What to Consider When Choosing a Teether
Teething, also known as odontiasis, is the process of primary teeth emerging in infants in pediatric dentistry. This can be a difficult time for both babies and parents, as it can cause drooling, fussiness, and occasional pain. Although it is not common for teething to make babies sick, it is recommended to visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth starts to appear. February is known as the children’s dental health month, and in this article, we will discuss what to look for when choosing a teether for your child.
The significance of choosing the right type of teether
Usually, babies start teething between 4 and 7 months. They may experience symptoms such as tender gums, irritability, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and an urge to chew on everything at their reach. To alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the emergence of new teeth, pediatric dentistry experts recommend introducing a teether. A teether offers a soft, textured surface for babies to gnaw on and also helps to massage and soothe irritated gums. Choosing the right type of teether can help make the teething process more comfortable and less stressful for both the baby and the parents.
Choosing the right teether for your baby
When selecting a teether for your baby, it is essential to consider your baby’s age and development stage. Along with this, take into account the materials and design of the teether. A teether that is appropriate for your baby’s age and needs will provide the most relief. Soft and flexible materials are gentle on a baby’s gums, while more rigid materials can provide more pressure. Durability and ease of cleaning should also be taken into account. Teethers that can be easily cleaned with soap and water or put in the dishwasher are ideal.
Which type of teethers are best avoided?
Avoid teethers that are filled with liquid or have small pieces that can come loose and pose a choking hazard. These could be liquid-filled teething rings or teethers with tiny beads or buttons. Also, avoid teethers that come with a string or necklace, as they can be a strangling hazard. Note that teethers should not be given to children under three months of age because they do not have the developed motor skills to safely hold and control the teether.
Generally, it is recommended to stop using teethers around the age of 12-18 months, as this is when most babies have developed their first set of teeth. It’s also essential to monitor your baby’s teething progress; if they don’t show interest in teethers anymore or if they have developed all their teeth, it’s time to stop using them.
In conclusion, teething can be a difficult and uncomfortable time for both babies and parents, but with the right type of teether, it can be made more manageable. Remember to consult with your pediatrician or dentist for guidance on when to stop using teethers and always to be mindful of safety precautions. With the suitable teether, your baby can easily sail through the teething process, and you can rest easy knowing that you have helped to make their experience a little more comfortable.
Common Gum Issues
Have you experienced gum sensitivity? Gum issues are the biggest reason for tooth loss in the case of adults. This article will discuss the five major types of gum issues, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Gum disease
Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. This gum issue affects about 1 billion people globally. The leading cause of this problem is poor oral care. The rise in oral bacteria is a result of dental plaque, which, untreated, can lead to hardened tartar deposits. Regular dental cleanings are a must to avoid this issue—extreme cases of periodontitis end with the loss of jawbones, which cannot be reversed or treated.
Although not overtly painful, symptoms of gum disease can be gum sensitivity around your teeth and sore or swollen gums with redness around the base of your teeth. Consult your dentist immediately if you notice any such signs.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a disease where the gum surrounding the base of the teeth is inflamed, irritated, and swollen. It is the most common form of gum issue. Key symptoms of gingivitis are tender, red, and swollen gums that bleed during brushing. Bad oral hygiene is a primary cause of gingivitis. If it is not treated correctly, gingivitis could lead to a severe infection that would damage the bone supporting your teeth and eventual teeth loss. Chronic cases of gingivitis have been known to aggravate the lungs and heart and increase the risk of respiratory issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke.
Gingivitis can be treated and reversed with good oral hygiene, following a healthy diet with less sugar, and regular visits to the dentist.
Gum recession
Gum recession is an issue where the gum tissue gradually pulls back from the margin around the teeth. This leads to the root of the tooth being exposed and increasing the gap between the gum line and teeth. Lack of treatment for gum recession will lead to definite tooth loss as the gaps make it easy for disease-causing bacteria to accumulate inside the gum.
Gum recession can be caused due to periodontal ailments, poor oral care, excessive brushing, severe clenching and grinding of teeth, using tobacco, or hormonal imbalance in the body. It is treatable, where mild cases can be managed with a deep cleaning and smoothening process to realign the gum line. Extreme cases of gum recession may need surgery.
Gum boils and gum abscess
Gum boils, or abscess is a gum disease that is seen with the growth of pus-filled, pimple-like bumps on your gums. Three types of abscesses can be found:
- A gingival abscess where the boil is near the tooth.
- Pericoronal abscess, which is a boil around the crown of an impacted tooth.
- A periodontal abscess, which is a boil inside the gums.
Significant causes of gum abscesses and boils are poor oral care, excess sugar intake, dental trauma, or a weak immune system. The symptoms will include pus-filled swelling, inflammation, irritation of the gums, periodontal pocketing, and toothache. Most mild cases can be treated with antibiotics and deep cleaning to drain the pus from the boils. However, aggravated cases of abscesses may need a tooth extraction or surgery for bone damage.
Poor gum health can cause a variety of other complications. Having a disciplined oral care routine can help in avoiding gum issues. Schedule regular dental check-ups so any problem can be identified, and the required gum disease treatment can be started promptly.
How to find the right cosmetic dentist
Ashraf Dentistry shares insight on the three-stage process for finding the right cosmetic dentist based on an article presented by Dentistry & You, powered by Dear Doctor Magazine. (Source: 3 Steps to Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist for You, Dear Doctor Magazine, September 18, 2016, https://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/3-steps-to-finding-the-right-cosmetic-dentist-for-you ).
Finding the right dentist from a myriad of dentists around you can be daunting. Ashraf Dentistry says, “We agree that it is critical to have confidence in the dentist performing any dentistry work. It could be a simple process like fixing a few minor problems or getting a complete smile makeover – but finding the right dentist you trust is always necessary.” The article recommends following a three-step exercise to find a cosmetic dentist you trust and will be comfortable with. Ashraf Dentistry agrees and explains these three steps in detail.
Step 1: Your expectation: “The first step in finding the right dentist is knowing what you expect from the cosmetic dentistry procedure. It also depends on which treatment you are considering. For example, if you are looking to correct a gummy smile, then find a cosmetic dentist that specializes in that particular procedure,” says Ashraf Dentistry. It begins with looking in the mirror and understanding what it is about your current smile that bothers you. It could be how your teeth are spaced out, minor chips or severe cracks, discolouration, or even the appearance of your gums when you smile that you would like to adjust and correct.
Next, you must decide what you need to be fixed – what you want to be done to change your smile and make it better. People undergo several cosmetic procedures to improve their smile, including teeth whitening procedures, crowns and bridges, and even dental implants. If you are unsure about your choices and what you can get done to help you improve your smile, magazines and photos of different kinds of smiles can help. “If you want to regain your old smile, think of what you looked like when you were younger, as the article suggests. You can even leaf through old albums of your younger self and see what’s changed or missing. However, our facial structure may have changed over time as age plays a role. Although looking at old pictures may give you a general idea, having an open discussion with your cosmetic dentist is best to determine what can be accomplished and is most suitable for your overall appearance,” suggests Ashraf Dentistry.
Step 2: Do your research: Ask family and friends who have had cosmetic dentistry done for recommendations. While recommendations go a long way in helping you find the right dentist for your cosmetic dentistry procedure, conducting your research on a recommended dentist is essential. When researching a cosmetic dentist, go through every aspect of their website, view their gallery, review testimonials, and go through the types of services they perform. It’s also necessary to look for credentials. “The dentist you choose must be excited about discovering the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry and how they can benefit their patients. When in doubt, always ask for a consultation; you can get a better read of the clinic and dentist to see if they understand your needs or concerns and are a good match for you,“ suggests Ashraf Dentistry.
Step 3: Schedule a consultation: You would have narrowed your choice to a few dentists. Once you’ve done that, the final step is to set up an initial consultation with these dentists to discuss your smile makeover and possible solutions. Ashraf Dentistry states, “The initial consultation is a no-obligation consultation. Don’t hesitate to turn down a dentist if you don’t feel comfortable with them.”
Ashraf Dentistry concludes by reiterating how important a partnership between a patient and a cosmetic dentist is for a successful smile.
Valentine’s Day Candy Vs. Your Child’s Teeth
Suppose your little one has been complaining of toothache continuously. In that case, a visit to the pediatric dentist may reveal much-dreaded cavities as the cause. Now, cavities and tooth decay don’t always show up as pain. They may silently affect your child’s tooth until it is damaged significantly along with the surrounding tissues. That can result in more invasive treatment that you want to spare your child.
A common culprit for teeth problems when it comes to kids is sweets and candies. So, come this Valentine’s Day, make sure you know what’s good for them before they make a beeline for the candies.
Tooth decay and cavities
When the protective enamel coating the tooth is broken down, tooth decay is the result. With tooth decay setting in, cavities or caries appear in the form of holes in the child’s tooth. Most commonly, this happens when the child consumes carb-rich foods that are not cleaned out properly from the mouth.
The bacteria found in the mouth work on these remnants and transform them into plaque that covers the teeth. Slowly the enamel is ‘eaten’ away by the bacteria, leaving the tooth vulnerable. When the tooth is affected in this way, it begins to show up as white spots where the enamel is missing. The child may feel pain in the area around the affected tooth, but this may come only later in some cases.
The child may also complain of severe discomfort when eating very cold or hot foods. This means the tooth is now sensitive because it has been stripped of protective enamel. If you have not noticed the cavity at this stage, you may do so when it slowly turns brownish in colour. A deep cavity is an unmistakable deep brown.
Knowing what exposes kids to cavities and tooth decay helps you avert the issue.
Typically, sugary foods or starchy foods are the biggest culprits behind cavities and tooth decay. Not following a regular and appropriate oral hygiene routine allows the bacteria to flourish and harmful remnants to remain on the teeth’ surface and between them. Poor hydration reduces saliva flow, and that prevents the natural flushing out of the mouth, allowing bacteria to thrive. Your pediatric dentist will ask you about your child’s dental hygiene routine and pinpoint where you are going wrong.
Valentine’s sweets that are best avoided and which are recommended
Now that you know sugary stuff is not great for your kid, what can you do about keeping them from it, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up? Knowing which are the worst sweets for your child’s teeth helps you avoid them:
Hard candies: Did you know that crunching down on hard candy can crack a tooth? If the child has already undergone a dental procedure with the tooth, crunching hard candy can undo all of it. Also, these dissolve slower, which means your teeth and gums are coated with sugar that much longer.
Sour candies: The acid in these is extremely harmful to your teeth, leading quickly to decay and cavities.
Sticky and gummy candies: Even brushing and flossing may not get rid of this kind of sweet from the teeth, leaving it right there for bacteria to enjoy.
So, is there ‘good’ candy that kids can have? Thankfully, yes:
Sugar-free sweets: Lollipops and hard candies that are sugar-free are better alternatives. But do tell your child to suck on them and not bite down. Ensure that the sugar substitute used is safe for the child’s health and teeth.
Dark chocolate: Packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate has clear health benefits. It also has less sugar than regular chocolate, making it more teeth-friendly.
Fruit bars/ granola bars: Filled with natural sugars and the goodness of fruits and grains, these are the best alternatives to sugary treats. Candies with nuts are good, too, because they provide some grit to scrub away the remnants left on the teeth.
Regular visits to the pediatric dentist and a strict watch on what the child eats and how they care for their teeth should keep the need for cleanings and fillings at bay. Keep an eye on how much they consume as well as the condition of their teeth. That way, you can spot any trouble early and get it treated before it turns painful.
How to Sweeten Your Smile This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and it would be a shame if the only thing standing between you and your significant other was your smile. It’s the ideal time to perfect your smile. The following tips can help you whiten, brighten, and enhance your smile for the occasion.
Dental cleaning
Nothing is more unattractive and uninviting than poor oral hygiene. It causes gum bleeds, toothaches, bad breath, loose teeth, mouth sores, and even changes the tooth surfaces. Dental hygiene is an essential daily practice (not just for important occasions) because poor oral hygiene can lead to chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Brush and floss your teeth every day beginning today (if you are not doing it already). Brush your teeth gently and use circular motions with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste. Don’t overlook the gum line. You can even brush your tongue lightly to ensure your mouth is completely clean. Floss after each meal to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh.
Professional teeth whitening
Although there are over-the-counter teeth whitening systems available today, professional whitening treatment is safer and faster, and you can have your teeth sparkling before Valentine’s Day. A professional whitening treatment, while more expensive than an over-the-counter product, lasts longer and gives you the confidence to smile.
Once you’ve undergone a professional whitening treatment, avoid tea and coffee, dark sauces, dark chocolate, acidic foods, smoking, and sour fruit juices to keep your teeth white. Use a straw instead of sipping liquids directly from a glass or cup. Brush twice daily – especially after eating staining or sugary foods. You can also switch to whitening toothpaste to maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
Fresh breath
Bad breath is offensive and distasteful, but several products are available to freshen your breath this Valentine’s Day. For a quick remedy, mints, sprays, green tea, yogurt, celery, carrots, almonds (and other nuts), oranges, berries, and apples can all help mask bad breath.
Use a fluoride-containing mouthwash after every meal for a long-lasting solution. Drink plenty of water to keep away smelly bacteria. As well as brushing your teeth, floss at least once a day and brush your tongue. Visit your dentist regularly to keep bad-breath-causing and gum disease at bay.
Choosing sweets carefully
Chocolates and Valentine’s Day go together, but chocolate contains sugar, which promotes bacteria growth and bad breath. In regards to Valentine’s Day, avoid sticky foods such as hard candies, caramel candies, gummy bears, and other candies. Treat yourself to a bit of dark chocolate after a meal to satisfy your sweet tooth while reducing your exposure to bacteria and sugar. After eating any sweets, practice good oral hygiene.
Cosmetic dental treatments
Dental Veneers are a layer of material placed over a tooth to improve a smile. They can be made of composite (lasting about seven years) or dental porcelain (lasting up to 15 years). The disadvantage of veneers is that they can break, fall off, or even chip from eating hard foods. Always check with your dentist to see if dental veneers are a good fit for you.
Dental Bonding is a reversible cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin material to rectify teeth. It is used to repair chips, close gaps, change a tooth’s shape (make it look longer), and camouflage tooth discoloration.
CEREC® Restorations or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics is an advanced tooth restoration technology that can effectively restore teeth for cosmetic and functional reasons. The system uses a computer, camera, and milling instrument rolled into a single machine to help restore teeth. CEREC® Restorations are more effective and safer than most traditional tooth restoration methods. It can be used for crowns, veneers, and onlays in a single sitting at your dentist’s office.
You can improve your smile and gain the confidence you need today to have a romantic and happy Valentine’s Day. Do whatever it takes to get that perfect smile before Valentine’s Day, from simple treatments like brushing to more extensive cosmetic dentistry. After all, you do want to turn on your charm rather than turn off your loved one!
Common reasons you are experiencing a toothache
Did you experience a sharp, sudden toothache? Or have been bearing persistent pain over a few days. Here are the most common reasons why you have this pain and what you can do about it.
Common causes of a toothache and Treatment options
Infection or abscess
An abscess or infection in your gums can cause severe toothaches. Check for swelling, redness, or painful boils on your jaw. Conditions can crop up due to cavities, dental trauma, or improper dental treatment. You could try home remedies and pain medication for temporary relief but consult your dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth decay
Poor oral hygiene and excessive sugary food intake lead to bacterial growth, plaque, and tartar formation on the teeth. This eventually results in cavities, decay of teeth, and painful toothache. Regular dental check-ups can flag cavities and help you get treated faster.
Loose or broken filling
A broken or loose filling can lead to gum inflammation and sharp tooth pains. Contact your dentist immediately to get the damage fixed. This will reduce the pain and help you avoid any further deterioration of your tooth.
Broken or cracked tooth
Excessive teeth grinding and dental trauma like accidents or biting a hard food item can result in a cracked tooth. The broken tooth can cause pulp infection and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. Visit a dentist for immediate consultation and treatment. Many broken tooth cases can be fixed with a cap, while some need cosmetic dentistry.
Gum disease
Gum diseases are one of the biggest reasons behind toothaches. Poor oral hygiene is the cause of most gum diseases. Making sure you follow a proper oral care routine of brushing twice a day, regular flossing, and using anti-bacterial mouthwash helps effectively treat gum diseases.
Emerging or erupting wisdom teeth
If you are feeling pain around your molars, it could be due to erupting wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are often blocked between the jaw bone and the neighboring tooth and become impacted. In such cases, it is best to go for a wisdom tooth extraction to alleviate the pain.
Injury or trauma
Severe dental trauma is an obvious cause of toothache. Make an immediate appointment to fix the tooth to avoid any further damage.
Bruxism
Also termed as teeth grinding, bruxism is a bad habit that wears out your tooth enamel. It is caused when you apply excess pressure on your jaws, tensing up the muscles and leading to constant clenching and grinding of the teeth. Avoid this by wearing a mouth guard while you sleep.
Abnormal bite
An abnormal bite can be caused due to impacted teeth, teeth loss, bad dental fittings, overuse of pacifiers, or thumb sucking. It leads to temporomandibular disorders or TMD, where the hinge connecting the temporal bones with the jaw does not work correctly. Fortunately, an abnormal bite can be treated with braces or surgery, depending on the severity of the issue.
You should address tooth issues immediately to avoid significant health hazards. Your dentist can do a thorough check-up and suggest the best course of treatment. Based on the problem, you can go in for cosmetic dentistry, Botox Therapeutics, Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, gum disease treatment, extraction, or surgery. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today for more information!
All About: Receding Gums
Do you have a toothache and increased teeth sensitivity? Have you noticed gaps between your gum and teeth? You could be suffering from gum recession. Read on to find out everything about this gum disease.
The 101 on gum recession
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a type of disease that makes your gum move back from the base of your teeth. This leads to the exposure of roots.
Why does it occur?
This ailment occurs due to multiple reasons. It is most common in people who wear braces or have a gum infection. Someone who has undergone any gum disease treatment or suffered a dental trauma could also be susceptible to gum recession. Suppose you have a habit of chewing tobacco or have a piercing on your tongue or lip. In that case, you stand a higher chance of developing gum recession.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Primary symptoms of gum recession include pain around the base of the teeth. You may also note sensitivity to sweet, cold, and hot food or drinks and increased sensitivity during brushing, flossing, and teeth cleaning.
What happens when it goes left untreated?
If left untreated, gum recession, in most cases, can result in a wobbly tooth, bone loss, and eventual loss of the tooth.
Treatment options
Gum recession is a treatable condition. A regular dental check-up, teeth cleaning, scaling, and root planing can be the first step to improving your overall oral hygiene. Mild cases of recession can be treated with topical antibiotics and other nonsurgical treatments.
However, regenerative surgery is required in severe cases of gum recession, where the bone is destroyed. In this case, your dentist will remove the lost bone, clean the affected area, and fill it with a regenerative material such as graft tissue or membrane. This will encourage the natural growth of tissue and bone in that place.
Gum contouring is another cosmetic dentistry option that helps in restoring gum recession. In this process, your dentist reshapes your gum structure. They take tissues from your palate and add them to the area around your teeth to tighten your gums.
Dental bonding is a gum disease treatment process in which the dentist uses composite resin material to cover the exposed area, making it less painful. This process also helps block the easy passage of bacteria inside your gums.
Prevention tips
Gum recession can be prevented by following a disciplined oral hygiene routine. Develop a habit of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and eating food that is low in sugar content.
Make it a point to go for regular dental cleaning and check-ups. In case you develop any gum issues, your dentist will be able to catch it faster and start treatment soon. Bruxism is excessive grinding and clenching of your teeth. To avoid this, you can wear a night guard while sleeping. Botox Therapeutics also helps relax your facial muscles, which will release the tension around your jaw, reducing the risk of bruxism.
Gum disease treatment, Botox Therapeutics, and cosmetic dentistry options are available for gum recession. You should immediately consult your dentist if you observe any symptoms. Botox Therapeutics and cosmetic dentistry are quite popular; with timely care, you can help keep your teeth healthy inside out. Prevention is better than cure in every situation, and most definitely with teeth issues!
Having Concerns Over Emerging-teeth?
Watching your child in pain is one of the most challenging times a parent goes through, especially when it is unavoidable, like permanent teeth growth. Today’s article will discuss everything you need to know regarding emerging teeth. Stay informed to help your baby through this phase of their life!
Bye, Bye Baby Teeth
The baby teeth in children start loosening up and fall out at about six years. The permanent teeth develop in phases. Usually, the 1st molar of the top and bottom jaw emerges first, behind the baby teeth themselves. Other permanent teeth come out after that, filling the gaps that are left by the falling of baby teeth.
The first molars of the upper and lower jaws erupt at 6 to 7 years of age, closely followed by central incisors in the lower jaw. This is continued with the lateral incisors by the age of 9. Then the canine teeth on the lower jaw erupt at 9 to 10 years. By the age of 11-12, the 1st and 2nd premolar/ bicuspid teeth and canines of the upper jaw generally emerge. The second molar erupts after this, around age 13. The third molar emerges last, between 17 to 21 years of age.
Common concerns
Some of the common concerns children face during the emerging-teeth phase are as follows. Please consult your dentist if you notice any abnormality in your child’s teeth growth.
Early tooth loss – This can be caused due to dental trauma or any childhood disease. It is essential to keep the gap secured, so other teeth do not drift into this space. Regular monitoring helps with this issue. Extraction and implants can be done in severe cases.
Delayed or no teeth eruption – This can be caused by Down’s syndrome, genetic abnormalities, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, premature birth, or low birth weight. If your child hasn’t got primary tooth eruptions by one year, you should get a thorough dental check-up so the dentist can guide you on the treatment options.
Yellowed or discolored teeth – This can have two major causes. One is bad oral hygiene, and the second is underlying medical conditions like celiac diseases, rickets, liver disease, or calcium deficiency. Always consult your pediatrician and pediatric dentist. Identifying and treating the condition is essential. Ignoring yellowed teeth could lead to enamel damage, tooth decay, or aggravated health complications.
Impacted & crowded teeth – Crowded or impacted teeth occur when there is a lack of proper space in the mouth. This could be painful if the blocked teeth grow inwards in the jaw. Crooked teeth could also lead to abnormal chewing and wear out of the teeth. The treatments include braces, Invisalign, headgear, and palate expansion, depending on the severity of the issue. Please consult your dentist for the right solution.
Supernumerary teeth – This is a condition where a child has an excessive number of teeth. Generally, supernumerary teeth are caused due to genetic factors. In such cases, extraction is the primary form of treatment. If not extracted, these teeth stop permanent teeth from erupting.
Healthy emerging teeth
You can develop some habits to help ensure your child has healthy emerging teeth. Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are very important. It is good to schedule appointments for routine dental cleaning and check-ups in advance. Mark your calendars and set reminders to make sure you show up for the appointments.
Taking quick action when you notice an abnormality will help in the long run. Encourage your kids to develop good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, flossing, and washing their mouths after every meal. Reducing sugary food from your child’s diet is an added advantage. Add natural sweet products like fruits, nuts, and vegetables instead.
Taking care of your child during their emerging-teeth phase becomes easier when you are prepared for it. Adapting a healthy lifestyle for your baby, being disciplined with oral care, and visiting your pediatric dentist regularly are good practices to adopt.
Problems with Bad Breath? Top 5 Secrets for Fresh Breath
We have all suffered from bad breath at some time or the other. No matter how great your brushing technique, how healthy your diet, and how expensive your mouthwash is, you are bound to have days when your breath is embarrassingly stinky. However, you can address this effectively. Here are five tips you can use.
Get your teeth professionally cleaned
Professional dental cleaning is not just about getting your teeth bright and white. Thorough teeth cleaning by the expert is often part of a gum disease treatment regimen because the hardy gum-infesting bacteria that cause bad breath can only be removed this way.
A dental cleaning by your dentist ensures that the parts of your mouth you do not reach during daily brushing are thoroughly cleaned. Plaque and tartar build-up in tough-to-reach places is also removed during professional teeth cleaning.
Adopt a healthy diet
Onion and garlic are well-known offenders when it comes to bad breath. However, most of us overlook the dangers that sugary foods pose. When sugars are left over in the teeth and gums, bacteria thrive there, leading to odour as well as the risk of gum disease.
Eating healthy promotes good bacteria in your gut. With less scope for harmful bacteria to flourish, the chance of odour rising from the gut is restricted. A simple dietary tip to avoid bad breath is to munch on fresh mint or parsley. Add probiotics to your food. They contain good bacteria that improve gut health and keep foul odours away.
Adequate hydration is another fresh breath tip your dentist will give you. Drinking enough healthy liquids keeps your saliva production at ideal levels, which means it can efficiently carry out its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial function.
Don’t skip the dental hygiene daily routine
Brushing your teeth twice is not enough for effective dental cleaning. Flossing is as important because it cleans out and prevents the build-up of tartar in between the teeth. Overlooking flossing lets bacteria thrive and may have you seeking gum disease treatment for bleeding gums.
Cleaning your tongue is essential as well, as important as brushing your teeth, because bacteria accumulate here too. If you have a coated tongue, use a tongue scraper. Some toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the backside.
Gargle with mouthwash to kill residual bacteria post-brushing/ flossing. Gargle with plain water after every meal to eliminate food particle build-up in your mouth.
Address health concerns
Did you know that there are diseases that can result in bad breath? Addressing these can help you stay fit and healthy overall, plus get a fresh-smelling breath. Bacteria thrive in mucous. That’s why post-nasal drip and seasonal allergies cause halitosis. Others, like sinus infections, cause mouth-cleansing saliva to dry out, while liver/ kidney ailments cause toxin build-up in the body that leads to bad breath.
Apart from these, diseases of the gums are also a prime cause of halitosis that can only be eliminated with effective gum disease treatment.
Don’t forget to brush before bedtime
An essential hygiene routine is nighttime brushing for a full two minutes, followed by flossing and gargling. Making dental hygiene a part of your routine is vital. Set reminders for yourself if you tend to forget the nighttime ritual. Keep your dental hygiene kit handy at all times, even when travelling, so you don’t miss this.
To add to all of these tips to keep your mouth smelling fresh all day, ensure that you visit your dentist for check-ups regularly. Follow their advice on oral hygiene practices and on products to use. This helps you keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy while keeping bad breath away.
