Everyone worries about the freshness of their breath. And whether it is caused by morning breath, eating takeout food or drinking coffee and soda, it’s estimated that bad breath (or halitosis) affects one in every four people.
One of the benefits of studying to become a dental hygienist is that you learn all the secrets to perfect oral health, including how to keep your breath smelling fresh all the time!
If you are planning to enroll in dental hygiene courses, or you’ve already started your program, read on to learn more about the main causes of bad breath, and how it can be treated or prevented.
1. Unsatisfactory Dental Hygiene Habits are the Main Cause of Halitosis
Over the course of your dental hygiene diploma program, you’ll learn exactly what is needed in a person’s daily dental routine in order to keep their teeth and gums in pristine condition. Unfortunately, not everyone has this knowledge, and while most people do their best to maintain good dental hygiene habits, they can overlook small things which have a huge impact on their breath.
Professional dental hygienists know that halitosis is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, so if a patient is not brushing and flossing properly, this is likely the root of their problem. Many people have seen results after switching to an electric toothbrush, which cleans more consistently and is more efficient in getting to hard-to-reach spots in the back of the mouth.
Also, it’s important to ensure that patients use an antibacterial mouthwash that fights the root causes of bad breath, rather than a cosmetic rinse, which merely covers up one odor with another.
2. Dental Hygiene Courses Teach That Certain Foods Can Cause Bad Breath
During your dental hygiene program, you will learn that there are certain foods that should be avoided in order to prevent bad breath’no matter how tasty they may be! This is because some foods produce oils, which are carried through the bloodstream and released through the lungs, causing bad breath.
Some of the leading culprits include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spicy foods (chili, jalapeno pepper etc.)
- Cheese
Patients unwilling to give up any of these foods can reduce their effects by brushing immediately after each meal. Industry professionals also encourage patients to snack on apple slices and celery sticks. This is because the high water content found in these foods can help clear the mouth of any stray food particles.
3. Dental Hygienist School Grads Know the Importance of Proper Hydration
Dental hygiene courses teach students that ?morning breath’ is caused by dehydration. Sleep is the longest time a person’s body goes without consuming any liquid at all, and as their mouth dries up, dead cells build and cause odors. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep the mouth hydrated.
Additionally, bad habits like smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages also cause dehydration (and bad breath). Therefore, advising future patients to cut back on these will help them achieve fresher breath as well.
4. Medical Issues Outside Dental Hygiene Can Sometimes Cause Bad Breath
Not all bad breath is caused by dental hygiene issues, so if a patient has tried everything and still has not seen results, it could be a symptom of a medical condition. In fact, stomach conditions like acid reflux, as well as respiratory infections, can all lead to bad breath. In such cases, industry experts typically recommend that patients see a doctor.
Are you interested in learning more by enrolling in a dental hygienist school? Visit CADH for more information or to speak to an advisor.
