Battle Bad Breath in Okemos with the Help of Tenaglia Smiles

Bad breath can cause awkward and embarrassing situations. Also called halitosis, bad breath can happen to anyone, and it is usually caused by an overpopulation of bacteria in the mouth that happens because of poor oral hygiene. But bad breath can have other causes, too. Today, your favorite family dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, is sharing some expert tips to help you keep your breath fresh and your confidence high.

1. Practice good oral hygiene at home

Having fresh breath is largely dependent on strong oral hygiene practices.

Dr. Tenaglia recommends the following oral hygiene regimen:

• Brush your teeth twice a day — Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush once after breakfast and once before bed. Don’t forget to brush your tongue where bacteria accumulates and contributes to bad breath.
• Floss at least once daily — Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line, which are areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Rinse with mouthwash — An antibacterial mouthwash will reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.

2. Stay hydrated

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to bad breath. Saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash, rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful cavity-causing acids in the mouth. Drink plenty of water every day and chew sugar-free gum, especially if it’s sweetened with xylitol. Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow.

3. Watch your diet

Certain foods and beverages contribute to bad breath:

• Garlic and onions have a high content of sulfur compounds. When you eat these foods, the sulfur compounds release and are absorbed into your bloodstream, eventually making their way into the lungs. As you breathe out, these sulfur compounds are expelled, resulting in a noticeable odor.
• Alcohol, coffee and tobacco can dry out the mouth, leaving a strong odor.
• Eat crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables — Apples, carrots and celery help clean your teeth and stimulate beneficial saliva production.

4. Address underlying health issues

If you practice strong oral hygiene and still suffer from bad breath, you may need to address an underlying health problem such as:

• Sinus infections, respiratory infections and chronic bronchitis can cause mucus buildup in the nasal passages and throat, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and produce odor.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to bad breath as stomach acids and undigested food particles are regurgitated into the mouth, emitting an unpleasant smell.
• Diabetes and liver or kidney disease can release specific chemicals into the bloodstream that are expelled through the breath.
• Some medications or autoimmune diseases also cause dry mouth, which leads to bad breath. 
• Gum/Periodontal disease is a common cause of bad breath and occurs when bacteria build up in the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

5. Visit Dr. Tenaglia twice a year

Regular visits to our East Lansing family dentist office helps you maintain good oral health which will help prevent bad breath. We will deep clean and polish your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar buildup that could be contributing to your bad breath but can’t be addressed with brushing and flossing. We can also spot potential problems early and intervene before they worsen, and we will provide personalized advice and tips based on your specific needs and concerns. 

Bad breath treatment in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan

You don’t have to live with embarrassing bad breath. Follow Dr. Tenaglia’s tips for fresh, clean breath and a healthy smile. If you have any concerns about your breath or overall oral health, call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 940-8684 or reach us online to request an appointment today.