There are few things people dread when they’re in a social situation or out on the town like a case of bad breath. While it’s embarrassing, a lot of people get in the habit of using things like mouthwash or oral sprays to try and “get rid” of bad breath. However, the thing about it is that these mask bad breath rather than treating the root cause. Working through this issue is key to keeping your breath fresh.
The true root cause of bad breath is bacteria developing in the mouth. When you don’t brush or floss on a regular basis, bacteria tend to grow on the little pieces of food left in your teeth. These bacteria release certain compounds that contribute to bad-smelling breath. Some foods have certain oils that can smell also, but technically, any food can lead to bad breath if you don’t take care of your teeth.
The first thing you may be thinking is “but I brushed this morning!” However, remember that brushing for a few seconds isn’t going to be enough to get the job done. Not only do you need to brush for two to three minutes, but you want to make sure you are flossing as well. There are a few other things that lead to an added risk of bad breath as well, like dry mouth or smoking.
One other oral health step that a lot of people don’t take is brushing their tongue or using a tongue scraper to deal with bad breath. A lot of that bacteria ends up on the back of your tongue, and clearing out this can help with breath issues. Speaking of which, this fact is also the reason why the classic tip of breathing into your hands to check your breath doesn’t work. Why is this the case? When you breathe into your hand, the breath doesn’t come out of your mouth the same way as it does as if you were talking to someone. So, the breath that goes into your hand may not pass over the back of the tongue, so you don’t smell anything bad.
Mouthwash isn’t the answer on a permanent basis, but it’s not hard to address bad breath. Most of the time, bad breath is something you can fix with a few oral health practices. In other cases, it may be an indicator of a bigger problem. Be sure to regularly visit the dentists at Pickering Square Dental to keep your teeth clean and stay on top of other oral health issues.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.