Have you ever experienced morning breath? What about bad breath after lunch or dinner? These are common occurrences that can have a negative impact on your self-esteem; however, most patients can easily freshen their breath by brushing or flossing their teeth.
When should you be concerned about bad breath? Dr. Melissa Elliott, your Fallston, MD dentist, informs patients about the signs and symptoms of advanced dental concerns below:
Morning breath occurs when we suffer from dry mouth in our sleep. Saliva production slows down at night because we are not chewing or speaking. Both of these activities are essential for stimulating saliva. Dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria to fester.
To avoid morning breath, patients should be careful to practice a thorough oral hygiene routine before bed. In addition to brushing and flossing, try using a tongue scraper or mouthwash to ensure your mouth is extra clean before bed. Additionally, drinking a lot of water before bed will help prevent dry mouth.
Beyond morning breath, bad breath should not occur very often. In fact, unless you have eaten very pungent food, your breath should remain fresh throughout the day as long as you are maintaining a strict at-home oral hygiene routine. Chewing sugar-free gum after midday meals when brushing and flossing are not as accessible is a good way to maintain your freshest breath.
If you notice that you frequently experience bad breath despite making improvements to your oral hygiene routine, this could be a sign that you have an underlying dental concern causing this symptom. Gum disease and tooth decay are two serious dental concerns that may cause bad breath. If you haven’t seen your dentist in over six months, this is a good sign to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam.
Are you looking for treatment options for bad breath? At Harford County Dentistry, our team of compassionate dental professionals is here to help you address your dental concerns and maintain your best dental health. Schedule an appointment with your Fallston, MD dentist online today.
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