At Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park, we provide comprehensive and compassionate dental care to the Chicago, IL community. Our top dentist in Chicago, Dr. Brand can offer treatment options for almost any dental concern that you may have. A common dental concern that we all experience at some point in our lives is bad breath. If you suffer from frequent bad breath, learn more about methods of preventing bad breath as well as when to see a dentist below.
Why does my breath stink in the mornings?
If you have really bad breath in the mornings, this is known as morning breath. It occurs because our saliva production slows down while we sleep. Saliva is produced to help us chew and speak properly; however, while we are asleep, we are not doing these activities, causing our mouths to become dry. Dry mouth is the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. To reduce the stench of morning breath, make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before going to bed. Additionally, utilizing a mouthwash or tongue scraper will help reduce the amount of bacteria remaining in your smile. Drinking water before bed may also help reduce your chances for developing dry mouth as you sleep.
How can I prevent bad breath?
To prevent bad breath, patients should brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day–once in the morning and once at night, before bed. Throughout the day, try to avoid especially pungent foods like those that contain notes of garlic or onion. These foods are more likely to cause bad breath. When brushing and flossing are not as convenient, patients should chew sugar-free gum or rinse their mouth out with water to prevent food residue from accumulating on their dental structures. If bad breath does not go away after improving your oral hygiene routine, there may be an underlying dental concern causing this symptom.
When should I see a dentist?
Any long-lasting bad smell or taste in your mouth should be reported to your dentist. Dental concerns like gum disease or tooth decay are very likely to cause bad breath. At Premier Dentistry, we provide the Chicago community with general dentistry services such as gum disease treatment options, dental fillings, and preventative care to assist our patients in maintaining their best dental health. If you are looking for a top dentist in Chicago, we hope you will consider visiting Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park. Schedule an appointment online today!