Your Dentist has
always known that the best way to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is
to brush twice, floss once each day, maintain a healthy diet and visit your
dentist regularly, but unfortunately, a good oral hygiene routine doesn’t always
keep your mouth feeling or looking great.
According to Web MD, common
oral problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, receding gums, and erosion can
happen to anyone, even people who are meticulous about oral hygiene.
Fortunately, the
right dental treatments can help solve the above embarrassing teeth and gums
problems.
Bad breath, also
referred to as halitosis, can vary, and really depends on the root cause.
Brushing and flossing is critical as it keeps the food particles in your mouth
from collecting bad bacteria. Without flossing, food particles and debris can be
caught between your teeth causing a foul smell. If your dentist has given you
the all clear, but you are still suffering from bad breath it could be something
else entirely.
Check with your
doctor as bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and respiratory
infections can be the cause of your chronic halitosis. Kidney and liver disease
can also affect your breath. Medications that give you dry mouth could also be
the cause of your halitosis.
Your bad breath can
also be sweetened just by changing your diet. Cut down on onions and garlic,
which can stay in your system for up to 72 hours and it may help your breath.
Stop smoking and you will notice a difference in your breath and so will
everyone else.
When you brush with a
fluoride toothpaste twice each day, floss and see your dentist at least twice a
year for professional cleanings, you are well on your way to fighting tooth
decay. Your dentist may also recommend sealants on un-restored teeth to help
reduce decay on your back molars. If you avoid acidic foods, which can strip
away the enamel on your teeth, you may not have as many cavities.
Gum recession is
caused by periodontal disease, but if caught in time, can be reversed. Gum
disease in its earliest stages, known as gingivitis, causes your gums to bleed
when brushing and flossing. Your gums may also be swollen and red. If
periodontal disease is present, your dentist may notice damage to your gums and
bones that support your teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can eventually
cause tooth loss.
