I’m Dr. Todd Goldstein of The Exchange Dental Group. Today’s post offers some answers to persistent questions about bad breath.
Q. My wife says my breath is repulsive, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
A. Bacteria can increase and stink in hidden crevices that can only be reached with floss. Time to start flossing. If your breath hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can examine other possible causes of your halitosis.
Also, keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not eliminate food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth, and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.
Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?
A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mix with the mucous and expends a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can result in smelly breath. Antihistamines can cut down post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth wet, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production, and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.
Q. What health conditions can result in bad breath?
A. As addressed before, any condition that reduces saliva generation can cause halitosis. It is also a frequent side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, you have bigger problems.
Q. Why did my breath become unbearable when I went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones were probably the culprit. Ketones are created when the body digests fat—which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, sounds like you weren’t cheating!
Contact The Exchange Dental Group:
917-967-2940
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
39 Broadway, Ste 2115 New York, New York 10003
As a major Manhattan transit hub, you can easily visit us by subway on the 6, N, Q, and R subway lines at the Wall Street station, as well as several other train stops.
