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Read Our Victoria Dental Office’s Advice on All Things Dentistry

At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we see patients from all kinds of different backgrounds, and not all of them take care of their teeth and gums the same way. Proper dental hygiene habits are essential for promoting oral health. Here are a few facts and tips to help you care for your teeth and gums.

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Tips for Proper Oral Hygiene

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Tips for Preventing Bad Breath

What Causes Bad Breath?

Dead and dying bacterial cells release a sulfur compound which has an unpleasant odour. When bacteria accumulate in areas of the mouth such as tooth cavities, for example, they can cause halitosis, or bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris can accumulate in cracks and crevices on the tongue, as well as in areas which can’t easily be cleaned, such as deep pockets around the teeth, as is the case for people with periodontitis.

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Odorous foods such as garlic can also cause bad breath because the body absorbs the food’s volatile compounds, which evaporate from the lungs. Bad breath can also be caused by:

 

  • sinus or lung infections

  • diabetes mellitus

  • kidney failure

  • liver malfunctions

  • metabolic disorders

  • fasting, which causes the body’s metabolism to break down its fats and proteins; the resulting waste products can release a bad odour

Young woman brushing teeth in bathroom mirror, maintaining oral hygiene.

How Do You Treat Bad Breath?

You should start by visiting your dentist for a complete oral examination, a review of your dental history, and an optional odour-meter test, which can accurately measure the extent of your halitosis problem. Treating periodontal disease and oral infections, repairing cavities, and removing impacted teeth will help eliminate halitosis.

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Once any oral infections have been cured, you should prioritize good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth and tongue. Mouthwashes and toothpastes can help to manage bad breath, but they won’t eliminate odours caused by odorous foods, diabetes, or kidney or liver diseases.

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If you have bad breath even after your dentist has treated potential oral-health causes, you should see your doctor to rule out other causes.

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