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Are you tired of covering
your mouth to hide your breath whenever you get close to someone? Or
wondering if your breath is fresh enough for
kissing?
Well, contrary to popular opinion, the majority of cases of halitosis,
or bad breath, begins not in the stomach but in the mouth. Around
80% of bad breath is caused by gases given off by the dead bacteria involved
in gum disease. Therefore, there is a lot we as dental professionals
can do to help our patients to get rid of it.
There are a number of tests you can perform on yourself to see if
you are a victim of halitosis.
Lick Wrist: Lick your wrist from as far back on the tongue as possible.
Leave the saliva to dry for 30 seconds and then smell.
Floss: Rub with dental floss between the last two teeth at the back
of the mouth, leave for a few seconds and then sniff the floss.
Gauze: Rub the back of the tongue with your finger covered in gauze
or a cloth, after a few seconds, smell.
You should be able to detect an unusual smell and if you are worried
that you have a problem, call the Bethesda Fresh Breath Center.
What causes bad breath?
Smelly sulphur compounds. Everyone has smelled these compounds before—cracking
a hard-boiled egg or walking behind a running car are two different
situations in which we smell them in everyday life. But of course,
nobody wants other people to smell them coming out of their mouths. These
same gaseous compounds help damaging bacteria penetrate the gum tissues
and eventually attack the bone that surrounds the tooth. During this
process, inflamed and bleeding gums are created. Naturally, if you
get rid of the source of bad breath, your mouth looks and feels a lot
healthier.
Is there a solution for bad breath?
Yes, there is a solution. A chemical compound, chlorine dioxide,
found in a mouthwash and toothpaste, works to destroy and break down
these
smelly sulphur compounds. While this compound is neutralizing the
sulphur gases, it is also killing harmful bacteria that works with
these odorous
gases to attack gum tissue.
Seven Steps to Healthy Gums and Clean Breath
1. Plan. Sit down with your dental professional and together
develop a plan for regularly scheduled check-ups and
at-home maintenance.
2. Brush. Brush your teeth with Chlorine Dioxide toothpaste
two times a day or as recommended. Also brush your
tongue, gums and roof of your mouth. For better results use
a sonic or electric toothbrush (ask your dental professional for a
recommendation.)
3. Floss. Floss your teeth at least once a day using Chlorine Dioxide
toothpaste.
Using your toothbrush or syringe, apply the paste between your teeth. Then
floss
gently.
4. Scrape. Because volatile sulfur compounds are most commonly found
on the
tongue, use of a toothbrush or tongue scraper will help remove these irritants.
Gently scrape your tongue, reaching as far back as is comfortable to remove
the
accumulated white coating. Also use the Chlorine Dioxide toothpaste when
brushing your tongue.
5. Rinse. Rinse your mouth with water.
6. Rinse. Rinse vigorously. Swish Chlorine Dioxide oral rinse between
teeth for at
least 30 seconds. For better results use an irrigator to flush away the debris
loosened during tongue scraping and tooth brushing, then swish the rinse back
and forth between your teeth.
7. Gargle. Using about a tablespoon of fresh Chlorine Dioxide rinse,
gargle for 60
seconds. Do not rinse with water. Allow the Chlorine Dioxide to continue its
cleansing action.
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