Bad Breath

Anyone can be affected by bad breath, also called halitosis. And, while bad breath can be embarrassing, the good news is that it is usually treatable. There are many causes for bad breath. Among the causes are tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, tobacco use, certain foods, illness and some medications. The key to avoiding bad breath is eliminating it at its source. First, have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove the plaque and tartar, where odor-causing bacteria thrive. Next, maintain that clean feeling at home with proper brushing and flossing. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, it is important to brush at least twice a day. A toothbrush with soft bristles and rounded tips are kinder to your teeth and gums, and make it easier to remove plaque below the gum line. You should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride, because fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. Angle the bristles of the brush along the gum line at a 45-degree angle and apply gentle pressure so the bristles slide under the gum line. Move the brush in short back and forth strokes and in small circular motions. Brush two or three teeth at a time and then move to the next teeth. It's fine to brush in any regular pattern you choose, being sure to get along the gum line on both sides of each tooth and the chewing surfaces. Complete your routine by gently brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Change your toothbrush when the bristles are worn or bent, which is at least every three months. Brushing is only half of the battle; flossing is just as important! To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you must use dental floss at least once a day. Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, and leave about one inch in between to work with. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, then pull the floss tightly in a C shape around the side of one tooth and slide in under the gum line. Clean the surface of the tooth by using and up-and-down motion, not a side-to-side motion. Repeat the process to clean both sides of every tooth. With proper care you can look forward to a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, confident smiles.