Defending Your Mouth

Bad Breath

The embarrassment of bad breath
A lot of people are embarrassed by their bad breath, but it is a problem that can be solves. Certain foods and beverages can cause bad breath. When strong foods, like onions and garlic, are the cause, bad breath is temporary.

The causes of bad breath

Most bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by poor oral hygiene. When you eat, minute particles of food get trapped between your teeth and in the tiny grooves and bumps on your tongue. The particles grow bacteria which release a sulfur compound that causes bad breath. Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth. Dry mouth happens naturally when you sleep, causing morning breath, and it is worse if you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications also cause dry mouth, and it is more common as you age. Additionally, almost all people who use tobacco products have bad breath.

Diagnosis and treatment

Proper brushing and flossing are the first line of defense against halitosis. Many people use mouthwash to combat bad breath, but most over-the-counter mouthwashes are just a temporary mask and do not solve the problem. We may recommend a medicated mouthwash.

Here are some ways you can improve your breath:

• Brush after every meal. You might want to carry a toothbrush with you.
• Floss at least once a day
• Brush your tongue to help dislodge any remaining particles. You can use your toothbrush or a special tongue cleaner. Bacteria can build up, so use a new toothbrush. You should change your toothbrush every three to four months.
• To avoid dry mouth, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Other liquids like soda and coffee do not count because they can cause bad breath.
• If you wear dentures or braces, clean them well
• See your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning

Sometimes, bad breath is a sign of a more serious health problem. If your breath has a particular odor, perhaps fishy, fruity, or smells like ammonia, you might need to see your physician. With good care on your part, you can combat bad breath and enjoy life with confidence.

Defending Your Mouth

Soft Drinks

The beverage of choice

For many people, soft drinks are the beverage of choice. But if you drink them all day long, you may not realize the damage you can be doing to your teeth. The damage is two-fold.

Tooth decay caused by soft drinks

First, soft drinks contain 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar per serving. So, when you drink a soda, you are essentially bathing your teeth in liquid sugar. The bacteria that naturally live on your teeth feed on that sugar and produce acid. Without proper care, the acid dissolves the surface of your teeth and creates a cavity.

Dental erosion caused by soft drinks

Second, soft drinks – especially diet sodas – contain acids. The acids wash over your teeth, affecting the entire tooth structure. Over time, they erode the hard, protective enamel, causing your teeth to get thinner and expose the sensitive dentin layer inside your tooth. When the dentin layer is exposed, you may become sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. And your teeth can appear yellow. As your teeth continue to get thinner, the edges can crumble and lose their natural shape. When the enamel is worn away, it exposes the dentin layer to both decay and pain. This is not a problem only for adults. Children and teens have frequent access to soft drinks. Because their teeth are still forming, the damage to them can be great. Colas (regular and diet), sports drinks, energy drinks, vitamin waters, fruit juices, sweet teas, blended coffee drinks and wine all contain sugars that can damage your teeth. A 16-ounce blended coffee drink can contain 500 calories and 69 grams of sugar!

Better choices

Your best choice for a beverage is fluoridated water. If you must consume soft drinks, however, remember:

• Use a straw
• Do not drink for extended periods of time
• Do not hold the liquid in your mouth before swallowing
• Cut down on the amount you drink
• After you drink, rinse your mouth with fluoridated water
• Wait at least 20 minutes before brushing

With smarter choices and regular check-ups, you can protect the health of your teeth for years to come.