Fix Bad Breath From Tooth Decay
Are you suffering from bad breath but don’t exactly know what the cause is? If you’ve tried the usual solutions without effect, it’s probably time for you to visit your dentist. There are many causes of unpleasant mouth odors and your dentist can often help you find the source of your problem. Many times the cause is due to undiagnosed tooth decay, so yes, it’s possible that your cavities cause bad breath.
Cavities are the result of the destruction of tooth surface brought on by bacteria that exist inside your mouth. Bacteria live on bits of food or sugars that may be left in the mouth after eating or drinking, forming acids that eat away at the surface of your teeth. The longer bacteria and acids are in contact with your tooth the higher the risk for tooth decay and the more likely a cavity will form. Cavities and the bacteria in your mouth can cause your fresh breath to turn into bad breath. However, once discovered by your dentist, tooth decay can be removed, cavities can be treated and your breath can be cleaner again.
Once your teeth are in good shape again you’ll want to prevent cavities and bad breath in the future. Here are a few things that dentists often recommend:
Brush at least twice a day and floss before going to bed. This will help prevent food and plaque build-up around your teeth and gums and decrease the food supply for those ever-present bacteria.
Use an electric toothbrush to remove more food particles and plaque where bacteria love to grow. Electric toothbrushes also have timers that help you stay at the sink longer for more effective brushing.
Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria, food debris and dead cells. This is an especially useful aid for coffee-breath.
If you use a mouthwash, consider one without alcohol especially if you suffer from dry mouth. In general, toothbrushing has a longer-lasting effect in freshening your breath than mouthwash.
Have professional dental cleanings and an exam at least twice a year. Your dental hygienist uses tools and techniques that can remove all the plaque and buildup from your teeth that your toothbrush can never do. Your dental exam will help you learn about problem areas where tooth decay is more likely so you can focus on prevention. And your dentist will monitor existing fillings for signs of aging and breaking down before bacteria have a chance to cause further harm to your teeth.
In addition to regular check-ups, lifestyle changes can also reduce the occurrence of cavities and bad breath.
Avoid foods that are high in processed sugars
Brush after eating `sticky` foods like raisins, bananas and breads
If you use breath mints limit your selection to sugar-free mints. Those including xylitol can actually help decrease the incidence of tooth decay.
If you think that perhaps your cavities cause bad breath, start on your way to fresher breath and a healthier mouth today and make an appointment with your dentist. Treat bad breath at New Hampshire Center for Comprehensive Dentistry.