This post from Koch Park Dental in Florissant MO offers some answers to common questions about bad breath.
Q. I brush twice a day, but my wife says my breath is still repulsive. Shouldn’t twice be enough?
A. Time to start flossing. Bacteria can propagate and stink in hidden crevices that can only floss can reach. If your breath hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can review other possible causes of your halitosis.
Also keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.
Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?
A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mixes with the mucous and gives off a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can cause noxious breath. Antihistamines can reduce post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth wet, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.
Q. What health conditions can cause bad breath?
A. As addressed before, any condition that reduces saliva production can cause halitosis. It is also a common side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, you have bigger problems.
Q. Why did my breath become intolerable when I went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones are probably the culprit. Ketones are generated when the body digests fat—which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, sounds like you weren’t cheating!
At Koch Park Dental in Florissant MO, we provide general dentistry and specialties like dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:
205-933-0323
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033
