If you have been wondering
why people avoid you when you speak it probably has something to do with your
breath. Chronic bad breath is very difficult, if not impossible to detect.
Morning Breath
Morning breath occurs when
your saliva production slows while you sleep. This causes bacteria to grow
producing volatile sulfur compounds. Also known as VSC these compounds are what
cause morning breath.
Dr. J. Craig Alexander
recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes before bedtime. Floss and use an
antiseptic mouthwash too.
This will kill off any bacteria
you have before you go to bed. Use a tongue scraper as well. Do this in the
morning and you may not have the chronic morning breath that you used to.
Chronic Halitosis
While the number one cause
of bad breath is poor oral hygiene there are some medical conditions that can
make it happen as well.
These include:
- Chronic Lung Infections
- Acid Reflux
- Seasonal Allergies
- Sinus Infections
- Respiratory Tract Infections
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Post Nasal Drip
What is Gum Disease?
If you follow this blog you
will recall that gum disease, or gingivitis, is the buildup of bacteria. Once
the bacteria builds up it becomes plaque. Plaque is that sticky film that is on
your teeth every morning when you wake up. If plaque is allowed to remain, it
will become tartar.
Technically known as
calculus, it is that hard stuff that is impossible to remove yourself. The only
way to get rid of tartar is with a professional deep cleaning in East
Greenbush.
There are two types of gum
disease, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis causes puffy gums
and bleeding when you brush and floss. Gingivitis is curable as long as you
brush, floss, see your dentist in New York on a regular basis and schedule
regular professional dental cleanings with your hygienist.
Periodontal Disease
The incurable type of gum disease,
periodontitis will not get better on its own. Dr. Alexander explains that
periodontal disease will eat away at your gums and your jawbone. Periodontitis
is the number one reason people lose their teeth as well.
Both gingivitis and
periodontal disease cause chronic bad breath. However, if you have been given a
clean bill of health by your dentist in East Greenbush it wouldn’t be a bad
idea to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. This would
eliminate anything more serious that could be causing your chronic bad breath.
Dental Checkups
If you have chronic bad
breath, or haven’t seen your dentist lately, call or send a direct message and
talk to Dr. J. Craig Alexander today.