Most of us take great pride in maintaining fresh breath, especially when we’re going to spend time with friends or loved ones. We may chew gum before a date, or pop a mint after a garlicky dinner. Who wants to offend anyone with his or her bad breath? But did you know the most important thing you can do to keep your breath fresh, and more importantly to keep your smile healthy, is to brush and floss your teeth, daily? Preventive dental care, including developing good at-home oral hygiene, is crucial to ensuring you spend years dazzling the world with your smile.
Bacteria Is The Culprit Behind Most Bad Breath
Yes, the food you eat plays a large part in how good, or bad, your breath smells. But the health of your gums has a much greater effect on your breath than most people realize. Because the bacteria in your mouth feeds on food particles, especially sugars and starches, the bacteria can get out of control when food is left in the mouth, either through improper brushing, failing to floss, or neglecting regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
Bacteria buildup is a leading cause of bad breath, which is why many patients’ first warning sign of periodontal disease (or gum disease), is halitosis, the clinical term used for chronic bad breath. Bacteria buildup can also lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, cavities and infections, which can necessitate fillings, root canal treatments, and periodontal treatments for infected gums.
So What Can You Do to Prevent Serious Dental Issues? A lot!
- Twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing are the first, and simplest, ways to prevent harmful bacteria from forming. Mouthwashes can also help. Look for ones that have plaque-fighting ingredients, such as cetylpyridinum chloride (CPC).
- Regular dental checkups are also important, because even if you don’t see any problems, there could be plaque buildup, which is impossible to remove through brushing and flossing. The acid in plaque is a cause for enamel erosion and cavities, as well as inflammation in the gums, called gingivitis.
ABOUT YOUR BUTLER, PA, DENTIST:
Dr. Keelan and our dedicated team at Keelan Dental offer patients the comfortable, convenient dental care that everyone needs and deserves. To schedule an initial consultation, or your next dental appointment, call our office in Butler, PA at (724) 285-4153. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.