Celebrate National Fresh Breath Day!

 

It’s National Fresh Breath Day! Annually observed on August 6th, Fresh Breath Day was created to highlight the importance of oral hygiene and to stress that brushing for two minutes twice daily, flossing, tongue scraping, and keeping up with regular dental visits all help in keeping bad breath at bay.

Here are three ways to celebrate National Fresh Breath Day! 

1. Make sure you are brushing and flossing correctly.
It’s not enough to just brush and floss regularly if you aren’t doing it right! Make sure everyone in your family brushes for two full minutes at least twice a day for a thorough cleaning. And don’t forget the floss! Flossing is crucial for removing debris stuck between teeth (which can cause bad breath) - an area a toothbrush may not reach. 

2. Drink more water.
Not only does water help remove particles between teeth and but it helps boost saliva production. Drinking water helps moisten the mouth, kicking bad breath to the curb!

3. Be mindful of stinky foods.
Seems obvious, but stinky foods like onions, garlic, and even coffee, all have smells that linger long after consumption. Be mindful of what you decide to snack on today!

Have questions about improving bad breath? Give one of our offices a call or stop by our Massapequa location this weekend. We’ll be taking part in the Massapequa Park Street Fair and will be available to answer any questions and provide a tour of our office!

Fighting Bad Breath Naturally

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

As adults, bad breath is something we are all aware of, but did you know children can have halitosis too? 

What is halitosis (bad breath)?
At least 90% of bad breath cases are due to poor dental hygiene. As we eat, food is broken down by the bacteria that naturally lives in our mouths. As the food and proteins are broken down they release a gas - this gas, hydrogen sulfide vapors, is smelly.

The most common cause of halitosis in children is due to plaque buildup and poor dental hygiene. It can be difficult to ensure your children are brushing, flossing, and rinsing thoroughly each time, and missed brushings leave the mouth primed for the bad breath bacteria to begin to multiply. So we have some tips to help fight bad breath naturally:

• Choose toothpaste with Xylitol - Nature’s secret weapon, xylitol can be found in many of the fruits and vegetables we eat everyday. Xylitol aids in preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth and works to keep saliva at a more neutral pH level. Xylitol for dental use can be found in many children’s toothpastes, mouthwashes, and as a chewing gum.
• Stick to water - Encourage your child to drink more water throughout the day to help remove particles stuck between teeth as well as boost saliva production.
• Clean between teeth daily - Many areas of the mouth are somewhat self-cleansing, however the greatest entrapment area is in between the teeth. Food debris and bacteria accumulating over time will not only cause bad breath odors but can also contribute to inflammation.
• Don’t forget about the tongue - Teach your children to brush their entire tongue each time they brush their teeth. Clinical studies have shown that brushing the tongue significantly reduces and removes oral bacteria.

If your child’s bad breath doesn’t respond to the above tactics, there could be a more serious condition at hand. Make sure you have it checked immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!