More than 90 million people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. If bacteria are the culprits, there are simple methods to reduce them.
Keeping your mouth clean helps eliminate bacteria. Here are some easy steps for an at-home full-mouth disinfection. The key is to focus on all areas where bacteria may reside. This at-home full disinfection includes thorough brushing, proper use of dental floss, mouth rinse and cleaning the tongue.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. To alleviate the odor, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper (a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue). Chewing sugar-free gum also may help control the odor. If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouth-guard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouth rinses, deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist because these products only mask the odor temporarily and some products work better than others.
Brushing To Go
With Dental Dots you can clean your teeth anytime, anywhere, without having to carry around a toothbrush, toothpaste or even having to find a sink. Dental Dots are small, dime-size disks made of tiny nylon bristles. Dental Dots contain a mint flavored, saliva activated fluoride toothpaste. To use, just stick the disposable pad on the end of your finger. Dental Dots are small enough to be carried in any pocket.
Best Dental Floss
Threaded, unwaxed, floss is the most recommended by dentists for various reasons. Multiple threads trap bacteria and debris better than waxed, ribbon-like floss. Frayed floss may indicate that a filling or crown is faulty or failing.
Some patients prefer the Glide (waxed, ribbon-like) products as it is more comfortable to use, especially in very tight tooth-to-tooth contacts. Also, there are new products available that incorporate a handle and the floss that allows for easier access to the posterior teeth. Another approach is a Floss Card, a credit card looking dispenser that you can carry in your purse or wallet.
Dry Mouth
Many people experience dry mouth caused by medications (Lipitor, Zoloft, Prilosec, Paxil, Detrol, etc.) and anti-anxiety medications (Atarax, Valium, Xanax, etc). Also, people with diabetes and cancer (undergoing radiation treatments) experience recurring dry mouth. Reductions in the quantity and quality of the saliva can result in bad breath, loss of taste, inability to swallow food easily and oral discomfort.
Dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) can also result in bacterial destruction of oral tissues, a bad odor, dental pain, and in some cases rampant cavities and/or gum disease in the mouth. Soft tissue lesions and increased decay on natural teeth and around restorative work in the mouth, such as crowns or porcelain veneers, can add to this discomfort. Use wetting agents with enzymes such as Biotine, special mouthwash and toothpaste to allow more normal tissue hydration and ease the discomforts of dry mouth.
Sources:
Debra Gray King, DDS, www.AtlantaCenterForCosmeticDentistry.com
www.dentaldots.com
www.ada.org
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton and Coca-Cola. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.