Halitosis affects 30 percent of the population and is the 3rd most common reason why people schedule dental procedures. Bad breath is embarrassing and in some cases, difficult to manage. Our dentists at Docklands Dental Studio treat bad breath with biannual dental checkups and routine professional cleanings. Most patients develop halitosis from poor oral hygiene. Stinky bacteria rest on the surface of the tongue, when bacteria aren’t properly removed bad breath develops.
Why Do I Have Bad Breath?
Bad breath is most commonly cause by poor oral hygiene. If you’re dental care is lacking, our dentists can recommend changes to enhance the quality of your care routine. Halitosis is often a result from dry mouth, disease/illnesses, and certain foods. Additionally, bad breath can result from trapped food particles between two teeth.
Sulfur-producing bacteria breed underneath the tongue, resulting in smelly breath. The best way to handle halitosis is through regular dental visits and a strict at-home oral care routine.
At Docklands Dental Studio, we recommend that patients have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months by an experienced dental hygienist. At this appointment, each tooth is thoroughly cleaned to create a radiant smile. A friendly hygienist removes all signs of plague, decay, and bacteria from the teeth. You’ll leave your cleaning with a minty fresh and beautiful smile.
Treatment: At-Home Oral Care
Our dentists at Docklands Dental Studio demonstrate how to get the most out of your at-home oral routine. When you wake up in the morning, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. We recommend that you change your toothbrush every 3 months. Next our dentists will recommend that you use a tongue scraper. This inexpensive dental tool effectively removes surface bacteria from the tongue. Your tongue is the resting place for bacteria that cause bad breath. After you brush each tooth and scrape your tongue, we encourage our patients to floss.
Most patients tend to skip flossing. However, it’s a crucial part of your dental routine.
Flossing removes trapped food particles, plaque, and bacteria from the tight spaces between each tooth. Not sure you’re flossing correctly? Just ask for tips and a demonstration at your next dental checkup. We’re happy to share our secrets for achieving the best floss possible.
After you floss, you should use a daily antibacterial mouthwash. Many patients tend to invest in a rinse that contains whitening agents. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Mouthwash removes halitosis producing bacteria and leaves you with a clean, healthy mouth. Our dentists urge patients to complete this routine every night in addition to each morning.
Other Cures
Aside from good oral hygiene, sugar-free gum and fiber-rich foods are great for getting rid of bad breath. While you should cut back on caffeine (specifically black tea and coffee) when you try to improve your breath, green tea is good for freshening breath. Green tea contains polyphenols, which reduce sulfur-producing bacteria production.
Tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing halitosis. If you’re an avid smoker and have bad breath, you might consider cutting back or attempting to quit smoking. Limiting or cutting tobacco usage is an ideal way to improve breath.
If you live in South Melbourne, Docklands Dental Studio is only 5-10 minutes away by car or taxi. Just take Montague Street towards the city and then Wurundjeri Way.
Also published on Medium.