San Diego, CA Dentist Says: 9 Things You Can Do About Bad Breath

Dr. Kitchen, a San Diego, CA dentist sees a lot of patients in his La Jolla office. one of their main concerns, is whether or not they have bad breath. The topic of halitosis (bad breath's scientific name) can be a touchy one for folks, so that's why Dr. Kitchen is posting this article about 9 Things You Can Do About Bad Breath:

Worried about bad breath? You're not alone. Forty million Americans suffer from bad breath, or halitosis, according to the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Bad breath can get in the way of your social life. It can make you self-conscious and embarrassed. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to freshen your breath.

1. Brush and floss more frequently.
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky build-up on teeth that harbors bacteria. Food left between teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you're worried about your breath, brush and floss a little more often.  But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can erode enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

San Diego, CA dentist

2. Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can harbor foul-smelling bacteria. To eliminate them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Some people find that toothbrushes are too big to comfortably reach the back of the tongue. In that case, try a tongue scraper. "Tongue scrapers are an essential tool in a proper oral health care routine," says Pamela L. Quinones, RDH, president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t remove."  

3. Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. "Unfortunately, brushing after you eat onions or garlic doesn't help," says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. "The volatile substances they contain make their way into your blood stream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out." The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating onions and garlic, especially before social or work occasions when you're concerned about your breath.

San Diego, CA Dentist

To continue reading the entire article, Dr. Kitchen, your San Diego, CA dentist, recommends heading over to Web MD, here. 

David L. Kitchen, DDS

9850 Genesee Avenue

Suite 540

La Jolla, CA 92037

Telephone: 858.558.1946

info@davidkitchendds.com

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http://www.cosmeticdentistryforsandiego.com