At some point in your life, you’ve probably had to deal with bad breath. When you do, do you ever turn to a breath mint or chewing gum? If so you aren’t alone, but are these products really the best thing for your oral health?
In reality, using mints and gum isn’t necessarily a problem–though sugar will feed the bacteria that causes decay. Since most breath mints are made mostly from sugar, we recommend using sugar-free gum with the ADA seal of approval. In fact, chewing sugar-free gum will cover bad breath, but will also promote saliva flow. This will also wash away food particles that can lead to bad breath.
Still, please be aware that if you find yourself struggling with bad breath frequently, gum and mints may only be covering a deeper issue. For example, did you know that certain medications can adversely affect your breath? Similarly, cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay can also cause bad breath. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fight off bad breath. First, please remember to tell our dentist about any medications you are taking. Aside from preventing bad breath, telling us about medications you take can help you avoid several issues. Similarly, if you brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings, you can often avoid bad breath altogether.
Remember, brushing and flossing could be the most important thing you can do to fight off bad breath, but if it isn’t enough, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 913-685-2171. Dr. Robert P. Sherman and our team look forward to hearing from you soon!