Bad breath can make you feel self-conscious, especially if you have it during the morning and throughout the day. It is frustrating when you brush your teeth twice a day yet still have bad breath. Fortunately, Lovett Dental Northside can help you improve how your breath smells once you are aware of the causes of bad breath.
Whether you’re struggling with bad breath or another dental problem, we’re proud to help. At Lovett Dental Northside, we’re committed to your dental health. To learn about our dental treatments, please reach out to Lovett Dental Northside today by calling 713-691-5551.
Causes of Bad Breath
Dry mouth, dehydration, and poor oral hygiene are three of the main causes of morning breath and bad breath in general. How does a dry mouth cause bad breath? Saliva kills odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Less saliva production means more bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.
If you snore or breathe through your mouth while sleeping, your breath will generally smell worse because your saliva dries out in your mouth. Your mouth naturally becomes drier while sleeping, but other behaviors can worsen it. Not drinking enough water during the day is another contributor to a drier mouth while sleeping, thus contributing to bad morning breath.
Poor oral hygiene causes bad breath because bacteria in your mouth break down the food particles trapped between your teeth, gum line, and the surface of your tongue. When bacteria break down food particles in your mouth, breath odor intensifies.
Other common reasons you may have bad breath include using tobacco, eating certain foods in the evening, gum disease, cavities, and other health problems. Periodontal disease causes infections in the gum pockets, which give off a bad smell. If you eat garlic, raw onions, or coffee in the evening, you will likely wake up with morning breath despite good oral hygiene.
How to Brush Your Teeth Correctly to Prevent Bad Breath
Double-check that you are following the correct methods of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth. Some people find that they have been brushing their teeth incorrectly. Flossing, brushing, and rinsing are the most important things you can do to prevent bad breath — but only if you do them correctly. It would be best if you flossed before you brush because it loosens plaque and bacteria.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in circular motions for two minutes. To brush the inner surfaces of your teeth, use vertical brushing movements. You must brush the outer surfaces, chewing surfaces, and inner surfaces. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when it looks frayed. Also, use an ADA-approved toothpaste. Do not rinse the toothpaste out of your mouth. You want the fluoride to stay on your teeth to help fight cavities. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue after you have brushed your teeth. It is more effective than the scrapers on toothbrushes.
Other Ways of Preventing Bad Breath
You should see a dentist for professional teeth cleaning and dental exam two times a year. This helps prevent problems with bad breath and other oral health issues like gum disease. Lovett Dental Northside provides professional teeth cleaning and other general dentistry services. We have positive customer reviews for compassionate, friendly service. If you fear the dentist, we are willing to give you safe sedation and work with you in overcoming your fear. Our sedation dentistry options include nitrous oxide, IV, and oral.
Drink 64 ounces of water every day to minimize bad breath. You can buy a large water bottle to make it easier to get your daily water intake rather than having to refill a cup repeatedly.
Do not drink coffee of any type in the afternoon. Even decaf coffee contributes to bad breath. When you eat foods notorious for giving you bad breath, such as garlic and raw onions, keep in mind that they can linger for up to three days. Eat a lot of apples, celery, and carrots. These foods have teeth cleaning properties to assist you in preventing bad breath. Another helpful trick if you love odor-causing foods is to rinse your mouth with water after eating them.
Seek Treatment at Lovett Dental Northside.
Bad breath is not something you have to continue living with. By learning what is causing it, you can remedy those issues to improve your breath smells both in the morning and throughout the day. You must maintain good oral hygiene through bi-annual professional teeth cleanings, brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth correctly.
Lovett Dental Northside can help you combat bad breath, as well as other conditions. Our services include:
- Dental cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Dental exams
- Pediatric dentistry services
Contact Lovett Dental Northside at 713-691-5551 to schedule a dentist appointment if you have cavities, gingivitis, or any other oral health concern.
