It’s Valentine’s Day. You have spent some time to look your best, the table is booked and you’re excited to spend a special night with your significant other. The only thing that you want to come between you is a delicious meal…not your bad breath!
Thankfully, with some simple steps, you can avoid bad breath this Valentine’s day! *
(*Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee this if you order a garlic and onion pizza for dinner!)
Bad breath, also known as ‘halitosis’ is a common problem for many people and can often be a recurring issue. Some bad breath is normal, such as bad breath caused by certain foods. Other bad breath might be an indicator of something more serious and will require a trip to your dentist.
How do I know if my bad breath is normal?
Normal bad breath shouldn’t persist. It can be eliminated by brushing your teeth, drinking a glass of water, chewing a mint, or over time. It is usually the cause of something that you have eaten, or from stagnant bacteria that might build-up as you sleep.
Persistent bad breath may be an indicator of significant bacteria build-up and can lead to gum disease. Although many of us check our breath by blowing into our own hand, it is really difficult to accurately smell your own breath to know if it is persistent. One way to check is to floss your teeth and smell the floss. If that doesn’t smell great, it might be an indication that your breath doesn’t smell great either. You could also use someone who is willing to smell your breath for you, but maybe not your Valentine’s date!
If you are experiencing symptoms like a burning tongue, a dry mouth, mucous, a fuzzy coating on the tongue or persistent bad breath, it might be time to visit your dentist to have it checked. This is the best way to know if there are any more serious health concerns that are contributing to your bad breath.
What causes my bad breath?
Persistent bad breath is caused by bacteria build-up in the mouth that exude foul smelling odours and is largely the result of poor oral hygiene.
One of the more serious causes of bad breath is periodontitis, or gum disease. Bacteria build-up due to plaque build-up can cause the release of toxins, odours and can irritate and inflame the gums. Gum disease has been linked to more serious health concerns and needs to be checked and treated promptly by a dentist.
How can I prevent bad breath?
Preventing bad breath is largely dependent on the severity of the bad breath, the causes and whether it is persisting.
As with all oral health treatments, your breath will benefit from proper oral hygiene habits. That includes regular flossing, brushing, mouthwash use and check-ups from your dentist. Keeping hydrated can also benefit not only your mouth and breath, but also your entire body!
If you ever look at the shelves around a supermarket check-out, you’ll see plenty of temporary solutions for bad breath, like mints and chewing gum. However, these can never replace a visit to the dentist for persistent bad breath and act only as a mask.
For less serious bad breath, making targeted diet changes might be all you need to feel more comfortable with how it smells. For example, cooking with less garlic, or making wise choices on your Valentine’s Date!
To make sure that your Valentine’s Day doesn’t end in heartbreak, contact our friendly team at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental to book and appointment for a check-up today!