Category: Bad Breath

Dragon’s Breath? Here’s how to Fix Children’s Halitosis

Posted on

Did you know that 50% of Americans are diagnosed with bad halitosis (bad breath) each year? Bad breath isn’t limited to adults, either. Children can suffer from halitosis that stems from a variety of causes, but there’s usually a way to conquer each cause of children’s halitosis. 

Food Debris 

Food sometimes sticks around long after mealtime, and it can cause really stinky breath. If left unchecked, food debris left in the mouth can give cavities the fuel they need to flourish. 

Solution: Rinse after Meals 

Have your child swish cool water in their mouth vigorously for 30 seconds after they finish their meal. This will help remove any food debris left in the cracks and crevices of teeth.

Dry Mouth 

A dry mouth can lead to recurring bad breath. Usually, dry mouth is caused by poor saliva flow, which stems from a lack of water, or inadequate hydration. Luckily, that’s incredibly easy to fix!

Solution: Improve Saliva Production 

Dry mouth can usually be fixed by eating foods that increase saliva production like cheese, apples or carrots. Make sure your child gets enough water – 8 to 10 cups per day. If this doesn’t fix your child’s bad breath, then schedule an appointment with our office. 

Poor Oral Care Routine 

The number one cause of halitosis in children is poor oral hygiene. But, a proper oral care routine is incredibly easy to achieve, it just takes a little work, and a clear schedule.

Solution: Develop a Good Oral Health Routine 

Make sure your child brushes twice per day for two minutes at a time, and flosses once per day. When flossing, stress the importance of hitting both sides of the tooth, and beneath the gum line so that they clean their entire tooth. Be sure to clearly communicate when they are to brush and floss, and be sure that they adhere to a consistent schedule. Gentle parental reminders can go a long way in keeping children into a healthy oral care routine. 

We can Beat Dragon’s Breath Together! 

Children’s halitosis stinks – but it can be beaten. If your child’s breath is consistently smelly, then schedule a visit with our office. We can help you get to the bottom of their bad breath, and help them beat halitosis together.

Four Ways to Fight Foul Breath

Posted on

fix bad breath
 

Bad breath can affect people of all ages.  Using mouth sprays and mints only cover up symptoms because bad breath is the result of bacteria build up. When air passes over that bacteria, it dries and causes a foul smell. There are four easy ways you and your children can avoid this persistent problem and have a healthier mouth in the process.

1. Brush Regularly.

It may seem obvious that we should all brush our teeth twice every day and floss daily to keep our teeth clean, but many people forget that your gums need cleaning, too.  Just beneath the gum line, bacteria can make camp for a long visit. Brushing your teeth (and gums) for 2 minutes twice a day will keep your breath crisp and keep your mouth healthy. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush.  Hard bristles can damage gums and create a bigger problem.

2. Use a Tongue Scraper.

Your tongue is a soft, moist incubator for bacteria.  Tongue scrapers work to wake to wake up that bacteria and kick them out of bed. Use a tongue scraper after every meal to ensure there are no left overs still hanging around.  The less leftover food particles on our tongues mean less fuel for bacteria growth.  The advent of disposable tongue scrapers makes this an easy and convenient way to fight bad breath.  Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the tip and throw away.

3. Avoid Smelly (and Sugary) Foods.

What we put in our mouths can make a huge difference in the outcome of our breath.  Sugars from soda, candy and desserts feed the bacteria that give our breath its distinct smell.  Try avoiding sugary drinks and candies as much as possible and replacing them with sugar-free gum.  This increases the natural saliva flow in our mouths, which is a natural mouth cleanser.

4. Don’t Neglect Regular Cleanings.

That feeling of a completely clean mouth cannot be matched by any home cleaning.  Staying on top of your oral hygiene can make a big difference for mouth odor, but there is only so much you’re able do at home.  Dentists and professional dental hygienists know all the nooks and crannies that bacteria like to hide in.    Going to your regular dental appointments, every six months, will ensure that any spots that you cannot take care of in your daily cleaning regiment are properly tended to.

Solutions to 5 Common Causes of Bad Breath

Posted on

Causes of bad breath
 

Bad breath, or halitosis is a common problem for people of all ages.  While some bad breath is normal, such as what’s caused by certain foods, bad breath may also be a symptom of something greater.  Here are five common causes of bad breath and their solutions:

Cause: Smelly food

Foods with a strong odor before you eat them are likely to have a strong odor afterwards.

Solution:  Chewing sugar-free gum is likely to help cure bad breath caused by smelly foods such as garlic.  You might also try eating something minty – the real reason that your meal often comes with parsley.  Also, one trick is a small dab of mustard, which is said to kill the smell quickly.

Cause: Medication

Sometimes certain medications (such as antihistamines) can cause you to produce less saliva, making your mouth dry.  Bacteria that often gets washed away by saliva is then left to reproduce and leave a foul odor.

Solution: Aside from changing your medication, sugar-free chewing gum may help your mouth by increasing saliva.  Drinking more water will also rid your mouth of some of the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Cause: Dairy

Generally, dairy products are good for your teeth.  But they can also cause bad breath because bacteria love to feed on their high levels of amino acids.

Solution:  Keep eating dairy; it’s really good for your teeth! But be sure to brush and floss regularly as well.  Rinsing your mouth with water following meals may also help keep bad breath away.

Cause: Mouth breathing

Breathing through your mouth, especially when congested from a cold, can cause bad breath because it dries out your mouth.  But if you regularly breathe primarily through your mouth while sleeping it may be caused by a larger problem.

Solution: Seeing a physician for sleep apnea, snoring or asthma may be in order.

Cause: Gum disease & plaque

Your mouth may smell because it’s unhealthy.  Bacteria allowed to grow between the teeth and around your gums may be causing damage that needs to be treated.

Solution:  Aside from regular brushing and flossing, staying on top of regular dental check-ups is essential.  Is your family caught up?  Why not give us a call and schedule an appointment today?

 

Latest News from Children's Dental Specialties