Bad Breath, Eh?

40% of the population at some point or another suffers from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis.

There are many reason that you could develop bad breath:
-poor oral hygiene
-the infamous, gum disease
-certain foods like garlic
-tobacco & alcohol products
-dry mouth, which occurs from different medications or morning breath

The most recognized form of bad breath would probably be morning breath.  "Morning Breath" comes from lack of saliva flow while sleeping.  Your saliva is not washing away bacterias during sleep, they will cause the acids and debris, which form cavities, to putrefy in the mouth, thus causing stench. 

To reduce bad breath, brush twice daily and do not forget about your tongue.  Obviously, go to the dentist for your regular cleaning, and stay away from the onions and garlic.

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath With Home Remedies

Teeth & Food

Do foods really have an impact on your dental health?  Yes.

One of the worst foods to eat would be popcorn.  Everyone knows when you eat popcorn it gets stuck in not only your teeth but also your gums.  When the husks get stuck in your gums they can cause infections if not removed.  Hard popcorn kernels are the number one reason for a tooth fracture.
Coffee, tea, and wine are all drinks that can stain your teeth.  You may think that choosing a white wine would be better on stain, but not really.  The white wine can cause grooves and rough spots on your teeth that collect stain.

What foods are good for your teeth and gums?
-Fruits, raw vegetable, water, and milk.  Foods containing lactic acid, such as yogurt, have been proven to help gum health.  Unfortunate, I know, but a key to a healthy mouth is healthy food choice. If you eat healthy, not only will your teeth feel better but also the rest of your body.  Everyone knows what foods are the right foods, it is just a matter if you choose to eat them or not.  Patients do not only have to eat healthy food, but if you choose to eat candy, drink coffee, and eat popcorn, then floss and rinse or drink with water when finished.

Fluoride.

What flavor would you like?  Bubble Gum, Strawberry, Cherry, Marshmallow, Mint, Orange, Grape, or... Apple Cinnamen?

Okay, now rinse out all you want.  Remember, nothing to eat or drink for a half hour after you leave here.  Ready?  It is time for your Fluoride Treatment.

-This is usually the following procedure for children/ adolescents (4 - 19) after they have just finished their routine check-up.  For a child, it is often the most dreaded part because fluoride treatments do not taste good, and at times may make the child feel like gagging.  The fluoride is either dispensed as a gel in trays, in the shape of ones mouth, or given as a swish-around rinse.  

Think of fluoride as a suit of armor for your teeth, its' job is to keep your enamel strong.  It is given when you are younger because the teeth in your mouth are new and vulnerable; protect them while they're young.  Some dentists may prescribe a chewable vitamin that contains fluoride, for children with deciduous, or baby, teeth, in hopes that this will strengthen their permanent teeth.  Check to see if water in your city contains fluoride.

As an adult, fluoride helps to possibly restore starting cavities.  Dentists offer a prescription toothpaste containing extra fluoride, Prevident, for patients that develop a lot of cavities.  Also, there are mouth rinses that contain fluoride such as, ACT or Listerine TotalCare.  For those patients with crowns, a fluoride rinse would be beneficial for you.  The fluoride will protect exposed tooth along the edges of your crown.

Fluoride should not be swallowed; if swallowed I am sure you would end up with a stomach ache or some potential long-term effect, if ingested long-term.  I believe it could only help do good than do harm.  Ask your dentist about their opinion if you have concerns about fluoride.