Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning. There are various reasons you may have bad breath, but with healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on your tongue, especially at the back of your tongue. According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, simply brushing your tongue can reduce bad breath by as much as 70%. If you're looking for an experienced dentist Ft Myers, FL residents suggest, contact us today! We will gladly discuss with you any other questions or concerns you may have regarding your oral health.

A handful of things are known to cause bad breath. Here are a few:

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Food containing odor-causing compounds enter the bloodstream; they are transferred to the lungs and exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – This may also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – This may be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – These dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist. Consider receiving full mouth dentistry Ft Myers, FL residents recommend to treat and care for your bad breath. For further information, contact Deborah S. Ruddell D.D.S., P.A. Inc today.

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning. If you sleep with a mouthguard, this should also be cleaned regularly. If it becomes worn down over time, contact us for new mouth guards in Ft Myers, FL.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and a cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later. A dental hygienist will start by cleaning buildup from your teeth. Then the dentist will probe spots on the surfaces and near the gumline with special tools. If it's been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas. You should get an exam every six months, or more often if your dentist recommends it. Find one who makes you feel at ease and lets you know what to expect. Often the dread of seeing the dentist turns to big relief when the visit is over and you have a care plan set up. Being positive as a parent can help your kids overcome any of their fears. If you're dealing with any pain or sensitive teeth, reach out to schedule an appointment. At your dental exam, your dentist can even help you with other concerns, such as denture fittings or repairs. If you need denture repair Ft Myers, FL residents can depend on, contact us today.

Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. Your dentist should take as few as possible. Expect to get them during a first exam after not seeing a dentist for a while. This helps check tooth and gum health. If you have gum disease, the dentist may want pictures every six months. For regular check-ups, it's about every two years, depending on your dentist's plan. Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing and because they get cavities more easily. If you're dealing with jaw pain in Ft Myers, FL, you may greatly benefit from receiving an X-ray. Call us today to set up an appointment.

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the CDC all agree that kids should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing, taking care not to swallow it. Adults benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth, too. Also, if you're using teeth-whitening treatments, fluoride can help decrease your tooth sensitivity. If you're looking to get whiter teeth in Ft Myers, FL, contact us today!

Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease. While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, this can break them and stress your jaws. Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you're stressed may crack them. Biting your nails is another bad habit. It pulls your jaw out of position and changes how your teeth fit together. For services related to jaw pain Ft Myers, FL residents suggest, contact us today to learn how we can help.

Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for two minutes, two times a day. Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.

Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don't clean as well, and they're also a sign you may be brushing too hard.

Most toothpaste will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpaste tubes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpaste and powders made with natural ingredients that don't have ADA testing and approval. If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know. If you're experiencing sensitive teeth in Ft Myers, FL, call us today to learn how we can help resolve this issue for you.

There's no getting around the need to get around your teeth daily with dental floss. It clears food and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. If you don't, plaque hardens into tartar, which forms wedges and widens the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, gums pull away and teeth loosen. Either waxed or unwaxed floss will do the job. Using floss picks or interdental brushes is another easy option. By speaking with an experienced dentist Ft Myers, FL residents trust, you can learn more about how to properly care for your oral health. Call us today for more information!

Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing. However, this should not replace daily cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you. Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth. Kids under six shouldn't use mouthwash to avoid the chance of them swallowing it. Mouthwash can also be a great tool for people wearing braces since braces create some harder-to-reach places around your teeth. If you're looking for more information on orthodontic care, contact us for the top orthodontic dentistry Ft Myers, FL residents depend on.

Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they'll probably get bigger unless you close them off with fillings.

Your dentist will numb your mouth before drilling around the cavity to prep it. A combination of strong materials or a white mix called a composite goes into the cavity soft and then hardens as it dries. You may feel pain or pressure when getting the numbing shot and during the drilling.

Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.

Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes and cracks on the outside of teeth. Kids from about 6 to 12 benefit from having sealants painted and hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth or molars. Adults can get sealants as well to protect teeth that don't have fillings.

Dentists or dental assistants put sealants on during an office visit, and it's painless. They last around 2-4 years.

Caps and crowns cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a real tooth. They use the root and inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach it with special cement.

Veneers and bonding improve your smile by sticking a layer of smoother and whiter materials like porcelain or resin to the natural tooth.