Is your breath fresh? Research shows that at least 80 million people across the globe suffer from chronic bad breath or halitosis. Bad breath can be a highly embarrassing condition, but it can be easily prevented.
It is imperative to note that the most common cause of halitosis is bacteria buildup in your mouth. So this implies that sticking to your routine dental habits such as brushing and flossing are key to preventing bad breath. What’s more, you also need to brush your tongue, as bacteria may seek refuge in your tongue as well.
You can also prevent bad breath by using mouthwashes and cleaning in between your teeth with either dental floss or interdental brushes.
Another great way to ensure your breath is as fresh as possible is ensuring there is a sufficient amount of saliva in your mouth. In case you didn’t know, saliva prevents your mouth from drying out, which is arguably the major cause of halitosis. In this regard, you should chew sugar-free gum in between meals to allow your mouth to produce more saliva, keeping your breath as fresh as possible.
Bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as gum disease. This implies that if you are following a strict good dental care routine and your breath doesn’t improve, you should schedule an appointment with your dental team.
Don’t share your toothbrush:
It is imperative to note that viruses, as well as bacteria that cause sore throats, colds, or even COVID-19, can potentially be transmitted from one individual to another via saliva. Alarmingly though, research shows that one in four people are always willing to share their toothbrushes with other people. It is important to note that bacteria can thrive on a toothbrush for between a few hours to many days, and this makes avoiding sharing your toothbrush with anyone a highly important decision!
And most importantly, don’t forget to brush your pearly whites at least two times per day, including your last activity before your sleep. Make it a routine to replace your toothbrush after every 90 days, or as soon as the bristles become worn out.
Opt for products that feature the right amount of fluoride:
Your toothpaste, mouthwash, or any other dental product of yours should feature fluoride. Fluoride is a crucial substance that not only helps keep tooth decay at bay, but also enhances your overall health.
Usually, a regular toothpaste from a supermarket will contain the right amount of fluoride, which may range between 1350 and 1500 parts per million for anyone aged three and above. However, if your risk of tooth decay is relatively higher, your dental expert might recommend toothpaste with higher fluoride levels.
Enhance your smile safely:
We all know that a bright smile can significantly boost your confidence. So, if you strongly believe enhancing your smile will help take your confidence to a whole new level, you can go ahead and undergo a tooth whitening procedure.
However, it’s worth noting that tooth whitening can only be conducted by a professional dentist. Don’t make the mistake of seeking the services of a beautician or using home tooth whitening products available online, which are likely to contain fairly high amounts of tooth-cleaning gel or hydrogen peroxide. You could risk suffering permanent teeth and gum damage!
You should always consult your dentist when it comes to choosing the best tooth whitening products. Teeth whitening is generally considered a dental procedure, so only a reputable, licensed, and registered dentist should conduct it.
Today, there is a plethora of OTC products you can actually use to brighten your teeth. However, the legal limit for hydrogen peroxide in these products is usually 0.1%, implying that they will likely have very little to no long-term impact on your teeth.
Schedule regular appointments with your hygienist and dentist:
Routine dental appointments will not only ensure your teeth remain in tip-top condition but will equally ensure your overall health is in great shape. And this is why you want to visit your dental expert for routine dental examinations as often as they recommend.
This will not only ensure your teeth remain in perfect condition but will also help identify any potential problems before they become more serious and costly to treat!
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
