Do you find yourself constantly reaching for mints or gum throughout the day? As a dental studio, we are well versed in how embarrassing, uncomfortable, and difficult bad breath can be. Luckily, at Cakmes Dental Studio, we also know the cures for it. 

Good Oral Hygiene

Pretty much everything comes back to having good oral hygiene, so much so that we’ve detailed it in previous blogs! As a refresher, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day (don’t forget your tongue!) and floss at least once for the healthiest mouth. If you’re finding that this isn’t enough to fight off that halitosis, try brushing your teeth after every meal or strong drink, such as coffee; try to limit the amount of coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks you consume.

Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help prevent bacteria build-up. Water is the number one stimulator of saliva, which also helps to fight off bacteria. You may notice that your breath smells and tastes worse when your mouth is dry, and these are the reasons why! 

Home Remedies

If these daily routines still aren’t cutting it, there are more things that you can do at home to help reduce your halitosis. The first is to get a new (and possibly better) toothbrush. In 2021, we recommend using an electric toothbrush and tossing the manual brush to the side. The electric toothbrush helps reach more places than a manual toothbrush; it can remove more plaque buildup from your teeth and gums and ensures that you brush for a full two minutes each time. 

Ensure that you replace your toothbrush head every three to four months; new brushes remove more plaque than a heavily used one and firm bristles are more effective against preventing bacterial growth. Using an older toothbrush or toothbrush head could easily contribute to your bad breath, as you are essentially brushing your teeth with extra bacteria and fungal particles. 

Visit Your Dentist

You should schedule routine cleanings twice a year to ensure that your teeth and gums are in the best health possible. If all of the above remedies don’t work, let your dentist know! Our tools can provide a deeper cleaning and more plaque and bacterial removal. In addition, we know other tricks of the trade for fighting bad breath, such as discontinuing the use of specific medicines (as mentioned in a recent Ted Lasso episode!).

No one wants bad breath, and luckily, there are many ways to fight against it. If you or someone you know is suffering from halitosis, give these at-home remedies a shot! If you’re still not happy, head to our Knoxville, TN studio for a deeper look and a more personalized diagnosis. We’re here to help your oral hygiene be the best it can be, and minty fresh breath goes right along with that. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment or ask any questions you may have about fighting halitosis or any other ailments your mouth may present to you.

Stress is such a big part of most people’s daily lives that there is an entire day dedicated to the awareness of it all. This year, we all acknowledge the role stress plays in our lives on November 3, and we do what we can to eliminate it ahead of what some consider the most stressful two months of the year. 

Stress can manifest in many different ways; one of which is by causing problems in your mouth, such as teeth grinding, TMJ pain, gum disease, and much more. 

Grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism, is a well-known sign of stress or anxiety. The difficult part about this is that many people do it subconsciously, oftentimes in their sleep. While a night mouthguard can be a good option, it is always wise to consult your dentist to be sure that is the root cause of your pain and that there are no long-term effects from your bruxism. 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is found in the muscles and joints of your jaw. Those experiencing TMJ pain find it hard to eat, chew, and sometimes even open their mouth. There are signs to look for, including sore jaw muscles and a pop or click in your jaw. If you are experiencing jaw pain or soreness, especially while under a great amount of stress, even if you don’t hear pops or clicks, you should make an appointment to see your dentist. Stress is the number one cause of TMJ, so your dentist will work with you to find a solution that best fits your lifestyle, such as Botox. 

Stress can cause even more severe issues, such as gum disease and infections; over half of all adults in America have periodontitis, which is the most severe form of gum disease. Stress can cause a weakened immune system, which can lead to oral infections and other bacteria spreading through your gums. 

Chronic or severe stress can also manifest into dry mouth and canker sores. While a dry mouth can generally be treated by drinking plenty of water and using non-alcoholic mouthwash, you should see your dentist if you experience dry mouth often and more than just during stressful periods. Canker sores are painful sores that are formed on the tissue of your mouth. Stress can increase the risk of developing these canker sores, and each one takes between 10 and 14 days to fully heal. While most canker sores can be treated at home, you should call your dentist if you are constantly battling them. As you can see, stress has a crazy way of affecting your daily life. If you’ve noticed any of these above symptoms (or anything else relating to your mouth, gums, or teeth), give us a call. We know that everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, but we’d love to help you reduce yours – whether that’s a mouthguard to cut down on your grinding, Botox to help reduce your TMJ, or anything else that works for your specific situation.