3 Ways to Cure Bad Breath with Your Dentist in Richardson

Imagine that you’re getting ready for an important meeting with your supervisor. You’re all prepared to impress them until you realize that your breath stinks. In fact, you have had a consistent foul odor in your mouth for a while. Is something wrong? Why does your breath stink? Well, everyone gets bad breath every once in a while from the foods we eat. But consistently bad breath comes from bacteria. Although everyone has bacteria in their mouth, there are things you can do to make sure they don’t mess up important moments in life. Check out these three tips from your dentist in Richardson to help you address the cause of bad breath.

Brush and Floss Daily

These two daily habits are crucial to stopping bacterial growth. Your teeth provide a perfect spot for plaque—the sticky, white substance that houses bacteria—to accumulate. If not cleaned off, these bacteria then feed on the food particles that are left behind and produce harmful, and smelly, acids. Brush and flossing remove plaque, bacteria, and all the ill effects they cause.

Keep in mind that it’s important to get those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, such as behind the back teeth and in between tight teeth. And don’t forget your tongue! Be thorough and consistent in your brushing and flossing, and you’ll take care of a lot of the bacteria that are causing your bad breath.

Visit the Dentist

You may think that a dentist can only help you with your teeth. Think again! Your dentist is a great resource in your fight against oral bacteria. Even with the most diligent oral care at home, you may have plaque buildup. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to get rid of. Your dentist or hygienist has the tools and the training to remove this buildup and the bacteria along with it.

In addition to giving you a cleaning, your dentist also conducts an oral exam to make sure that you don’t exhibit signs of more serious conditions, such as gum disease, which can cause bad breath. If they do find something, they can treat it and restore your oral health and hopefully better breath. By going to your checkup and cleaning appointment every six months, you ensure that the bacteria don’t have a chance to wreak havoc on your teeth, gums, or breath.

Drink More Water

Many kinds of bacteria thrive in warm, moist (but not wet) environments. Saliva is an essential way that your mouth helps control bacterial growth by washing away some of the bacteria found in your mouth. When your mouth is dry, there’s not enough saliva to sweep bacteria away but just enough moisture to give bacteria free reign in your mouth. Drinking water performs the same job that saliva does and can especially help compensate for a dry mouth.

In the end, bad breath is more than just a simple annoyance. It could indicate that something more serious is going on. By implementing these tips into your life, you can keep harmful bacteria under control and keep your mouth fresh and clean. That way, you can feel more confident and comfortable in your interactions with those around you.

About the Practice

Dr. Chris Richards practices at McDougal and Richards Dentistry in Richardson, TX. In 2013, he received his fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and in 2017, he earned Fellow status with the Academy of General Dentistry. In addition, he graduated from the master’s program of the Center of Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry in Dallas, showing his dedication to continually be at the cutting edge of dentistry. To schedule an appointment with them, you can call (972) 231-5376 or click here.