Healthy news and information from Exquisite Smiles / 2018 April Issue
Feel like you’re constantly battling bad breath? Here’s the good news—it might be your diet! Follow these tips for combating bad breath without sacrificing foods you love.
Onions, spicy foods and garlic. If these are staples in your diet, it may be worth it to carry a toothbrush in your purse should you eat any of these foods while you’re out with friends or at a business lunch.
Morning coffee. Coffee may smell (and taste) delicious in the morning, but caffeine can dry your mouth out, leading to bad breath. Follow your coffee with a glass of water.
Fish. While a tuna sandwich may sound like an enticing lunch, your breath tells another story. Keep a stick of sugar free gum handy following a fishy meal.
Poor oral hygiene and oral infections are also leading causes of bad breath. If you suffer from halitosis that you can’t seem to shake, schedule a visit with our practice to discuss your options.
It’s no secret that instilling proper oral health habits in your children should start when they’re young. We’re often asked, “How young is too young?” The answer? It’s never too early!
When your child is an infant, it’s important to clean their gums after they eat. Though they may not know it at the time, making this a regular habit will help to prepare them for a brushing routine as they grow. By the time you’ve got a toddler on your hands, follow these easy tips for raising a healthy child with a healthy mouth:
• Keep extra supplies on hand (floss, toothbrush and toothpaste). With a busy household, it’s easy to run out.
• Read your children tooth-friendly books that promote proper oral health.
• Teach your children about the health risks of not brushing their teeth.
• Let your children pick out their own toothbrush at the store.
• Schedule a visit with our practice.
We all know how important it is to brush your teeth for two minutes, two times each day. And while we often discuss the importance of brushing your gums adequately, we find that many patients miss this frequently forgotten part of the mouth—the inside surface of your teeth!
The inside surface consist of the areas that face your tongue and palate. It’s easy and common for food and debris to build up in this area.
When brushing your teeth, it’s also crucial to use the correct amount of pressure—too soft and you won’t clean the area, while brushing too aggressively can cause bleeding.
Remember to brush the inner surface of your teeth by breaking up your brushing time—one minute for the outer surface and gums and one minute for the inside and tongue. For more dental tips, ask us at your next visit!
