**SPONSORED CONTENT WRITTEN BY DR. GRACE LEE, GRACE DENTAL**
Does your breath smell worse than the dump on a hot day? Does your dog turn away when you get close? Has your partner stopped kissing you?
You may have bad breath.
You are not alone. Studies suggest that between 50 and 80 million Americans suffer from bad breath. Bad breath (halitosis) can be embarrassing, and it can often lead to anxiety and depression. Excessive mint and mouthwash users—yes, that means you—should stop using temporary fixes and start addressing the underlying problems.
So why do I have bad breath?
You may be surprised at how many different things can cause dreaded halitosis. Bad breath can be more than just a problem in itself; it can be the symptom of a much more serious disease.
1. Serious health conditions like lung, GI, and other systemic problems can cause bad breath. “Fruity” breath is one of the first signs of diabetes. Infections in the mouth, throat, or sinuses. Pockets of pus (abscesses) and decaying teeth smell bad!
2. Smoking or chewing tobacco. Not only does tobacco give you yellow stains on your teeth it stains your breath as well. Even worse, you will run into all sorts of other health problems. Ready to quit? – I’m here for support, a hug, or a shoulder to cry on …
3. What you eat or do not eat. Garlic and onions are the major culprits. Changes in diet and fasting can also cause bad breath. Acidic beverages like soda and even juices lower pH levels in the mouth, and bacteria love that. Yes, it is time to say “bye-bye” to the soda and sweet tea that you love to bathe your teeth in all day long. That does not mean you can never have a sip of soda again. However, you should rinse your mouth out afterwards and drink water between meals.
4. Dry mouth. It’s caused by almost all medications on the market, like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medicines. I squint when brushing my three boys’ teeth every morning because of their dry mouths and awful morning breath. My boys are chronic mouth breathers at night, which reduces the amount of saliva produced during sleep. Good saliva flow is very important to wash away food debris and bacteria.
How do I get rid of bad breath?
1. First, go to your doctor to rule out any serious health problems. Then follow up with regular doctor visits to reveal undiagnosed medical conditions.
2. Then schedule an appoint with your dentist and hygienist. They probably already know about your problem and they will be relieved to hear you want to do something about it. After that, regular dental visits twice a year for prevention of periodontal disease, infections, and decay. Believe me, it’s really not very attractive to have swollen gums or teeth coated in a thick film of plaque. Professional dental cleaning is an absolute necessity to remove it.
3. Good oral hygiene. Once your mouth and gums are healthy and your teeth are clean, keep them that way! Your dental hygienist will be happy to teach you how … it will save her from putting on all those extra face masks when she sees you coming. In addition to cleaning your mouth after each meal or snack, some of the things you’ll talk about are:
• Flossing daily to get in between the teeth and under the gum line where your toothbrush will miss. I dare you to smell the floss afterwards; you will never miss a day again.
• Brush at least twice a day for a good two minutes. Use good pressure, but do not be abrasive! Over enthusiastic brushing and gum care can create little scratches and cuts that invite big problems.
• Rinse with a mouthwash once a day to blast away the bacteria. I recommend using a non-alcohol mouthwash. Some mouthwashes will help with dry mouth as well
• Don’t forget to clean your tongue. Your hygienist can show you how. Your tongue grooves harbor eighty to ninety percent of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Gently, (don’t damage your taste buds!) brush or scrape the tongue with a toothbrush or scraper.
4. Eat healthy and limit caffeine in your diet. Easier said than done, but foods that smell good make you smell good. Fruits (high in vitamin C) and fiber-high foods stimulate salivary flow. Throw carb-rich snacks like apples and bananas into your diet. The parsley on your plate can do more than look pretty, the chlorophyll can keep your breath smelling fresh for hours afterwards. These healthy snacks are easy to carry with you and tuck into your desk at work. Your co-workers will thank you instead of turning up their desk fans when they see you coming; they may even invite you to chat for a while.
5. Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water stimulates salivary flow and helps clear out any food bits you might have missed when you brushed and flossed after your last meal – – you did remember to clean your mouth, didn’t you?!
Dr. Grace Lee had been serving the Clarksville dental community for the past 7 years. Follow her at www.facebook.com/gracedentaltn **Grace Dental, www.gracedentaltn.com, 304 Providence Blvd, Clarksville, (931) 648-4100**