Bad Breath Treatment
Are you tired of covering your mouth to hide your breath whenever you get close to someone? Wondering if your breath is fresh enough for kissing?
Contrary to popular opinion, the majority of halitosis (bad breath) cases begin not in the stomach, but in the mouth. Gases given off by the dead bacteria that contributes to gum disease cause around 80% of bad breath. As dental professionals, we help our patients to get rid of halitosis!
The Kissable Test
Here are some tests you can perform yourself to see if you are a victim of halitosis:
Lick Wrist: Lick your wrist from as far back on the tongue as possible. Leave the saliva to dry for 30 seconds and then smell.
Floss: Rub with dental floss between the last two teeth at the back of the mouth, leave for a few seconds and then sniff the floss.
Gauze: Rub the back of the tongue with your finger covered in gauze or a cloth, after a few seconds, smell.
If you detect a bad smell and are worried that you have a problem, call the Bethesda Fresh Breath Center.
What causes bad breath?
In many cases, bad breath is caused by smelly sulfur compounds. Everyone has smelled these compounds before—cracking a hard-boiled egg or walking behind a running car are two different situations in which we smell them in everyday life. Of course, nobody wants other people to smell sulfur coming out of their mouths. These same gaseous compounds help damaging bacteria penetrate the gum tissues and eventually attack the bone that surrounds teeth. During the process, inflamed and bleeding gums develop. Naturally, if you get rid of the source of bad breath, your mouth looks and feels a lot healthier.
Is there a solution for bad breath?
Yes. A chemical compound, chlorine dioxide, found in our special mouthwash and toothpaste works to destroy and break down smelly sulfur compounds. While chlorine dioxide neutralizes sulfuric gases, it kills harmful bacteria that work with the odorous gases to attack gum tissue.
Seven Steps to Healthy Gums and Clean Breath
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Plan. Sit down with your dental professional and develop a plan for regularly scheduled checkups and home maintenance.
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Brush. Brush your teeth with chlorine dioxide toothpaste two times a day or as recommended. Also brush your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth. For better results, use a sonic or electric toothbrush.
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Floss. Floss your teeth at least once a day with chlorine dioxide toothpaste. Using your toothbrush or syringe, apply the paste between your teeth. Then floss gently.
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Scrape. Because volatile sulfur compounds are most commonly found on the tongue, a toothbrush or tongue scraper will help remove these irritants. Gently scrape your tongue, reaching as far back as is comfortable to remove the accumulated white coating. Also use the chlorine dioxide toothpaste when brushing your tongue.
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Rinse. Rinse your mouth with water.
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Rinse. Rinse vigorously. Swish chlorine dioxide oral rinse between teeth for at least 30 seconds. For better results, use an irrigator to flush away the debris loosened during tongue scraping and tooth brushing, then swish the rinse back and forth between your teeth.
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Gargle. Using about a tablespoon of fresh chlorine dioxide rinse, gargle for 60 seconds. Do not rinse with water. Allow the chlorine dioxide to continue its cleansing action.
Your Smile is Your Greatest Asset!
If you’re ready to have a fresh, kissable mouth, call Bethesda Sedation Dentistry or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, Dr. Schlossberg, and our team proudly serve residents of Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and beyond.