What’s Causing My Bad Breath? Can I Do Anything About It?

Bad breath can be embarrassing. Most of the time it’s easy to get rid of, but when it becomes a chronic problem, it’s time to get help from your dentist in Jacksonville, FL. At Mandarin Dentistry, we can help you manage and even get rid of your bad breath. Here’s what to know about treating bad breath, and how to avoid it in the future.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is generally caused by food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Sometimes, bad breath occurs when the food you’ve eaten gets into the blood stream. Bad breath can also be caused by a variety of dental problems and conditions, such as:

  • Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection that causes inflammation of the gums. Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to chronic bad breath.
  • Cavities and infection. If you have cavities or an infection in your tooth, you may have bad breath until the problem is resolved.
  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which can in turn lead to bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, smoking, medication and other lifestyle factors.

How can I get rid of bad breath?

If you’re fighting chronic bad breath, brushing twice daily may not be enough to get rid of the problem. Talk to your dentist to find out what’s causing your bad breath. If it’s caused by a problem such as periodontal disease or a cavity, your dentist should be able to identify the problem quickly and resolve it.

How can I prevent bad breath?

The best way to prevent bad breath is to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and see your dentist twice annually. It’s also helpful to get periodic tutorials on how to brush your teeth and floss (to ensure that you’re doing it right).

Have bad breath that won’t go away? Contact your dentist.

At Mandarin Dentistry, we offer dental cleaning services in Jacksonville, FL. We can help you fight bad breath. Call today to make an appointment and schedule your routine dental cleaning and examination.

4 Things You Can Do To Stop From Getting Cavities

Cavities are bad for your teeth and uncomfortable as well, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from cavities. As your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, we’ve got advice that can help protect you from cavities. We also provide dental care that can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here’s what to know about how you can protect yourself from cavities.

1. Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods

Consuming sugar can lead to tooth decay, especially if you don’t brush your teeth well when you’re done. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help with this. Avoid desserts whenever possible, or purchase sugar-free foods for your desserts instead. Look for sugar-free drink alternatives as well.

2. Brush and Floss Well

You probably already brush your teeth twice daily and floss once per day. But are you brushing your teeth well? Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits can help you prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your tooth enamel, which can help keep your teeth free from bacteria and ultimately, free from cavities. If you’re not sure whether you’re doing a good job brushing, ask your dentist to give you a tutorial the next time you go in for a dental exam and cleaning.

3. Get Dental Sealants

Dental sealants can protect your teeth from bacteria and dental decay. Talk to your dentist to find out whether dental sealants are a good option for you.

4. See the Dentist Regularly

You should be seeing the dentist for preventative dental treatment in Jacksonville, FL, or more often if directed by your dentist. When was the last time you saw the dentist? Call Mandarin Dentistry to make an appointment for your next dental cleaning.