It isn’t always a nuisance, but when bad breath refuses to go away, it can be embarrassing as well as worrisome. Besides the offensive odor, there’s also the fact that bad breath can often be a sign of a potentially serious oral health issue. If good oral hygiene doesn’t help eliminate your bad breath, then we advise scheduling an examination as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can try to improve your condition by evaluating your hygiene practices, and improving them where necessary.
Do you clean your teeth as often as you should?
Did you know that not brushing and flossing often enough is one of the biggest contributors to persistent bad breath (and cavities and gum disease)? The plaque that constantly forms on your teeth contains masses of bacteria, mixed with saliva and small lingering particles of food. When it remains, the debris can begin to smell over time, and the bacteria (particularly those found on your tongue) can release foul-smelling gases as they feed on the food particles.
Do you visit your dentist as often as recommended?
Even if you think you removed all of the plaque and debris from your teeth and tongue, there may be spots you don’t notice. After a day or so, spots of plaque can calcify into tartar and remain until removed by your dentist or hygienist. Typically, you should visit your dentist at least once every six months for a checkup and cleaning, though you may need to visit more often if your bad breath refuses to go away.
Is mouthwash a part of your hygiene arsenal?
For some people, mouthwash might seem unnecessary, but it many cases, it’s a powerful tool that helps you fight the accumulation of oral bacteria while freshening your breath for longer. We can recommend a prescription-strength antibacterial mouthwash for patients who have trouble with bad breath, or who are at risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
ABOUT YOUR CHICAGO DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
Leave a Reply