Dr. Cooper is here blogging from San Jose, CA today explaining the possible negative effects that sugar- filled breath mints can have on our mouths and how dental implants can help to solve dental hygiene issues caused by over consumption. You would think that the very substance that is said to kill bad breath would not cause more dental issues that are directly causing your bad breath in the first place, right? Well, if you have a breath mint addiction and they are not sugar- free, stop this now. The mints are high in sugar which when combined with the already existing bacteria in our mouths, creates the acid that eats our enamel and ruins our teeth. Besides the erosion of our enamel, these can directly cause bad breath; what you were trying to avoid in the first place.
We have come up with some simple solutions for you to get rid of your bad breath, unless you have halitosis; in that case you need to visit your dentist immediately. Don’t feel bad though, according to a study more than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor.
Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day.
Floss your teeth 2-3 times a day. There is no shame in bringing floss around with you throughout the day, to make sure that you get the food out right at the source.
Sugar- free mints. The lowered dose of sugar in sugar- free mints will not be nearly as harmful as regular sugar filled products or create cavities. Even though these mints are said not to create dental issues, to be safe floss after and drink water while enjoying them.
Sugar- free gum. Sugar- free gum is said to wash away bacteria, get rid of plaque and does not cause cavity issues. It also helps with our saliva production which keeps breath fresher and healthier.
Water. By drinking water throughout the day, we keep our mouths moist. When we have a healthy amount of saliva in our mouths, bacteria are less likely to stick to our teeth and gums and breath will be fresher.
Avoid strong smelling foods (garlic, onions). Foul smelling foods will leave foul smelling particles in our mouths and in between our teeth that will sit and produce even worse smelling bacteria. Garlic and onions are the worst and it is best to avoid them if you are trying to maintain fresh and healthy breath.
Avoid coffee. Coffee also falls under the odor to avoid if seeking good breath category. The caffeine dries out our mouths and reduces our saliva production which makes it easier to get smelly breath.
These only apply if you have semi- bad breath though; if your breath is bad on a consistent basis and you do not spend the proper amount of time taking care of your oral hygiene, you may be able to fix this with dental implants. If conditions such as these continue to worsen, it can lead to tooth decay or worse; your teeth can fall out. Dental implants can be perfect as replacement teeth and help to prevent further decay in the future. Visit our Dental Implant Info page to find out more and see if you are a qualified candidate for our procedure.
If you have finally had it with your bad breath and you have tried everything else, call us to get set up with dental implants today to change your oral hygiene in just months! You can have a fresh and wonderful- smelling smile and never be embarrassed to open your mouth and share your smile again. Call us today at 408-740-5317.
Keith M. Cooper
5150 Graves Ave. Suite 12E
San Jose, CA
USA 95129
New Patients:
408-740-5317
Current Patients:
408-253-4150
Monday: 8AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed