Controlling Bad Breath and Preventing Gingivitis

Bad breath can result from poor dental health, and can be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking. A good oral health routine involves brushing and flossing daily as well as regular dental check ups. Without taking these simple steps, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums and on the tongue, causing bad breath!

Things you can do to prevent and help control bad breath:

• keep your mouth clean by flossing and brushing: don’t forget your tongue!
• maintain regular visits to your dentist
• gargle with mouthwash
• keep hydrated with water
• avoid foods with strong odors
• chew gum (temporary fix!)
• avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco

If bad breath persists, visit your dentist – it could be the start of GUM (periodontal) DISEASE!

Gum disease begins with plaque that turns into tartar (calculus) over time. Tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing and can cause an infection at the point where the gums attach to the teeth (called gingivitis). As the infection gets worse, it can break down the gum tissue that attaches to the teeth, causing teeth to become loose and in danger of falling out.

Warning signs of gum disease:

• red, sore, swollen gums
• bleeding when you brush/floss
• persistent bad breath
• change in color of your gums
• sensitive teeth/gums
• receding gum line

… Make sure to see your Lethbridge dentist/hygienist on a regular basis to prevent tartar buildup and gingivitis & control bad breath!