Stinky Breath? No one will kiss you? Try flossing!
Flossing is one of the easiest ways to prevent and get rid of bad breath. Flossing at least once a day can help improve bad breath by effectively removing the food particles and bacteria that contribute to it.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common topic here at Smiles for Life. You may joke about bad breath, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, but it’s an important oral health issue. Bad breath can be embarrassing but it can also be a sign of disease or illness.
Some serious dental health conditions associated with bad breath include:
- Throat problems such as strep throat
- Dental cavities or gum disease
- Throat or oral cancer
- Tonsils that contain trapped food particles
- An infected root canal or abscessed tooth
In addition, bad breath can be a symptom of a variety of serious non-dental related health problems including liver disease, diabetes, HIV, digestive system ailments such as acid reflux and even lung infections or lung disease. These aren’t health issues to ignore so make an appointment to see your doctor if you have any other symptoms other than bad breath.
If you experience chronic bad breath that doesn’t seem to improve despite a consistent oral hygiene routine, talk to us a Smiles for Life, your dentist or family doctor for further investigation to identify or prevent serious health problems.
Get into the Habit!
Research proves that not flossing (among other poor oral hygiene behaviors) causes bad breath. Your oral care routine to help prevent bad breath should include not only daily flossing, but also brushing the teeth, tongue, gums and roof of your mouth twice each day. Using a mouthwash can provide short-term relief for bad breath, but use it only as an addition to (not a substitute for) brushing and flossing.
