“Heavens! Does My Breath Offend?”

Bad breath. Nobody wants it or to smell someone else’s. But everyone has icky breath at one time or another. And it’s downright unfortunate that you can have it and not even realize it. Bad breath can be caused by quite a few conditions, with some of them related to dental issues. 

At the office of Kahana Family Dental Center, our skilled dentist is an expert at diagnosing all types of dental issues. We provide all of our patients with treatments needed to maintain excellent oral health. Your care and comfort are our top priorities, and our professionals will take as much time as you need to address your every concern and explain your options in care. 

Here are some sources of bad breath. 

Your tongue. The bacteria that lurks in its nooks, crannies and on the surface are the main roots of bad breath. You can clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, but don’t use a metal scraper, as it could be sharp. 

Broken teeth and fillings. These unfortunate situations can ensnare particles of food and generate bacteria, which can cause cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Dentures that don’t fit well can also trap food particles and promote bacteria. 

Respiratory tract infections. Odor-causing bacteria stemming from bronchitis and the common cold enjoy feasting on mucus. 

Medications. Over 400 OTC and prescription meds can hamper the stream of saliva. Saliva is great at sweeping away food and bacteria. So keep your mouth damp by staying hydrated and chewing sugarless gum. 

An ulcer. Bacteria are “the bad guys” again. A strain that generates ulcers can also invite halitosis. Your doctor can find out if you have helicobacter pylori and prescribe antibiotics for it. 

A low-carb diet. When you eat more protein than carbs, your body reacts by burning fat for energy, which produces ketones. They, too, can stink up breath. Turn to sugar-free gum and mouthwash to dampen the smell. 

Kahana Family Dental Center’s professional team is made up of a friendly board-certified dentist who is eager to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the best in dental care. We will scrupulously evaluate your total oral health and patiently answer any of your questions. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.

By Kahana Family Dental Center

November 22, 2021

Many of us have a case of it when we wake up — morning breath. But for some, morning breath sticks around all day, every day. They suffer from halitosis, or bad breath, which can take a toll on one’s self-confidence and social life.

Bad breath is typically the result of poor dental hygiene — not brushing regularly or not brushing correctly, such that food particles get stuck in the teeth, allowing bacteria to throw and odors to thrive. At the office of Kahana Family Dental Center, we want all of our patients to have healthy teeth and fresh breath, so we offer you these tips to keep you feeling confident: At the office of Kahana Family Dental Center, we care about the oral health of all our patients and offer these tips to help keep your breath smelling fresh -- and you feeling confident!

• Brush and floss regularly: Do it at least twice each day. Brush after each meal to remove the food particles that can taint your breath.
• Mouthwash is the finishing touch: Rinse your mouth a mouthwash to remove any leftover debris.
• Drink up: Halitosis is a common symptom of dry mouth — where you mouth doesn’t have enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. So stay hydrated!
• Avoid certain foods and drinks: Things such as garlic, coffee, onions, and alcohol can make your breath smell.
• Stop smoking: Foul-smelling smoke particles linger in the mouth, throat, and lungs long after you stub out a cigarette, which creates a stale aroma.
• See Your Dentist Regularly: Bad breath can also be a symptom of poor oral health. That’s why regular checkups are so important — to address potential problems before they develop into real ones.

The state-of-the-art offices at Kahana Family Dental Center consistently offer the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. Our professionals pride themselves on handling all aspects of family dentistry with the utmost skill and care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call today. 

By Kahana Family Dental Center

February 24, 2021