Halitosis, or simply bad breath, is a condition that is very common in individuals. It can be embarrassing, especially if it happens at the wrong time. You might wonder why the mouth fails to smell fresh, even after brushing your teeth now and then. One of the most effective ways to fight bad breath is through regular dental cleanings. A professional can help get dental cleanings near you to keep your mouth fresh and clean.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be caused by several different reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If not done properly (brushing, flossing and more oral habits), the food particles and the plaque keep depositing on the teeth and gums. This creates growth pockets for bacteria and thus leads to bad breath.
- Food: Bad breath can also be caused by garlic onions and spicy food items because the strong smells within the food remain inside and cause bad breath.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash food particles and bacteria from your mouth; if your mouth is dry, for example, when you are sick, dehydrated, etc., it may promote the growth of bacteria and thus cause halitosis.
- Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar cause infection of the gums known as gum disease, which may lead to foul breath. Tooth decay may trap food and bacteria that can cause a foul odour.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities and tooth decay can trap food and bacteria, which can cause your breath to smell unpleasant.
What Do Dental Cleanings Have to Do with Bad Breath?
Dental cleanings are essential in the maintenance of fresh breath. When you book a cleaning session with a professional, the hygienist cleans out plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth, which has the capacity to promote bad breath. Even after daily brushing, there are certain areas in the mouth that remain difficult to reach with a toothbrush. These hard-to-reach areas can trap food and bacteria leading to bad breath. That’s where a dental cleaning comes in.
During a dental cleaning, a professional dental hygienist teeth cleaning uses special instruments to remove stains from teeth and cleanse the gums thoroughly. This helps to eliminate most of the plaque and tartar that you may have missed, reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth. And by eliminating these bacteria, dental cleanings help fight bad breath.
What Can a Cleaning Do for My Breath?
A dental cleaning can do a lot for your breath. Here’s how:
- Removes Plaque and Tartar: Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. Both plaque and tartar can cause bad breath. A dental cleaning helps to remove these harmful substances, helping to keep your mouth fresh.
- Prevents Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, happens when plaque builds up along your gums and causes them to become red, swollen, and bleed. Gum disease can make your breath smell bad. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar before it causes an infection.
- Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas: There are places in your mouth that are difficult to clean with just a toothbrush, like the spaces between your teeth or along the gum line. During a dental cleaning professional uses special tools to clean these areas. This helps remove food and bacteria that could be causing bad breath.
- Leaves Your Mouth Feeling Fresh: After a cleaning, your teeth are polished, and any leftover plaque or tartar is removed. This makes your mouth feel cleaner and fresher, helping to eliminate bad breath.
What Can I Do at Home?
While dental cleanings are important, there are things you can do at home to help keep your breath fresh. Here are some simple tips:
- Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day: Make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your teeth.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This can help keep your breath fresh and your teeth healthy.
- Drink Water: Drinking water helps keep your mouth moist, which is important for washing away food particles and bacteria. This can help reduce bad breath caused by dry mouth.
- Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash helps eliminate bacteria in your mouth and leaves your breath smelling fresh. Choose a mouthwash that fights bacteria, not just one that masks bad breath.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps clean food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Be sure to choose sugar-free gum so it doesn’t contribute to tooth decay.
How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?
Most people should visit the dentist for a cleaning every six months. However, if you have gum disease, dry mouth, or other oral health issues, your dentist may recommend more often cleanings. Regular visits to the dentist will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and ensure your breath stays fresh.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A dental cleaning usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The time depends on the condition of your teeth and gums. If you have a lot of plaque or tartar buildup, it might take a bit longer. So, if you’re wondering “dental cleaning how long does it take?”, it generally falls within this time frame.
Here is what you can expect during a dental cleaning near you :
- Examine your teeth and gums: They will check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other issues that could cause bad breath.
- Clean your teeth: Using special tools, they will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
- Polish your teeth: After the cleaning, your teeth will be polished to remove any stains and leave your smile looking shiny and fresh.
- Floss your teeth: The professional will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque and food particles.
Get Exceptional Dental Care for Your Family at Aldergrove Dental Clinic!
At Aldergrove Dental Clinic, we provide quality dental care for you and your family. Our experienced team of dentist in West Edmonton is dedicated to ensuring you feel comfortable and well cared for, whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or more specialized treatment. We focus on creating a friendly, welcoming environment, making your visit as easy and stress-free as possible.
Book an appointment today and experience quality dental care for your whole family!