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Gentle Touch

Dental Hygiene

Services

(905) 286-0684
 

 

 

Newsletter

 

February 2011

 
 

This newsletter is informative!  Many of us can say that we have been affected by this from time to time or that it continues to be an on-going issue.  We will not only answer questions that you may have about Bad Breath but hopefully give you insight on how to get rid of it!

 

IN THIS ISSUE
Bad Breath FACTS
Bad Breath CAUSES
WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Bad Breath FACTS

  • 85-90% of bad breath comes from bacteria in your mouth.
  • There are about 600 different types of bacteria in your mouth (some are good, some are bad).  
  • Bacteria that causes bad breath lives on your tongue, in between your teeth and underneath the gumline.
  • If your teeth are covered with plaque, you are at an increased risk for bad breath.
  • Bacteria in your mouth produce waist products-these waist products are called sulfur compounds (similar to the smell of rotten eggs).
  • Diet (the food and drink you consume), can have an effect on your breath.

   

Bad Breath CAUSES

There can be many causes of bad breath, which include:


 

FOOD - Food particles become lodged in and around your teeth which can cause odour.  Foods like onions and garlic, once digested, their oils are absorbed into your bloodstream and are carried to the lungs.  Their odour is emitted through your breath until the body has eliminated these foods.


 

DENTAL PROBLEMS - Poor dental hygiene, cavities, a plaque (bacteria) coated tongue and gum disease can all contribute to bad breath.  With gum disease, the gums can pull away from the teeth that leave behind pockets.  These pockets can house odour causing bacteria.


 

DRY MOUTH - The amount of saliva in the mouth is decreased.  We need saliva as it helps to naturally cleanse the mouth.  Dry mouth can occur during sleep which causes morning breath.  If you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth either during wake or sleep, you will also experience dry mouth and take note that some medications can be the cause of your dry mouth (high blood pressure medication, anti-psychotic medication, anti-depressants, digestive (Zantac), cholesterol (Zocor), antihistamine (Claritin), and the list continues.  If you would like more information on which medications can cause bad breath, do not hesitate to give us a call.


 

MOUTH, NOSE, THROAT - Bad breath can be associated with sinus infections and post-nasal drip.  Bad breath in children is usually associated with a foreign object, a toy or piece of food lodged in the nostrils.


 

TOBACCO USE - Smoking has a tendency to cause dry mouth which again is directly related to bad breath.

 

DIET - Protein rich foods can enhance bad breath.  Foods like:  Meat, Fish, Seafood, Eggs, and Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt).

 

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WHAT CAN YOU DO?

BRUSH after meals at least twice a day to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth.

USE a tongue scraper every time you brush.  It can drastically minimize bad breath!

FLOSS at least once a day to avoid food debris from settling in between your teeth.

DRINK plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.

ADJUST
your diet by decreasing the consumption of alcohol, coffee, and odour-causing foods.

CHANGE your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

SCHEDULE regular visits with your dental hygienist for a professional cleaning.  Ask us about available toothpastes and mouthrinses that can help fight bad breath.
 

"You don't have to brush your teeth - just the ones you want to keep"


 

(Author Unknown)
 

Join Our Mailing List

We know it can be difficult to rate your own breath.  We also know that bad breath can affect a person's well-being, their social and personal relationships.  If bad breath has become an issue for you or for someone you know, let us help you!  Give us a call at (905) 286-0684 and schedule your free complete oral health assessment today!

 


 

  Receive a complimentary Oral B Electric Toothbrush for a New Client
Referral!

 

 
 

          

www.gentletouchdentalhygiene.com

243 Queen Street South, Streetsville ON, L5M 1L7