Bad Breath (cont.)
What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to
remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a
toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush
your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or
an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your
teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly
before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
- See your dentist
regularly - at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral
examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and
treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the
cause of bad mouth odor.
- Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on
kicking the habit.
- Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum
(preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also
stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles
and bacteria.
- Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may
be causing your bad breath, record what you eat so that you can determine
which foods may be contributing to the problem. Bring the log to your
dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some
medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.
Who Treats Bad Breath?
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If your
dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of
oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to
determine the odor source and treatment plan. If the odor is due to gum
disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you
to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
Next: What Products Can I Use to Eliminate Bad Breath? »
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