Bad Breath

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Foods with strong odors will also cause bad breath and will not go away until the foods have completely passed through your body. Not brushing and flossing daily leaves particles and other bacteria on your teeth, gums, and tongue which can lead to bad breath. Tobacco use of any kind also leads to bad breath and is damaging to oral hygiene.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria creating toxins that irritate the gums. The cure to fixing bad breath is simple, maintain good oral hygiene, don’t smoke, and see your dentist regularly. While food with strong odors can cause bad breath, although it is temporary while gum disease is not.

Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. For more information on our services visit our website at www.fullertondental.com. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

National Dental Hygiene Month

We know that patients at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental practice understand the importance of oral hygiene. But are you sure you’re up to speed on your technique? Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we thought it would be a good idea to remind patients of brushing and flossing protocol so they will be less likely to develop tooth decay during the holiday season.

Parents should begin brushing their babies’ teeth from the moment the first tooth emerges. With proper care, teeth can last a lifetime, and dentures need to be brushed twice a day, as well. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be used to prevent tooth decay, but hard bristled toothbrushes are likely to damage the gums and should be avoided. Brushing sessions with a manual toothbrush should last for two minutes each. It is of vital importance to cover every tooth surface and to get close to the gum lines, where calculus accumulates.

Flossing has to be done properly to have any effect. Slide the strand all the way along the side of each tooth and use it to catch plaque with a shoeshine motion. Simply moving floss through the gap between teeth won’t accomplish anything. Another mistake is to not floss the backs of the back molars. Mouthwash can be used in combination with other hygiene products to combat bad breath, but people should brush their tongues and use a tongue scraper every day.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

How to Beat Bad Breath

Bad breath can ruin a moment, cause embarrassment, and unpleasant interactions. It is time to take control of that bad breath! Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. in our Fullerton, CA dental practice wants to inform our patients of what to look out for and what to do when bad breath makes an appearance.

Bad breath can come around every now and then or it can be chronic. It is helpful to know what is causing your bad breath. Oftentimes, it is bacteria that cause the foul odors.

To eliminate bad-breath-causing bacteria, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important. Also be sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Bacteria thrive when the mouth dries out, so when using mouthwash, it helps to use one that does not have alcohol in it. Also try to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. For a caffeine kick, green tea actually deodorizes some of the bacteria causing the bad breath.

When bad breath is caused from potent food like onions or garlic, there are tricks for eating and drinking that may help out. Try eating fruit or veggies that are high in properties that fight the onion and garlic breath. Some of these include apples, peaches, spinach, and potatoes. Also try chewing mint or parsley leaves. As mentioned before green tea may help. Milk and cranberries may help, as well.

When bad breath is getting you down, remember these simple reminders! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S., call us at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

Why Water is Your Teeth’s Best Friend

If you’re one of those people who don’t drink enough water, then you should know that the clear, tasteless liquid is actually essential for achieving good health. This is because your body is between 60 to 65 percent water, and the liquid is used for a variety of bodily functions. Your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste and lubricate your joints, and staying hydrated helps it function better as a whole. In addition to these benefits, water is also an important player in your oral health. Many dentists even consider water to be teeth’s best friend.

One of the many benefits that drinking water can provide our mouths is that it can help prevent bad breath. In fact, one of the most common causes of bad breath is dehydration. When there is not enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria is provided a suitable environment in which to thrive, and this can cause bad odors. By drinking water, you can cut down on these smelly bacteria.  

However, bacteria in the mouth do more than smell. The bacteria that cause bad breath are also the cause of cavities and gum disease, so drinking water can help keep your mouth healthy in addition to less smelly. Water provides a great way to keep your teeth clean between brushings since it is able to wash away foods and liquids that can damage your teeth. While it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing altogether, drinking water with your meal or afterward can wash away the acid and particles that can erode enamel and attract bacteria.

Seeing a dentist is also a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine, and in Fullerton, CA, Dr. Eric Meyer has the skill and experience to provide the care you need for optimal oral health. Call 714.879.7943 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.