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Oftentimes, bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene or something that you ate. Even being under an ultra-stressful situation can cause it! And we all know what morning breath is like. Bad breath happens to everyone, and there are several causes behind it. But did you know that unpleasant breath might be a sign that there’s a more serious underlying health issue to blame? It’s true! Having an understanding of the reasons for bad breath that are cause for alarm is one step that you can take towards maintaining your health. So keep reading to learn about some of the main bad breath causes that may indicate something serious is going on.   When Bad Breath Is More Than Just Stinky Your bad breath might be a signal that something is wrong elsewhere in your body. And your doctor might be able to test your breath for the levels of specific gases that can help pinpoint what’s amiss. If your breath has high levels of acetone, diabetes might be to blame. If your breath is high in nitric oxide, you might have asthma. Too much ammonia in the breath might indicate renal failure. If your breath has a lot of methylamine, you might be suffering from kidney disease or liver disease. A mix of gases in your breath might even alert your doctor to throat cancer. Who knew your breath could tell doctors so much?! Bad Breath and Gut Problems Bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of might indicate that the problem really starts in your gut. Did you know that bad breath might be a sign that you have a stomach ulcer? There will likely be other symptoms, though, such as pain in your stomach, heartburn, and difficulty eating. If you have a bowel disorder, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or poor digestion, you might end up with bad breath too. Even constipation may lead to unpleasant breath. So be sure to eat plenty of fiber to stay regular! Bad Breath, Gum Disease, and Heart Disease What goes on in your mouth might cause bad breath, but it can also cause damage in other parts of your body as well. That’s why it’s important to take it seriously when you have persistent halitosis. Many people don’t know this, but the bad breath that comes from gum disease might be a sign that you also need to check your heart health. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s important to realize that treatment is necessary, as allowing it to progress might put your ticker at risk. Basically, inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease might increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. So, seeing your dentist for treatments to get rid of the gum disease may help you achieve fresher breath and a stronger heart. What Does Your Breath Smell Like? Smelling your breath might help you narrow down what’s causing it to occur despite your best efforts at keeping your mouth clean. Fruity odor = diabetes Fishy odor = kidney disease Fecal odor = bowel obstruction Sour milk odor = lactose intolerance Rotting odor = lung disease These aren’t to say you have these conditions, please consult a doctor. If you’re experiencing other symptoms, in addition to halitosis, it’s certainly worth getting a checkup. Just keep in mind that, to diagnose these conditions, your doctor will need to evaluate more than just your breath. Other Health Problems That Are Also Bad Breath Causes We’re not done just yet. There are several other conditions that may lead to bad breath. They include: Infections in the mouth Sinus problems, such as postnasal drip Tonsil infections Respiratory infections Blood disorders Metabolic disorders Talk to Your Dentist About Chronic Bad Breath Are you suffering from bad breath and you just can’t figure out how to freshen it up? Consider making an appointment with your dentist to get a cleaning and discuss your oral hygiene routine. That way, you can determine if you’re doing enough at home to keep your mouth as bacteria-free as possible. Plus, your dentist will also be able to evaluate your entire mouth to see if the halitosis is coming from something like gum disease or an infected tooth, as a couple of examples. If, after seeing your dentist and getting the all-clear, you’re still combating nasty breath, it might be time to see your doctor to discuss what’s been going on, as there may be something in another part of your body that’s causing the off-putting odor. With the right treatment plan, you’ll be able to get your health back on track, and you won’t have to be embarrassed by bad breath anymore.   Sources: https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bad-breath-health/ https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bad-breath-health/ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath https://www.listerine.com/fresh-breath/causes-bad-breath https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321397 https://www.prevention.com/health/g20431473/5-types-of-bad-breath-and-what-they-say-about-your-health/ https://www.drstevenlin.com/types-of-bad-breath-and-causes/

Are you brushing your teeth the right way? You might think so, but you might actually be missing a few key pointers to ensure you thoroughly clean every surface of every tooth as best as possible.Brushing the correct way is important, so it’s always wise to refine your technique. After all, the better you can brush your teeth at home, the more impressed your dental hygienist will be—and the less work she’ll have to do when you go for a cleaning!Ready to start brushing your teeth like a pro? Follow our easy step-by-step guide below to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level.Just Remember: It’s All About the AnglePositioning your toothbrush just right can make a world of difference. Experts recommend getting your toothbrush to be at a 45° angle to your gums. Then, once it’s at the correct angle, you can gently move the brush in short, circular strokes that are about the width of each tooth.When it’s time to brush the inner surfaces of the front teeth, you can change things up a bit by moving the brush so that it is in a vertical position. Then, you can brush up and down those surfaces to clean them.Note: There’s no need to brush aggressively. Using too much pressure can do more harm than good, as it can lead to enamel erosion and gum damage. Instead, focus on using the right angle and strokes to get the job done.Step 1: Brush the Outer Surfaces of the TeethStart by brushing the outer surfaces of all of your teeth.You might decide to start in the front of your mouth, or you could start in the back of your mouth and then make your way around to the other side.You can either start with your top teeth or your bottom teeth first. Just make sure that you go all the way around so you don’t miss any spots.Note: After using the brush at the 45° angle mentioned above, you can gently roll the bristles away from the gums to ensure you remove debris from the entire tooth surface.Step 2: Brush the Inner Surfaces of the TeethOnce you’ve brushed the outer surface of your upper and lower tooth, from the back to the front, it’s time to repeat the process with the inner surfaces of all of those teeth.Yet again, you can start in the back on one side of your mouth, either the upper or lower teeth, and work your way around, following the directions regarding the correct angle to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Don’t forget to change the angle when you get to the inside of the front teeth.Step 3: Brush the Chewing Surfaces of the TeethNext, it’s time to get the chewing surface of every tooth clean.As you did for the other surfaces of your teeth, you can begin with the back molars on one side of the mouth and make your way around. If you start with your upper teeth, get them completely clean before moving on to the lower teeth, or vice versa.For the chewing surface, which is uneven rather than smooth, you can use a back and forth motion to clean it out.Step 4: Brush Your TongueYou can use a special tongue cleaner or your toothbrush to clean your tongue. This can help combat bacteria and bad breath.When brushing your tongue, don’t press too hard. Be gentle, and use circular motions to clean the surface and freshen up your mouth.Step 5: RinseFinally, you can rinse off your toothbrush, and rinse out your mouth with some water.For extra refreshment, you can even finish up by rinsing with some mouthwash.That’s it! You’re all done until your next brushing session.It Only Takes Two Minutes, Twice a DayBrush your teeth using the technique discussed above for about two minutes per brushing session. And brush once in the morning and once before bed, at a minimum. Follow your dentist’s instructions if you need to brush your teeth more often than that.Tip - Some electric toothbrushes come with convenient features, like timers and apps, that can help guide you through the brushing process.You’ve Heard This Before: Don’t Forget to Floss!Although we’ve covered the proper teeth brushing technique, it’s important to mention that flossing at least once a day is a vital component to a smart at-home oral hygiene routine.Your toothbrush can’t get all the way in between your teeth, but your floss can, so you don’t want to miss out on using this tool to really freshen up and clean your mouth.Do You Need to Upgrade Your Toothbrush?As with anything else, when you have the right tools, the job of cleaning your teeth can become a lot easier. These days, you have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting a toothbrush, as there are loads of manual and electric brushes that can help you thoroughly and efficiently clean your chompers.Stick with a toothbrush that’s comfortable to use and has soft bristles (toothbrushes with flexible heads might be more comfortable for some people)The toothbrush should be able to get into hard-to-reach places, including all the way to the back of the mouth and your wisdom teethWhen is it time to replace a toothbrush? Well, if the bristles start to look frayed or damaged in any way, that’s a surefire sign it’s time for a replacement. Otherwise, you can stick with the basic rule of replacing the brush every three to four months.Are You Doing a Good Job? Your Dentist Can Tell!The best way to be certain that you’re doing a superb job of brushing your teeth at home is by seeing your dentist for regular checkups. He or she can take a look at your teeth and let you know whether or not you need to make some changes to your technique. And with great dental insurance, you can rest assured that a professional cleaning will take care of anything that you missed.Now that you know all about the proper teeth brushing technique, you can take yet another smart step towards maintaining your oral health, avoiding problems like gum disease and cavities, and keeping your smile bright and beautiful! Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-brush-your-teeth-five-steps-for-a-healthy-smile-0913https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teethhttps://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/MouthHealthy/Files/Kids_Section/ADAHowToBrush_Eng.pdf?la=enhttps://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-brush-your-teeth-1058985

Do you tend to hit the sack without brushing your teeth first? Uh oh, that’s a big no-no if you want to keep your teeth and gums clean and strong. Even if you’re feeling really tired, taking just a couple of minutes (literally two minutes is all it takes!) to brush your chompers is important, as it can make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Skeptical about the importance of brushing your teeth before bed? Then keep reading to learn about why this needs to become a part of your nighttime routine. The Gross Stuff That’s Left Behind When You Don’t Brush at Night Okay, so you’re brushing your teeth every morning because you want to freshen your breath before heading out the door, right? That’s good. But if you think that that’s going to be enough to keep your teeth healthy, think again. You absolutely need to brush your teeth before bed because what grows in your mouth overnight can wreak havoc, and sticking to an only-in-the-morning brushing routine isn’t going to cut it. Oral bacteria, which you would’ve gotten rid of by brushing before bed, can proliferate overnight while you sleep. What’s worse, that bacteria create waste that’s acidic and leads to tooth decay. Yuck! The production of saliva decreases while you sleep, which means your teeth and gums are left vulnerable to the bacteria that are having a party in your mouth. Food particles left behind from every single thing you ate throughout the day will end up sitting on your teeth, helping to feed that nasty bacteria, especially since you’re not making as much saliva to help wash those food particles away. The foods  that you eat, along with the beverages you drink, throughout the day, can make your mouth more acidic, and that can also feed harmful bacteria. So, when you brush both in the morning and at night, you’re basically getting in the way of bacterial growth. Failing to brush before bed can contribute to the development of plaque on the teeth. And that plaque can then harden into tartar that contributes to decay and gum disease. While you’re asleep, your body is at rest and in repair mode. If you haven’t brushed your teeth, it’s harder for your mouth to heal because of all of the bacteria that are growing. Side note: When you run your tongue across your teeth and it feels like something fuzzy or sticky is growing on them, what you’re feeling is plaque. Want to maintain that smooth feeling you get after a dental cleaning? Brush your teeth twice a day, including at bedtime. Hoping to Avoid Really Bad Morning Breath? Brush Before Bed! Brushing your teeth before bed is a smart way to help prevent a host of problems, from gum disease to cavities, that no one wants to deal with. But beyond protecting you from the scary stuff, the simple act of a two-minute brushing session may also help ward off awful morning breath  . You might still wake up with embarrassing bad breath even if you do brush before going to sleep. But it more than likely won’t be nearly as bad as it would be if you just went straight to bed without brushing away all of the food particles, bacteria, and plaque on your teeth and along your gums. Your Dental Hygienist Will Be Proud When you brush your teeth twice a day, you’ll be getting rid of plaque before it hardens on your teeth. This means your dental hygienist won’t have to work as hard when you go in for your professional teeth cleanings  . High five! On the other hand, if you let all of that plaque harden into tartar, your hygienist will be the only one who will be able to get rid of it. At-home brushing won’t be enough to remove it at that point. So, keep yourself and your hygienist happy by brushing twice daily. Brushing as Part of Your Nighttime Routine: A Necessity Although it’s such a simple task, it’s common to go to bed without brushing every once in a while. If you’re not feeling well, you’re super tired, or you’re traveling, you might skip a brushing session here and there. As long as you don’t make a habit of it, you’re on the right track. And, even if you do brush twice a day and floss  once a day, it’s still important to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings to keep your smile beautifully bright.   Sources: https://beaversdentistry.com/dont-skip-brushing-bed-heres/ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/forgot-to-brush-teeth-gross_n_5800102 https://www.vice.com/en/article/paa4w8/is-it-gross-to-not-brush-my-teeth-before-bed https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/importance-of-brushing-before-sleeping-13874/post https://askthedentist.com/brush-before-bed/

Do you have a habit of chewing on ice? It turns out that what seems like a totally harmless thing is actually quite harmful for your teeth. What’s wrong with eating ice? We cover the basics below so you can make smarter choices to protect your pearly whites. Your Enamel Might Be Suffering! Enamel, which is the strong, protective outer layer of your teeth, might be damaged by your ice chewing habit. Basically, the ice can cause wear and tear, and potentially even lead to microfractures, which may then make your teeth vulnerable to breaking. Who knew?! Plus, as the enamel is damaged, you might also notice increased sensitivity, particularly to cold and hot beverages and foods. Ouch! If you want to keep your enamel strong, avoiding acidic fruits and beverages is one way, but avoiding chewing on ice is another. Your Gums Could Become Irritated, and That Might Lead to Infection Healthy gums are necessary if you want to have strong teeth as you get older. But did you know that the simple act of eating ice might cause you to cut into or puncture your gums? And what seems, at first, like a little wound may even end up resulting in a more serious problem, such as an infection. Yikes! If you need to refresh your mouth, consider placing small pieces of ice on your tongue and allowing them to melt. This can help you avoid chomping down on a big piece of ice and cutting your gums in the process. Chewing Ice Is a Cavity Risk Want to avoid cavities? Who doesn’t?! Well, it turns out that you might be increasing your risk of developing cavities if you keep chewing on ice. We know it can be hard to believe—how is it even possible that ice, which is made of water, could lead to cavities? Well, it goes back to damaging your enamel. Once your enamel is compromised, your risk of cavities increases. Also, the thing is that, when you chew on a piece of ice, you run the risk of not only damaging your enamel, but also of chipping a tooth, cracking it, or even breaking a crown or filling. Every bit of damage makes your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria getting in and wreaking havoc, to the point that you develop cavities that need to be treated. Eating Ice All the Time Might Indicate Another Health Problem Do you find it really hard to not chew on ice all the time? Then it may be worth talking to your doctor about your craving for ice cubes. It turns out that this habit might be caused by conditions like iron deficiency anemia, dehydration, and nutritional problems. Mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and pica, might even be to blame. Or you might just be under a lot of stress that needs to be brought under control if one of your coping methods is chewing ice. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your health to figure out what the root cause of your chewing-on-ice addiction is. Then, he or she can direct you to the appropriate treatment so you can bring your body back into a state of balance and stop putting your dental health at risk. Have Your Dentist Check Your Teeth for Signs of Damage from Ice If you tend to chew on ice a lot, your dentist will be able to assess the state of your teeth and gums to let you know if your habit is doing any damage. And with the right Spirit dental insurance plan, you can see your dentist on a regular basis, so you’ll be able to catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. Ice: Seems Harmless, but It Isn’t When it comes to your teeth and gums, ice can do a surprising amount of damage, particularly when you chew on it. Consulting with your dentist and/or doctor, and replacing your ice chewing habit with healthier habits that won’t wreck your teeth, is definitely the way to go.   Sources: https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/chewing-ice/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321999 https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-ice https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/chewing-ice

Wisdom teeth, the last ones to grow in when you’re an adult, are notorious for causing problems. Many people end up with impacted wisdom teeth that require treatment or removal  to avoid oral health complications. How can you know if you have one or more impacted wisdom teeth? Check out this list of some of the main symptoms to learn more about the issues that these teeth might cause.   Different Types of Impactions First off, it’s important to cover the fact that there are different types of wisdom tooth impactions  , and the type of impaction that you have may affect the symptoms that you experience. If a wisdom tooth is lying completely on its side, at a 90° angle, it’s called a horizontal impaction. If a wisdom tooth is facing the front of your mouth or angled forward, it’s called a mesioangular impaction. If a wisdom tooth is facing the back of your mouth or angled away from the rest of your teeth, it’s called a distoangular impaction. If a wisdom tooth hasn’t erupted completely through the gums, despite being on the correct angle, it’s called a vertical impaction. Note: A big problem with wisdom teeth is that they can be harder to keep clean, especially when they are impacted. They’re way in the back of your mouth after all! So, if you aren’t really diligent about your oral hygiene routine and dental checkups, those teeth might be at a greater risk of decay and gum disease  . What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth? An impacted wisdom tooth could cause a host of problems. For example, it might end up damaging nearby teeth, or it might become infected. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, let your dentist know, as they might indicate that you have an impacted tooth: Gums that are red, tender, bleeding, or swollen Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or pain in the jaw Jaw ache or headache Pain or difficulty when opening the mouth Unpleasant taste in the mouth, particularly when eating Bad breath Swollen lymph nodes within your neck Or, you might not experience any symptoms! That’s why it’s wise to see your dentist on a regular basis. The x-rays that are taken during checkups will help your dentist get a good look at your wisdom teeth. And an oral examination can also alert him or her to any other indications that your wisdom teeth are doing more harm than good. The Severity of the Symptoms Might Serve as a Clue If there is pain, swelling, or an infection that’s being caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, it is likely going to be pretty intense. For example, you might experience throbbing pain that radiates from the back of your mouth in the area of an impacted wisdom tooth. And the pain might become increasingly more severe as other teeth become affected. Ouch! Note: In more serious, and rare, cases, a cyst or a (usually benign) tumor might form around an impacted wisdom tooth. These can cause damage to other teeth, as well as the jaw and nerves. Scary for sure! Don’t Hesitate to See Your Dentist Just remember, seeing your dentist  regularly is important, not only for keeping your gums strong and your teeth cavity-free but also for getting x-rays to keep an eye on your wisdom teeth. Plus, your dentist might figure out that something is wrong before you even start having symptoms! Getting the problem of impacted wisdom teeth treated sooner rather than later is the way to go, as doing so may help reduce the risk of other problems developing. We know it can be stressful to think that you might need to have a wisdom tooth extracted. But it will be worth it if it means you eliminate unpleasant symptoms and the complications that would occur if the tooth were left alone to get worse.   Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808 https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/wisdom-teeth/impacted-wisdom-teeth-symptoms-types-removal https://www.dentalvibe.com/dentalvibe-blog/impacted-wisdom-teeth/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/wisdom-teeth/impacted-tooth

Let’s say your dentist has diagnosed you with gingivitis. Uh-oh! What do you do now? Well, the good news is that this condition is treatable and reversible, so there are some steps that you can take to get your gum health back on track and prevent further damage.What Causes Gingivitis in the First Place?Gingivitis is a form of gum disease  , so it sounds scary, no doubt about it. Luckily, though, this is the mild and early stage of gum disease. Remember, it is reversible, so all hope is not lost! However, it is imperative that you tackle this problem now before it progresses and starts to put your teeth at risk.When it comes to what causes gingivitis, it all boils down to one thing: plaque. It’s that simple. The nasty, sticky film that ends up on your teeth after eating and drinking will harbor nasty bacteria, as well as create toxins.As plaque sits on your teeth and along your gum line, your poor gums will become irritated, red, tender, and swollen, especially as it hardens into tartar. Before long, your gums will even bleed  surprisingly easily, such as when you brush and floss.You probably already guessed that attacking plaque and getting rid of it is the key to eliminating, as well as preventing, gingivitis, but catching it in its earliest stages is the best way to make the process easier. That’s why seeing your dentist regularly can come in extremely handy.Other Factors That Might Contribute to GingivitisHere are a few of the risk factors that might put you at a greater risk of developing gum ailments:Dry mouth Smoking and chewing tobaccoCertain medicationsGeneticsHormonal changesCertain medical conditions, such as those that impact your immune system, as well as fungal infections and viral infectionsPoorly fitting dental restorations Misaligned teethYour Dentist Will Get You on the Road to Healthy GumsHaving gingivitis is a bummer. Thankfully, it can be treated relatively easily. Your dentist might start by recommending a professional cleaning.A dental hygienist can work on removing all of the plaque that has accumulated on your teeth, and that you wouldn’t be able to get rid of on your own. And the hygienist can also use scaling to remove tartar from the teeth and gums, as well as root planing to further help with healing the gums.Pro tip: Get yourself one of the affordable Spirit Dental plans available, as they cover not one, not two, but three professional cleanings  per year. Score!You Can Do Things at Home Too!If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, your dentist  might tell you that you need to step up your oral hygiene routine at home.Here are some of the things that your dentist will likely recommend that you do, broken down into a simple three-step process:Improve your brushing routine by brushing twice a day, for a total of two minutes each time. Brush your teeth thoroughly, but also make sure you get that gum line nice and clean too. Don’t be too rough, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you avoid irritating the gums. You might even consider using an electric toothbrush that comes with a built-in timer and a brush head that is designed to help clean along the gum line.Flossing between your teeth, all the way to the gum line is another smart way to alleviate gingivitis. Because you’ll be able to effectively remove all of those food particles that feed plaque, flossing is definitely an important stepFinally, you can also try an antibacterial mouthwash that will attack bacteria. Swishing it around your mouth for a bit can help you target areas of your mouth that are hard to reach with a brush and floss.Be consistent in your efforts. Although a professional cleaning is the foundation that gets you started on the road towards clean, strong gums, the rest is up to you. By following a strict oral hygiene routine at home after a cleaning, your gums should be able to heal, often after just a few days or weeks.A Quick Final Note: Even What You Eat Might Have an Impact!Watching what you eat  might help you keep your chompers and gums healthy. For example, incorporating more fruits and veggies, while eliminating high-sugar foods and beverages from your diet, are a couple of ways that you can do good things every day for your mouth. A balanced diet will provide your body with important nutrients, like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C, which support teeth and gums.Keep an Eye on Your Oral Health by Seeing Your DentistThe simple act of seeing your dentist regularly throughout the year is a wise way to prevent, as well as treat, gingivitis. Your dentist will be able to carefully examine your mouth and look for the earliest hints that gum issues are developing. Then, he or she will be able to give you advice on what you should do next, whether you need to change the way you do things at home, or you need a good professional cleaning to set you on the right track first. On the other hand, if you avoid seeing your dentist and getting your cleanings when you should, you run the risk of developing gingivitis and not realizing until it’s already quite advanced.Gingivitis is something that you should take seriously, as it could lead to serious dental problems in the long run. But if you’re diligent about your oral care routine and you catch it in time, there are methods that you can use to help your gums heal, so it isn’t all bad news after all. Sources:https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gingivitis-home-treatment https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/what-to-do-if-you-spot-gingivitis-symptoms https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/how-to-fight-gingivitis-in-three-easy-steps https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354459 https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gingivitis-symptoms-causes-treatments/ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing