Hey! I'm Frankie, and welcome to my dental advice blog. I'm a foodie and I love sweet treats, but I also love my teeth! It can be hard to keep your dental health in top condition when you've got a sweet tooth, but it's not impossible. Over the years, I've learned tons of great advice from friends, family members and dentists, and I'd love to share it with you. My blog is here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to stay free of decay and other tooth problems without giving up all your favourite foods and snacks.
Bad breath is not pleasant, but it can affect anyone at virtually any time. There are many reasons for having bad breath, including eating foods that leave lingering odours in the mouth, infected tonsils, cavities, and lack of proper oral hygiene. If you have severe or chronic bad breath, it's always good to visit a dental clinic so you can rule out any of these serious health issues related to your teeth and gums; however, note a few mistakes to avoid when it comes to addressing bad breath, and which might actually make the problem worse:
Breath mints and gum
Minty gum and breath mints may work for a few minutes to mask your bad breath, but once their own scent wears off, your breath can be even worse than before. This is because sugar from mints and gum mix with bacteria in your mouth and allow that bacteria to stick to your teeth and gums. In turn, you may have even worse breath after the scent from those mints or that stick of gum wear off! Stick to sugarless products, or ask your dentist how to improve your oral hygiene to actually address the causes of bad breath, rather than just masking it.
Mouthwashes
Many types of mouthwash, rinses and products meant for gargling contain alcohol. Alcohol can certainly kill germs and bacteria that cause bad breath, but it then dries the mouth out, which causes bacteria to stick to the teeth and gums and make your breath worse, as mentioned above. Use mouthwashes and rinses meant for those with dry mouth, as this will ensure that those products won't dry your teeth, gums, or inside of the cheeks as they rinse away germs and bacteria.
Brushing and flossing too much
Since bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, you might wonder how too much brushing and flossing can make your breath worse. Simply put, this can also lead to drying out your mouth, just like sugary mints and drying mouthwashes.
Flossing too much, brushing for too long, or applying too much pressure when brushing or flossing can also cause small cuts and abrasions along the gum line. Germs can then collect inside these cuts or open areas. This is dangerous for the health of your teeth and gums, and can also lead to bad breath. Gentle brushing and flossing for just a few minutes, several times every day, is the better choice for your oral health and for addressing bad breath.
Share15 June 2017
