gum. This chewing action helps cleanse the teeth and
stimulates the flow of saliva. Saliva in turn further helps to
cleanse the mouth and dissolves odorous volatile sulfur compounds.
Make sure, however, to use gum which does not contain sugar .
Check for Signs of Gingivitis
and Other Dental Problems
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and
ligaments which support the teeth. Periodontal disease creates new
hiding spots in the gums for odor causing bacteria. Signs that you
may have periodontal disease include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus coming from around the teeth
- Pain on chewing
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums.
When dentists treat periodontal disease they can eliminate the
bad breath associated with it.
Get a Dental Check-Up at
Least Once a Year
A yearly dental check-up is a good idea for all adults. This is
because people often do not become away of dental problems until
considerable damage has occurred. A dentist can recognize
potentially damaging problems early. In addition, the dentist can
diagnose other problems which cause bad breath including abscesses,
periodontal disease, and impacted teeth.
For more Bad Breath Tips, visit the
Bad Breath Relief Center
Disclaimer: The information contained within is for
educational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as delivery of
medical care. Those persons with specific medical questions should
consult their dentist, doctor, or other medical care
provider.
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