Good oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing gum disease and controlling bad breath. Dr. Marco Cueva from Texas Implant and Periodontic Center makes sure that his patients know the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. The following are some of the key actions to take to control bad breath and prevent gum disease.
Look at Your Diet
One place to start to control bad breath is to review your diet. Although some foods such as onions or garlic might be the most notorious for making your breath smell bad, other foods might also contribute to bad breath. When you eat food, the first place that it starts to break down is in the mouth. These small particles might stay in your mouth and feed the bacteria there. Their byproducts might lead to bad breath or cause gum disease. If gum disease persists, it can lead to decay that also contributes to bad breath.
Brush and Floss Daily
Your basic oral hygiene also plays a key role in preventing both bad breath and gum disease. This includes brushing teeth at least twice per day. This helps reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth and remove the food particles that facilitate bacterial growth. You can also use antibacterial mouthwash and floss in order to keep your mouth clean and free of bad bacteria.
Visit Your Dentist
No matter how well you brush, floss, and rinse, you will always have some bacteria buildup start. This leads to plaque, and when left untreated, it causes tartar. This is the real culprit of gum disease, bad breath, and other issues. Visiting your dentist on a regular schedule of two to three times a year for a professional cleaning will help remove this buildup and keep your mouth healthy.
Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Cueva to get screened for dental problems, including gum disease, and to receive a good cleaning. This will help you get on top of your oral hygiene to prevent and control bad breath and gum disease.
