I’m Phil Chahine of Just Smiles. Today’s post offers some answers to common questions about 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 explore other possible causes of your halitosis.
Also keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not remove 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 emits a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can lead to gross breath. Antihistamines can lower post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.
Q. What health conditions can result in bad breath?
A. As addressed before, any condition that reduces saliva generation can cause halitosis. It is also a frequent 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 appalling 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!
Contact Just Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):
Just Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
656 N State St
Westerville, OH 43082
614-823-8668Just Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1921 Hilliard Rome Rd
Hilliard, OH 43026
614-777-8668
