Face it: Bad breath just happens sometimes. It can be a result of the foods we eat, a good night’s sleep, speaking or singing for extended amounts of time, being thirsty, and the list goes on and on. However, it can also be a sign that something’s wrong with your teeth, gums, or tongue.
It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in your mouth, and, if you’re practicing quality oral hygiene habits, this isn’t hard to do. Dr. Corbet Locke, a family dentist in Waco, Texas describes thorough dental hygiene as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and brushing or cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper. If you practice good oral hygiene, as well as go to the dentist every six months for regular dental exams and cleanings,
If you suffer from chronic bad breath, call Dr. Locke as soon as possible. Everyone experiences bad breath from time to time, but brushing and flossing (including brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper) should take care of the embarrassing odor. If it doesn’t, it could be a sign of advanced gum disease.
To avoid this, all that’s needed is a quality dental hygiene regiment and regular six-month checkups and cleanings with your dentist. At these checkups, Dr. Locke will screen your mouth for signs of gum disease so that early treatment will be effective and you’ll never have to be embarrassed by foul-smelling breath.
If you think your bad breath is from more than just the food you eat, call Dr. Locke’s dental office in Waco to reserve an appointment, and stay tuned for more information about oral symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore.