Brenda, Melissa and Brittni’s Hygiene Corner
Written by: Brenda RDH
A common question in the hygiene world is “How do I tell someone I love that they have bad breath?” My answer…from a distance. All kidding aside, bad breath, or halitosis as it’s known clinically is something we’ve all been concerned with at one time or another. Since Dr. Spear has decided to offer a hygiene corner on his website I thought our first post would help answer some causes and solutions to this annoyance.
Bad breath can be caused by a number of reasons; poor oral hygiene, a coated tongue, seasonal allergies, dry mouth, medication, smoking and acid reflux or GERD disease, just to name a few. The good news is that for the majority of people there is an easy fix.
I know you’ve heard to brush two times daily and to floss regularly, you hear this at most of your appointments with us. That’s because this really does help with a multitude of issues.
The plaque in your mouth not only contributes to cavities but can also adhere to the taste buds on the tongue and lodge in the crypts of your tonsils. Simply using a tongue scraper (not a toothbrush) can aid with achieving fresh breath.
Oral malodor for those that suffer from seasonal allergies can be addressed through your primary care doctor. He or she should be able to steer you in the right direction of appropriate medications to help with sinus drainage. Be aware though, medications can contribute to dry mouth which can cause bad breath. For our patients who do take prescription medication and notice dry mouth, keep well hydrated and sip water or a non-sugar alternative throughout the day. In addition, you can use a non-alcohol dry mouth rinse such as Biotene to help eliminate bad breath.
If you feel that bad breath is an issue for you remember regular dental cleanings are the first step to a sweeter you. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to book your next cleaning appointment with the team at Dr. Spear’s office call 817-920-1488.