Posted by Aaron K Lee on Apr 14 2023, 04:41 AM
Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s especially vital for people with diabetes. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you can develop gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and infections in your mouth. If you have bad breath, here are a few helpful tips.
Brushing your teeth
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When brushing your teeth, make sure to brush for a full two minutes. Make sure to change your toothbrush every few months. Over time, the bristles of your toothbrush become worn and frayed from use. When that happens, they don’t clean as effectively. Also, get a new toothbrush after you’ve been sick. When you get sick, whether, with a cold or another illness that causes coughing and/or vomiting, you risk infecting yourself with a virus or bacterial infection that can lead to other health problems.
Flossing every day
It’s also important to floss at least once every day to remove plaque and food particles from the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque buildup and bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if it’s not removed. By flossing daily you can help prevent bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria from building up between teeth.
After you’ve brushed and flossed, remember to rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash to remove any excess debris. Rinsing with mouthwash can help eliminate bad breath and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Cleaning your dentures or dental appliances
Not cleaning your dentures or dental appliances regularly can lead to bad breath because bacteria can grow on them and cause bad breath and infection in your gums. If your dentures do not fit properly, your mouth may be missing the necessary saliva and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Unhygienic dentures can also cause bad breath or halitosis. So, clean your dental appliances regularly by brushing them and soaking them in a denture cleaning solution.
Schedule regular dental visits
Visit your dentist at least twice every year for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. Your dentist will be able to remove plaque buildup during your regular visit and ensure that there are no hidden areas in the mouth that will lead to future problems. This will help prevent bad breath as well.
If you struggle with bad breath or would like to schedule an appointment to see our dentist, please call our dental office today. We look forward to serving you soon!