You’re getting ready for Valentine’s Day. You have an important date with your partner, and you want it to go well. You look in the mirror to make sure you look good, and you imagine how you’ll want to be close to the one you love. Then you realize that your breath stinks. Maybe it has been smelly somewhat consistently for a while now. Is that really a big deal? Well, your partner might think so! For their sake and your own, consider evaluating your chronic bad breath with your dentist in Lake Highlands.
What causes bad breath?
There can be many causes for bad breath, including that particularly pungent food you ate for lunch. But if you experience bad breath on a consistent basis no matter what you eat, you may have a more serious situation on your hands—harmful bacteria in your mouth that produce stinky acids. These bacteria live in plaque, a sticky, white film that tends to accumulate near the gumline. If allowed to harden over time, plaque calcifies into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove.
Why is chronic bad breath a problem?
Not only is chronic bad breath annoying for you and everyone around you, these bacteria can do more damage than just cause bad breath. The acids they create attack teeth’s enamel and irritate gums. Left untreated, they can cause tooth decay and gum disease. These infections, although present in the mouth, are also just one step away from affecting the rest of your body. In fact, links have been found between poor oral health and heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes, just to name a few.
What can I do about my bad breath?
Sure, if you have bad breath occasionally, you could just pop a mint in your mouth and probably call it good, but the best way to address your chronic bad breath is to focus on the cause of it. By getting rid of the bacteria, you get rid of the smell. Here are some of the healthy oral habits you need to develop to remove plaque:
- Brushing at least twice a day.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Using a fluoride mouthwash daily.
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
- Consuming less sugar, which the bacteria thrive on.
Chronic bad breath shouldn’t be ignored because it could point to gum disease or tooth decay that you need to address. Not only is it more appealing to have fresh breath, but kissing will be much more hygienic if you practice good oral habits. As you implement these tips into your routine, you and your partner will notice a difference in your breath and in your oral health. For more information about oral health or preventive dental care, contact your dentist in Lake Highlands.
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett has been performing general dentistry for over six and a half years. Her husband, Dr. Andrew Barnett is an implant dentist and board-certified periodontist, who can provide many advanced services. Together they offer their patients a wide range of services to patients in the Lakewood and Lake Highlands areas. To contact them, you may call (214) 373-9903 or click here.
