Get Halitosis under Control

It is one thing to have bad breath after eating a meal that is heavy on the onions, but it’s a problem when the odor becomes persistent and won’t go away. Halitosis is defined as chronic bad breath that won’t go away after constant brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Halitosis can be embarrassing and can leave a person feeling self-conscious, which is why our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care encourage patients to visit us twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings.

Halitosis begins inside the mouth. If you aren’t brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, at least three times a day, and flossing at least once a day, it’s time to reevaluate your oral care habits. Underlying dental conditions such as cavities, periodontal disease, and cracked fillings are also halitosis culprits. For fresher breath, you’ll need to improve your oral care routine and visit us to get the situation under control.

If you have questions or concerns about halitosis, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Avoiding Bad Breath

Bad breath can ruin a moment without you even knowing it. Whether you are sharing a car ride with a friend, at a lunch meeting, or on a date, fresh breath is a must. Fresh breath is also an indicator of a healthy mouth. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we’re giving our patients some tips on keeping fresh breath all day long.

Fresh breath comes down to a few different things; cleanliness, hydration, and food. Bacteria are what causes breathe to have an unpleasant smell. Therefore, it is important to keep a good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth two or three times per day and floss once per day. You may not think flossing has much to do with it but bacteria form between your teeth and sit there until you floss! Also, be sure to clean your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks.

Hydration is important because bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Make sure you are drinking your share of water which is on average about thirteen cups for men and nine cups for women. Also, skip drinks that can dry out your mouth such as alcohol and caffeine.

Certain foods can also contribute to bad breath. Dairy especially contains certain types of bacteria that contribute to bad smells. This why coffee is often a double whammy for creating bad breath, it has caffeine and often times it has milk or creamer. On the other hand, yogurt actually has bacteria in it that fight off the bad odor-causing bacteria. So maybe have a yogurt parfait with that cup of joe!

To learn more about dental hygiene, visit our website. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA dental practice, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Foods and Drinks to Beat Bad Breath

When it comes to fresh breath, we all know it can be hard to keep. Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA wants our patients to know how to avoid bad breath and how to fight it when it appears. Along with a good oral hygiene routine, there are foods and drinks that help battle bad breath.

Foods with vitamin C are great at killing the bacteria that reside in your mouth. Fruits like oranges, melons, and berries are high in vitamin C. They are also healthy to eat and they taste great!

Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, basil, and cilantro freshen up breath when you chew on them. They also contain chlorophyll which neutralizes odors; so these herbs work both in the short term and the long term! Another odor neutralizer is green tea. Replace coffee or soda pop with green tea. It works to kill stinky bacteria, plus it hydrates you; vital for keeping bad breath away.

One more way to fight the bacteria that cause bad breath is… more bacteria. It’s true! Eating probiotic yogurt without added sugar is great because it contains active bacteria cultures that fight the bad breath bacteria. Just be sure there is no added sugar as that will create a feeding ground for the bad bacteria.

The right foods and drinks along with great oral care do a great job at deterring bad breath. However, if you are still struggling, it may be a sign of a condition that needs more attention, like gum disease. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.