Bad Breath Q & A

Lewisville bad breath exam

Today’s post offers some answers to common questions about bad breath.

Q. My wife says my breath is horrible, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
A. Bacteria can multiply 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 examine 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 gives off a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can lead to smelly breath. Antihistamines can lessen 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 bring about bad breath?
A. As explained before, any condition that lessens saliva production typically causes halitosis. It is also a common 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 wife’s breath became dreadful when she went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones were possibly the culprit. Ketones are produced when the body digests fat – which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, she was probably not cheating!

 

Contact The Lewisville Dentist:

469-708-4713

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

297 W FM 3040, Ste 127
Lewisville, Texas
75067

 

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