Listen, no one wants to put up with bad breath on a regular basis. Bad breath is unpleasant and sometimes downright embarrassing! In this short article, our Glendale dentists are sharing information about how and why bad breath develops, as well as steps you can take to neutralize it. Let’s get started!
Types of Malodorous Breath
We all deal with bad breath on occasion, especially when we eat and drink spicy, or strongly flavored foods and drinks. It is normal, for example, for your breath to be temporarily odorous after chomping on onions. The good news is that this type of bad breath usually goes away pretty quickly, as we clean our smiles and the smelly substances work their ways through our systems. The more concerning type of bad breath is chronic and hard to treat. Pay attention to this type of bad breath—it may indicate that you’ve developed dental cavities, periodontal disease, and oral bacterial build-up.
Short-term Relief
Decreasing bad breath is all about clearing away odor-causing particles and neutralizing bad breath. So, rinse your mouth after eating to quickly refresh your smile. It is especially helpful to do this after snacks and meals. There are also a number of gums and mints on the market that decrease bad breath. Just make sure that you reach for sugar-free options; remember, oral bacteria (which cause odors) use sugar as fuel to grow.
Long-term Treatments
Finding lasting relief from chronic bad breath is all about cleaning away bacteria, treating existing cavities and gum disease, and decreasing the risk of re-infection. Our team will help you develop an oral hygiene plan that works for you and your life, so that oral bacteria cannot easily colonize. It’s also important to treat dry mouth; saliva helps to neutralize bacteria and strengthen dental enamel.
You deserve to have a healthy mouth that helps you feel confident and gregarious. Don’t let bad breath sideline you for long. As always, our Glendale dentists are here to share information and resources—just give our office a call to get started!