At Valley Dental Health, we are committed to providing our patients with compassionate and comprehensive dental care. Our doctors are experienced in all aspects of dentistry and are happy to help you with any dental concerns you might have. Bad breath is a common dental concern that we all experience at some point in our lives; however, it’s important to know how to prevent it and when to see a doctor. Learn the causes of bad breath and some tips on preventing it below:
Morning Breath
Frequently, patients complain of having bad breath when they first wake up, also known as morning breath. Morning breath is caused because saliva production slows down as we sleep. Saliva is produced constantly while we are awake because of how often we are chewing or speaking. Saliva production is important because it is your first line of defense against dry mouth. Dry mouth creates the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to flourish in your smile. Mouth-breathing may also cause an increased risk of dry mouth. To prevent morning breath, patients should take extra care before bed to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, using a mouthwash or tongue scraper will help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth before bed. Drinking a bunch of water before bed may also help prevent dry mouth as you sleep.
Preventing Bad Breath
Your diet has a huge impact on your breath. If you are eating more pungent foods that contain garlic or onion notes, this can cause your breath to stink. Brushing and flossing are crucial to maintaining fresh breath. Patients should wait 30 minutes before brushing or flossing after a meal. Additionally, throughout the day, patients should consider chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing their mouth out with water when brushing or flossing is not convenient. If you notice that your breath does not improve even after improving your oral hygiene routine, you may want to consider consulting with your dentist.
When To See A Dentist
A constant bad smell or a bad taste in your mouth should be reported to your dentist. Bad breath is often a symptom of dental concerns such as gum disease or tooth decay. Your dentist can evaluate your smile for potential underlying causes of your symptoms. At Valley Dental Health, we offer gum disease treatment options as well as dental fillings and preventative care. Our team of dental professionals is here to help you achieve and maintain your best dental health. If you are looking for a dentist in Hunt Valley, we hope you will consider visiting Valley Dental Health. Schedule an appointment online if you have any dental concerns that need addressing. We look forward to welcoming you to our Hunt Valley dentist office.