Good Breath Gone Bad! From Dr. McDonald

At Lifetime Smiles, we know bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date you’ve had a crush on for months or at an important social function! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as Drs. McDonald and Prais may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit our Escondido office every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh!

Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date or during your social function? That’s up to you!

Three tips to save yourself from bad breath, from Lifetime Smiles

You - like many people - may have recently taken a deep bite into something tasty, knowing the outcome would be bad breath, no matter how much you tried to avoid it. This week, our staff at Lifetime Smiles thought we'd share a few tips with you to help prevent bad breath, also known as halitosis. Dr. Rabee McDonald and Dr. Jeff Prais know bad breath can be a real downer, but want you to know it can be easily prevented!

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds, making your breath smell. A few months ago, we read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath." Dr. Weil recommends the following ways to help prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your tongue: "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth: Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, please give us a call at our convenient Escondido office! Drs. McDonald and Prais may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

For more tips on how to avoid halitosis, ask one of our doctors next time you're in for an appointment, or check out this post on WebMD.