are you searching for a bad breath cure?

Chronic bad breath, also called halitosis, can affect more than just your morning breath. It can also have detrimental consequences on your social and professional life. This odor causing bacteria can sometimes be masked by chewing minty gum or rinsing with mouthwash, but that will only relieve the problem temporarily. Ongoing issues with bad breath could potentially indicate a more serious underlying issue. 

If you’re continuously searching for ways to eliminate bad breath, we encourage you to visit with one of our Denver dentists at Metropolitan Dental Care to discuss the treatments we provide and find a long term resolution.

what causes bad breath?

The source of bad breath can vary from patient to patient, but causes of bad breath include:

• Trapped food in between teeth and gums
• Plaque buildup below your gum line
• Poor dental hygiene
• Medical conditions such as vomiting, sinus infections, diabetes, or acid reflux
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Cavities
• Oral thrush (yeast infection)
• Certain foods (garlic and onions are notorious)
• Smoking

Chronic bad breath can also indicate a sign of something more serious. If you still have issues after applying the suggestions below then we highly encourage you to follow up with your dentist. 

Bad breath Treatment

Oftentimes, bad breath can be eliminated or even prevented by following some simple steps. If you (or a loved one), suffer from the side effects of bad breath, try these options first:

Maintain good oral hygiene

The most obvious cure is brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day. This is especially important and very effective after eating. Keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste at work or school, or even in your bag allows you to eliminate odors caused by food.

The longer the food stays trapped between your teeth the more time it has to wreak havoc on your breath. Poor oral hygiene can result in a buildup of dead cells and microbes between your teeth.

Keep your toothbrush clean and replace it on a regular basis. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three months. If you recently overcame an ilness, that may be another reason to purchase a new one. Afterall, who wants to brush their teeth with a toothbrush that has been harboring bacteria?

Daily flossing is also essential to preventing bad breath. Coffee, tobacco, and pungent foods are all responsible for bad breath, but the number one cause is due to food that is trapped between your teeth.

Not only does flossing help to improve your breath, it also reduces your risk of cavities. Best of all, flossing is simple and quick. Keep floss in your car or desk drawer and floss once you’ve finished eating.

Not everyone finds flossing easy. Managing the waxed string can be particularly difficult for people who have have joint issues. One solution is a water flosser. The electric device shoots a stream of water that clears debris from under the gum line.

An electric flosser is easy to use, and it promotes gum tissue health. A member of our team will be glad to recommend a good product.

Another great oral hygiene option is rinsing with an good mouthwash to keep teeth clean and breath fresh. For best results, rinse with mouthwash in the morning, evening, and after meals.

Address Teeth Alignment Issues

If your teeth are crooked or crowded, you may be creating spaces where food can become trapped. As bacteria breaks down trapped pieces of food, foul smells can result. Our office can provide treatment for crowding, or we may refer you to an area orthodontist.

Invest in a tongue scraper

The expense is minimal, but the effects are drastic. Tongue scrapers effectively remove bacteria hiding in the crevices of your tongue. Often, bad breath occurs when the hardest to reach part of your tongue is not properly cleaned.

Using a tongue scraper allows you to easily eliminate problems. It can also stimulate digestion, unclog your taste buds, and boost your immune system.

Visit your dentist regularly

Professional dental cleaning removes plaque which is what is responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these issues can contribute to bad breath. A dental examination can also allow your dentist to identify early signs of oral health issues and respond promptly.

The longer a dental issue goes untreated the bigger (and more painful) the issue can become. Early detection is key.

At Metropolitan Dental, we offer composite fillings for decay (cavities), and a host of treatments for periodontal (gum) disease.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam at least once every six months. For active gum disease, or those that tend to develop plaque quickly, exams and cleanings may be recommended more often.

Adjust your lifestyle

If your bad breath is caused by foods you eat, beverages you drink, or cigarette smoke you may want to consider making some changes to your lifestyle. The most common culprits include coffee, soda, alcohol, tobacco, garlic, and onions. Other food and drinks can also contribute to less than pleasant breath.

Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep your mouth moist and flush your system. This extra amount of liquid can help reduce bad breath significantly.

If you make some positive changes and bad breath continues, you may want to keep track of your food and beverage intake in order to help determine the cause. Everyone is different, so any observations can help you prevent bad breath.

Clean dental appliances or dentures

If you wear a retainer, dentures, bridge, mouthguard, or other dental appliance you need to ensure it is kept clean on a regular basis. Proper cleaning helps remove any bacteria and also prolongs the life of the dental appliance.

It is important to clean your dental appliance thoroughly every time. If you have any questions, or need suggestions on how to clean your appliance, please contact your dentist for recommendations and suggested cleaning products.

Schedule a consultation with us

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still can’t get rid of lingering odors and bad breath then it is time to see a dentist. Give our office a call at (303) 534-2626 and we will be happy to assist you.

Bad breath is treatable. Often, the condition results from gum disease and tooth decay. These dental problems are highly treatable.

We will help you find the source of the problem and treat it accordingly.

Contact us online or call (303) 534- 2626 today to schedule an appointment with one of our Denver dentists at Metropolitan Dental Care. Your overall wellbeing and self-confidence are important to us, and you can trust us to care for your dental needs.