Today’s post from the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria VA offers some answers to frequently asked questions about an unsavory subject: bad breath.
Q. My wife says my breath is terrible, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
A. Bacteria can increase and stink in hidden crevices that can only be reached with floss. Time to start flossing. If your breath hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can discuss other possible causes of your halitosis.
Also keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not get rid of food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.
Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?
A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mixes with the mucous and exudes a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can cause smelly breath. Antihistamines can cut down post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth wet, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.
Q. What health conditions can bring about bad breath?
A. As explained before, any condition that reduces saliva generation can cause halitosis. It is also a persistent side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, you have bigger problems.
Q. Why did my breath become dreadful when I went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones were most likely the culprit. Ketones are created when the body digests fat—which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, sounds like you weren’t cheating!
At the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria, we have answers to all of your dental questions. We provide family dentistry, and extras like clear braces from Invisalign. Make an appointment with us today.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306