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.

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According to Dr. J. Craig Alexander, bad breath could also be caused from:

• Onions and Garlic
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Tea and Coffee
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Dentures
• Tonsils
• Sinus, Throat and Lung Infections
• Chemotherapy and Radiation
• Medication
• Dry Mouth
• Salivary Gland Problems

What Can I Do About Bad Breath?

If your bad breath is a dietary issue, you should schedule an appointment with a nutritionist or dietician for diet modification.

If your bad breath is due to poor oral hygiene, schedule an appointment with your East Greenbush Dentist who can show you how to brush and floss. If you are suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease, a deep cleaning, or root scaling and planing treatment may be recommended.

If a respiratory issue is causing your issues or your tonsils are infected, you will need to see your primary care physician to address the problem.

Dry mouth is one of the biggest problems for people who take medication. Patients who are receiving chemotherapy and radiation can contact their oncologist who may be able to prescribe a medication for dry mouth, or recommend an over the counter medication.

According to your East Greenbush dentist, Bad breath doesn’t have to plague you for the rest of your life, and it won’t if you take good care of your teeth and gums, schedule regular appointments with your dentist, and see your doctor regularly.

If you would like more information regarding oral hygiene habits, or would like to schedule an appointment with your dentist in East Greenbush, call or click now.

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How Food Affects your Breath

Everything you eat gets broken down as you chew. If you are consuming highly odorous foods such as onions and garlic, brushing and flossing will not do the job. Your East Greenbush Dentist Dr. J Craig Alexander explains that even mouth rinses only mask the smell. The odor will stay with you for about 72 hours after you enjoy, as it needs to pass through your body.

Bad Habits and Halitosis

If you do not brush twice and floss once a day those food particles will remain stuck in-between your teeth and around your gums. Food particles will also stay on your tongue. Use an antibacterial mouthwash that will help reduce halitosis caused from bacteria and don’t forget to brush your tongue.

Tobacco use will cause bad breath and stain your teeth. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also affect your sense of taste and irritate the gums.

Health Problems and Bad Breath

Persistent halitosis along with a bad taste in your mouth could be a sign of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease is caused by plaque buildup causing bacteria to form creating a toxic environment for your teeth and gums. Plaque will irritate your gums and will develop into tartar. If left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss.

Dental Appliances

Poorly fitting dentures or bridges can cause bad breath. Schedule regular appointments with your dentist to be sure that your dental appliances are fitting as they should. Your dentist may recommend other alternatives such as dental implants to get rid of bad breath once and for all.

Dry Mouth

If your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, you are probably dealing with dry mouth. Certain medications, tobacco use and salivary gland problems could be to blame for your dry mouth. Talk to your doctor about switching your medication if you are dealing with dry mouth.

Many other illnesses and diseases, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic acid reflux, postnasal drip, diabetes or liver and kidney problems could also be to blame.

If you have chronic halitosis, call or click and schedule a dental checkup with your East Greenbush dentist today.

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