Dental Care

Bad Breath: A Social Nightmare

Hudec Dental
Written by Hudec Dental

You only get one shot at making a first impression. Unfortunately, making new friends and business associates can be much more difficult when you have bad breath. Don’t let bad breath, also known as halitosis, ruin your life! Instead, improve your overall dental hygiene and prevent bad breath with these tips from Hudec Dental.

Bad Breath Causes

Interestingly, the most common cause of bad breath is dry mouth. This is easily preventable! Having a dry mouth means that the dead cells on your tongue are not being washed away by your saliva. This also means that they break down on your tongue, causing a foul odor that is commonly associated with bad breath.

Although most of the dead cells can be found on your tongue, they also appear in other parts of your mouth, especially when you have food remnants stuck in your teeth. Be sure that you are brushing frequently to avoid this type of problem!

You may also notice that certain bad breath can be caused by the food you eat—like garlic or onion. Sometimes, however, the causes aren’t so innocent. Bad breath can also be as sign of something more serious like throat or lung infection, kidney or liver disease, or diabetes.

Preventing Bad Breath

To send bad breath packing requires a commitment to your dental hygiene—there is no fix-all, long term solution. Instead, you should follow the below suggestions:

  • Brush, brush, brush. We know you hear it from us all the time, but brushing is important! We suggest brushing at least twice per day to remove plaque and food debris that can cause bad breath. Be sure to brush your tongue as well! This will help knock off any dead skin cells and leave your tongue fresh.
  • Drink water. Drinking water is great for your entire body and it also does wonders for avoiding dry mouth. Keeping your mouth hydrated means that you will produce saliva regularly and kick those stinky dead cells off your tongue with every swallow.
  • Use mouthwash. Using mouthwash can sometimes help. Rinse for at least 30 seconds and then avoid drinking or eating for about 30 minutes after your rinse. Keep in mind that this should never be a replacement for brushing your teeth!
  • Try mints and gum. If you are in a place where brushing, mouthwash, or even water is not available, gum or mints may be a quick fix. Gum may work better because it produces saliva, which can wash away that odor-causing bacteria.

One of the best ways to prevent bad breath is to see your dentist. At Hudec Dental, we can help you determine the best ways for you to prevent bad breath. We also offer Venus Smile, a pro biotic daily mint which helps fight harmful bacteria in the mouth. Venus Smile is also a %100 natural aid in whitening, available at any Hudec location for only $24. If you have chronic bad breath, we can also let you know if it might be a sign of something more serious. Call 216-661-8888 today to set up an appointment.

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Hudec Dental

Hudec Dental