How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Halitosis can stem from poor oral hygiene, cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, or from underlying health problems. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath.  BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE DAILY You should brush your teeth once in the morning and again at night. Brushing removes the plaque that builds up on teeth throughout the day. Plaque causes gum disease and tooth decay. Get toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles are frayed. You may need to replace your brush sooner if the bristles become discolored. The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to adequately clean your teeth without causing irritation. Use gentle strokes to clean the surfaces of the teeth and the gums. Remember to brush the insides of your teeth as well.  FLOSS DAILY Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common causes of bad breath. In advanced stages, these infections can cause an unpleasant smell that no one else will be able to miss. It's best to prevent these problems before they happen by brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once per day. BRUSH YOUR TONGUE Your tongue harbors bacteria that produce sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. When you don't brush your tongue, those substances stay in your oral cavity for hours and intensify the odor of your bad breath. Tongue scrapers are effective tools that physically remove bacteria and food particles from your tongue.  CLEAN DENTURES OR DENTAL APPLIANCES If you've recently been fitted for new dentures or your dental appliance is loose or broken, it's important to contact your dentist right away to get it repaired. Otherwise, decay and other problems can occur. Letting your provider know right away if you're experiencing pain or discomfort can also help them find the source of your pain faster. AVOID DRY MOUTH A dry mouth can cause bad breath because saliva helps clean the mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria. When your mouth is dry, it can become uncomfortable and lead to bad breath. Here are some ways you can get rid of dry mouth: * Drink more water throughout the day. If you don't drink enough water during the day, you may experience a dry mouth at night while you sleep. Also, avoid beverages like coffee and alcohol that dry out the mouth. * Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly ones that are high in water content, such as cucumbers, celery, apples, carrots, melons, and tomatoes. These foods can help replenish the fluids you lose by drinking other beverages and eating foods that cause dehydration. * Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. Be sure to pick a sugar-free variety to avoid cavities, though. Drinking water after chewing a piece of sugarless gum can also help keep your mouth feeling hydrated. * Stop smoking or using tobacco products. Smoking causes dry mouth, and most smokers experience chronic dry mouth. If you smoke or use tobacco products, talk to your dentist about getting help to stop. * Speak with a doctor about medications that can cause dry mouth. Some medications reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth, causing a dry mouth.  REGULARLY GET A NEW TOOTHBRUSH A toothbrush will lose its effectiveness over time. Dentists recommend a new toothbrush every three to four months.  SCHEDULE REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS You can visit your dentist regularly to make sure that your bad breath is not due to an underlying problem such as periodontal disease. When you visit the dentist, they will carefully examine your mouth and teeth for signs of decay or other problems that can cause bad breath. They will also clean bacteria from above and below the gumline as well as between teeth and along the gumline using special instruments. This will help get rid of the bacteria and plaque that build up in these areas and cause bad breath. Regular visits will also help identify problems before they can worsen. This can help save you money in the long run by preventing poor oral health and costly treatments down the road. You can schedule your next visit with your dentist today! Schedule a visit with our team at the office of Healing Wings Dental at 4101 West Green Oaks Blvd Suite 317, Arlington 76016, or call (972) 213-0202. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Simple Tricks for Overcoming Dental Anxiety Forever

Dental fears are common. Unfortunately, many people avoid going to the dentist because of fear. However, dental issues don’t go away on their own. You need to visit a dentist regularly to maintain good oral health. Discuss your dental fears with your dentist We all experience some level of anxiety when it comes to visiting a dentist’s office. It’s completely normal, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to confide in your dentist about your worries. Your dentist is a trained professional and should be able to calm you down if you communicate your concerns. They will then work with you to determine the best method of treatment that you are comfortable with. Some patients need nothing more than verbal assurance from their dentist, while others may benefit from topical anesthetics applied to the gums before a procedure begins.  Agree on a signal with your dentist Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns. A reliable dentist will try their best to make you comfortable during the treatment. They will ask you about any discomfort you are feeling and ask you to tell them if you do feel any pain during the process. The dentist will also give you options to reduce the pain or anxiety you feel. For example, you can ask for a topical anesthetic if you are feeling nervous before the treatment begins. Also, you can agree upon a signal to let your dental surgeon know if you experience pain during treatment. This will let your dentist pause the procedure until the reason for the signaling is addressed. Consider distractions Having a trusted person around is a great way to ease your nerves. Be sure to choose someone who’s calm and doesn’t mind waiting in the waiting room. A friend or family member can also help you relax by giving you a massage or using other calming techniques. It’s also a good idea to bring a distraction, such as a book, magazine, or music player. You can also bring headphones so you can listen to music during your procedure.  Distracting yourself before and during a procedure will help you focus on something other than the procedure. Some options to consider include using music or taking breaks for a beverage or snack. Your dentist may also offer special distraction methods to help you feel more comfortable. For example, they may offer a handheld device that you can play during treatment to block out sounds or allow you to watch videos. Be sure to let your dentist know your preferences ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly and make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your procedure. Asl for sedation dentistry If you’re feeling especially anxious about a particular treatment or type of procedure, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation can help you feel more relaxed before and during your appointment. Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is also a common practice because it numbs the nerves in the mouth without putting the patient to sleep. Schedule a visit with our team at the office of Healing Wings Dental at 4101 West Green Oaks Blvd Suite 317, Arlington 76016, or call (972) 213-0202. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Everything You Need to Know About Deep Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar from your teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Professional dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease, too. Without proper dental care, plaque can build up on the surface of your teeth, leading to gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed. Without treatment, though, it can turn into periodontitis. In severe cases, this can cause tooth loss. WHAT IS A DEEP DENTAL CLEANING? Deep dental cleaning is a type of preventative dentistry or prophylaxis that is performed by a dentist in order to prevent cavities and gum disease from developing in patients. The plaque that causes these problems cannot be removed with just a regular brushing at home. During a deep dental cleaning, the dentist will use special tools and instruments to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums and remove all of the plaque buildups. Some dentists may also apply a fluoride treatment to the patient’s teeth following a deep cleaning in order to further protect the enamel and prevent future tooth decay. This is considered a basic comprehensive exam and cleaning. It does not include any other restorative procedures such as fillings. Most patients should have this type of procedure performed once per year to keep their oral health in good condition and prevent cavities and gum disease. Patients should tell their dentist if they are experiencing any symptoms of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or receding gums. Receiving regular dental care is crucial to keeping your oral health in good shape, so it is very important for patients to schedule appointments with their local dentist on a regular basis. WHEN ARE DEEP DENTAL CLEANINGS NEEDED? Most people receive a deep dental cleaning twice a year. However, your dentist may recommend other intervals if your mouth is prone to gum disease or you have had recent dental procedures like a root canal treatment or dental implant placement. More than 50% of adults have some form of periodontal disease. This condition can cause the gums to bleed while brushing or flossing and can result in the loss of bone structure in your jaw. More severe cases may even cause teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. In addition to being painful, gum disease can affect your overall health. Advanced cases of periodontitis have been linked with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Visiting the dentist every six months for deep cleaning is the best way to catch and treat gum disease before it becomes severe. If you have any further questions about this procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist during your next visit! Schedule a visit with our team at the office of Healing Wings Dental at 4101 West Green Oaks Blvd Suite 317, Arlington 76016, or call (972) 213-0202. We look forward to hearing from you soon!