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Bad breath isn’t just embarrassing; it can seriously impair your social life. Unfortunately, breath mints merely mask the odor while doing little to address the root of your halitosis. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to freshen your breath. In today’s blog, your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, explain how maintaining good dental health is the key to eliminating bad breath.


 

Common Causes of Bad Breath

The most frequent cause of bad breath is the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria break down food particles, releasing a foul odor and increasing the presence of oral acids. Over time, oral acids weaken tooth enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay. In many cases, the elevated levels of bacteria are due to dry mouth. Saliva is the body’s natural means of neutralizing oral acids and cleansing the mouth of food particles and harmful bacteria. When saliva dries up, bacteria begin to flourish.

Freshen Your Breath

Dry mouth can result from a variety of factors. Smoking, caffeine products, and certain medications can cause dry mouth and eventually, halitosis. But the most common cause of bad breath is simply poor oral hygiene. Without proper dental maintenance, bacteria can stain your teeth and lead to bad breath. Brush at least twice a day, and floss once. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, as well. These simple measures help wash away food particles and bacteria. In addition, try chewing sugar-free gum. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production. Staying hydrated also aids in fighting halitosis, so drink plenty of water. If your bad breath persists, make an appointment with your Livingston dentists. At The Silverstrom Group, general dentists Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom will perform a thorough oral examination, diagnose the cause of your bad breath, and prescribing the necessary treatment.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Livingston General Dentists

Do you or your family require a checkup or cleaning? Schedule a consultation with your Livingston general dentists today for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Contact The Silverstrom Group in Livingston, New Jersey by calling (973) 797-9345. The Silverstrom Group is located at 580 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey.