Bad breath, also called halitosis, is something that many people struggle with. While it can be an embarrassing condition, it is important that you inform yourself about how to cure and prevent it. Bad breath is not always a sign of bad oral hygiene; it can be related to more serious oral conditions like gum disease. It is important to talk to your Brooklyn dentist about your concerns to find the best treatment for your situation.
See a Dentist About Gum Disease
Gum disease, called periodontal disease in the medical community, is a chronic condition that can cause major problems for the teeth in gums. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Bacteria involved in this disease can give off a foul odor. You may need a special type of dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing to get your smile healthy again.
Use an Alcohol-Free Mouth Rinse
Alcohol mouthwash can dry out the oral tissues and cause more harm than good. Your breath may smell better temporarily, but the unpleasant odor will soon return. Instead, choose an alcohol-free formula that also contains fluoride. This will help your breath smell better, and as an added bonus, it can make your enamel stronger.
Brush Your Tongue
You may be spending a lot of time brushing your teeth, but if you are not brushing your tongue, you are leaving behind a lot of smelly bacteria. You can use your regular toothbrush bristles or a separate tongue scraper to get the job done.
Floss Regularly
Most people hate to floss, but it is a necessary part of your oral hygiene routine. Bacteria can live between your teeth and cause a fetid odor if you are not flossing on a regular basis.
When you consider these tips, you can be on your way to curing bad breath once and for all.