With the holidays approaching, you may have several social engagements on your calendar. So now more than ever you need to make sure your breath is fresh and your mouth is clean. Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is not something you want to bring to the party. Most of the time, bad breath is the result of careless oral hygiene. Lincoln dentist Dr. Louis Olberding and his staff provide comprehensive dental cleanings so you know that your bad breath is eliminated and your mouth is clean and healthy.
What Causes Bad Breath?
We all are susceptible to bad breath sometime—like when we first wake up in the morning. But if that offensive odor and sour taste linger throughout the day, then this may indicate that a more serious problem is present. Usually, the problem can be traced to insufficient oral hygiene at home.
When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove tiny particles of food that are trapped between teeth or in the crevices of your tongue. If you fail to brush and floss then these bits of food will eventually become malodorous. And we all know that some are worse than others, like garlic or onions for example.
Clean Mouth, Healthy Mouth
When you brush your teeth, you remove those particles of food that can lead to bad breath. Flossing is important not only to get rid of food trapped between your teeth but also any plaque buildup there or along the gum line. The bacteria that cause bad breath hide out in plaque, too. And in addition to halitosis, these bacteria may also lead to periodontal disease, an infection that gradually destroys gum and connective tissue as well as bone. If your gums often bleed when you brush and floss then this may be a sign of gingivitis, the first phase of gum disease. In this case, you should schedule a dental checkup immediately with Lincoln dentist Dr. Olberding. At this visit, we’ll not only clean and polish your teeth, we’ll also chart the depth of gum pockets. A measurement of more than four millimeters may mean gum disease treatment is needed.
Fresh Breath Advice from Lincoln Dentist Dr. Olberding
In between your six-month dental checkups, there are things you can do to ensure fresh breath. Here are some recommendations from Dr. Olberding:
- Brush and floss your teeth after a meal
- Drink plenty of water, because a dry mouth is often the precursor to bad breath
- To increase saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser, try chewing gum
- See your physician for a physical to make sure there are no underlying health problems.
Call Our Office Today
Schedule a dental checkup with Lincoln dentist Dr. Louis Olberding to ensure your fresh breath and healthy smile before the holidays arrive.