It’s impossible to ignore someone with bad breath. And it is painfully embarrassing to find out that “you” have it. This is especially true if you discover that a current or potential romantic partner is avoiding you due to this condition.
The problem is that the causes are easily overlooked. There is no pain during the early and mid stages of periodontal disease, and it’s difficult to determine if you have unpleasant breath unless you know what the subtle symptoms are. Most people can’t smell their own breath, or they get used to it, so it’s not easy to determine whether it is bad.
Although having fresh breath is important to most people, it’s hard to face the possibility that yours might smell like a rotting garbage dump. Judging by the number of fresh breath products, many people apparently rely on these items to ensure that they don’t have bad breath. They do a fair job, but only for a short time. Suppose you have periodontal disease, cavities, or other dental problems. In that case, your efforts to mask the odor with rinses, sprays, gums, and mints will only partially cover the smell of bad breath, while also aggravating and perpetuating the underlying causes.
Before we cover the protocol for fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums, I need to address two of the leading causes of bad breath. They are periodontal disease and tobacco use. (Don’t worry, this won’t be another sermon about the dangers of smoking, but rather an inspirational message for finally quitting.) I’ll follow this with a brief review of the health benefits of good oral health. Then we’ll get into the protocol.
One of the leading causes of bad breath is periodontal disease. Periodontology is a dental specialty that deals with the supporting structures (bones and gums) of teeth and the diseases and conditions that affect them. Here are the symptoms of periodontal disease.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing.
- Receding gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Persistent bad taste in your mouth.
- Bad breath (dah!)
If you experience any of these symptoms, I strongly recommend consulting a dentist or periodontist immediately.
The leading cause of periodontal disease and bad breath is… You guessed it, smoking! It doesn’t matter if you smoke tobacco or chew it; the outcome is the same.
Not only is smoking a serious risk to your health, but it can also damage your teeth and gums (periodontal disease). This damage causes bad breath and a nasty tobacco smell in your mouth.
One of the insidious things about smoking is a person’s inability to notice that they have smoker’s breath. I was genuinely shocked when I discovered how bad the smell was after I quit smoking. I was absolutely disgusted by the breath of heavy smokers and amazed at how oblivious they were to it.
Then there’s the issue of staining from smoking and chewing. The staining was one of the primary motivations for me to quit smoking and give up coffee.
If you want fresh breath and white teeth, there is only one choice: quit smoking! If you want some guidance and inspiration on how to stop this and other bad habits, check out these books under the category “Addiction Cures.”
Health Benefits of Good Oral Health
The health benefits of good oral health are well-documented. Many scientific reports state that gum disease is linked to several serious health issues, including heart disease & stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and pregnancy problems.
Those are some serious health problems. Putting aside the bad breath issue, these potential problems should be enough to motivate you to maintain excellent oral health.
Protocol for Fresh Breath & Healthy Teeth and Gums
The following protocol may seem overwhelming at first, but here is what you can expect if you follow it. Within a short time (about 4-6 weeks), you will have fresher breath, whiter teeth, healthier gums, and a reduced likelihood of getting cavities. In the long term, you can significantly improve or eliminate your bad breath, gum disease, and susceptibility to cavities.
Some people are more prone to gum disease and cavities than others. Therefore, you’ll need to adjust the frequency and precision of your cleaning protocol to suit your specific situation.
Protocol
Get Regular Dental Checkups
Getting a checkup with a reputable dentist or periodontist is the first step in eliminating bad breath and attaining excellent oral health. If you have a problem or haven’t seen a dentist in over a year, you should schedule an appointment right away. It’s advisable to get a checkup once a year.
If you are going to a dentist and a periodontist, I don’t see any reason to have checkups with both of them yearly unless you have problems in both areas, specifically with your teeth and gums. If your problem is entirely periodontal, consider postponing your dentist visit until you need their services. Your periodontist will identify any issues that require a dentist’s attention.
Find & Select the Best Dentist for You!
One way to find a good dentist is to ask family and friends for recommendations. Another method is to ask professionals you do business with, such as your physician, attorney, or accountant.
If you come across a dental office with multiple dentists and are unsure which one to choose, here’s what to do. When you call to inquire about their services and pricing, tell the receptionist the qualities you value in a dentist, then ask them to suggest one. You can use the same strategies in selecting a hygienist. I also tell them I want a dentist with a positive approach and knowledge of the latest dental procedures. And a hygienist who is meticulous, thorough, and patient.
In addition, search for each of their names online to find patient review ratings. Be sensitive to reviews that appear to be solicited (requested or incentivized) by the dentist versus those that are not. Unsolicited reviews are the most reliable. This would be true of any business.
Get the Best Deal
There is a wide range in the fees dentists charge for their services. To get the best deal, call at least three dentists and ask them these questions.
- Do you have new patient specials? Look for specials throughout your research.
- What are the fees for the initial exam and annual check-ups? There is no need for a dentist to perform checkups more frequently than once a year, unless you have a serious problem that requires follow-up care. Be wary of any dentist who insists on an exam and x-rays every six months, as this is usually unnecessary.
- What is the cost of X-rays for the initial exam and annual checkups? The cost of yearly checkups should be lower.
- How much do you charge for hygienist cleanings? A hygienist usually spends more time cleaning your teeth than a doctor does. A dentist without hygienists is a concerning sign.
- If you have a specific need when you call, such as a cavity, a chipped tooth, or another issue, be sure to ask for an estimated cost for that as well.
- When you go in for your initial exam, ask the dentist for a written estimate of any additional work you would like done. Once you receive the estimate, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price down. If the work is extensive and/or it’s not covered by insurance, it’s a good idea to get two more estimates from other dentists. That way, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal, you’re in the best negotiating position, and you’re acquiring as much information as you can.
- If you don’t have insurance, ask for their cash price. Most dentists offer a discount if you pay cash and don’t have insurance. Cash doesn’t mean that you literally have to give them cash. It just means that they don’t have to process your insurance claim, which saves them money. Most will accept credit cards or checks. Additionally, consider joining a discount dental plan. These plans offer savings on most dental procedures and more.
Get Regular Cleanings with a Hygienist
Regularly getting your teeth cleaned is key to maintaining fresh breath and excellent oral health. If you have bad breath, this procedure is essential for eliminating it.
You should have your teeth cleaned at least every 6 months. If you have had or are susceptible to periodontal disease, cavities, or any other dental problems, you should have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months. Once you get your particular problem under control, you may be able to reduce this frequency.
If you can find a good hygienist, each visit will be a pleasant experience with minimal discomfort, if any, and you’ll have squeaky-clean teeth and fresh breath at the end. And if you do it at the frequency I recommended, you won’t have to worry about having bad breath.
Because seeing a hygienist is particularly important in my situation, I get my teeth cleaned every three months. I never get cavities. I’ve actually switched dentists because I was unhappy with both of his hygienists. If your dentist or periodontist has several hygienists, do not hesitate to try another one if you are dissatisfied. I did this twice at an office that had about six hygienists. I eventually found one whom I really liked much more than the first two.
Clean Your Tongue with a Tongue Cleaner
The tongue is a major contributor to bad breath if it isn’t regularly cleaned. And it must be done correctly to eliminate the source of the odor. The secret is to reach back as far as you can with the scraper. You may experience a mild choking sensation initially, but it will subside over time.
While periodontal pockets (created by gum disease) and cavities harbor harmful, odor-causing organisms like bacteria, the tongue is a collector of them. The tongue not only attracts organisms and other material in your mouth, but it also collects the junk that is expelled from your lungs and sometimes from your digestive system. As you breathe in various microscopic particles, oxygen, and other gases during the day, your lungs work to expel the bad stuff, especially during physical exertion and while you sleep. That’s one of the reasons you have bad breath when you wake up in the morning and after exercising.
If you don’t clean your tongue regularly, all the bad-breath-causing materials accumulate, grow, and produce more odor. This nasty stuff also aggravates and perpetuates periodontal and dental problems.
As you can see, it’s essential to clean your tongue to maintain fresh breath. To achieve the best results and minimize the risk of bad breath, I suggest cleaning your tongue with a tongue cleaner at these times.
- The first time you visit the bathroom in the morning. Follow this by rinsing out your mouth thoroughly with water, or better yet, with mouthwash (alcohol free).
- Before each teeth brushing session.
- After all, high-exertion activities like exercise, sports, physical work, and sex.
- After oral sex. (It had to be said.)
Use an Interdental Brush to Reach Isolated Areas
An interdental brush is a tiny tapered or cylinder-shaped brush that you insert into a handle, or it comes pre-installed with a handle that is usually much smaller. This miniature brush is designed to reach areas between your teeth that are inaccessible with a toothbrush or floss. It is in these hard-to-reach areas where the causes of bad breath occur.
Examples of these locations include areas with braces, bridges, attached double crowns, and implants. Because keeping these areas clean is crucial to preserving these devices, it is best to use an interdental brush.
Use Dental Floss Daily
If you think about it, the best way to remove plaque between your teeth is with dental floss. It performs better than a water flosser, which excels in other ways. The areas between your teeth are where most problems occur for those who are too lazy or unaware to floss. And when it comes to bad breath, this is one of the leading causes.
So flossing becomes a key component in the formula for fresh breath. However, for it to be effective, it must be done correctly. Quick, careless flossing does little good. There are no shortcuts, but there is a way to make it much easier.
After you have learned to floss properly by following your hygienist’s instructions and watching yourself in the mirror, you can do it while watching television. It might be a little awkward at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll be giving yourself a thorough flossing while enjoying your favorite TV program. I’ve been doing it for years, and it works great.
Be sure to always wash your hands just before flossing.
Use a Power Toothbrush
The difference between a manual and a power toothbrush in terms of efficiency and technology is akin to the difference between a horse and a jetliner for travel from San Francisco to New York. This is an extreme comparison, but it’s absolutely true.
The ability of a power toothbrush to clean your teeth and stimulate your gums is vastly superior to that of a manual toothbrush. If you brushed your teeth for three hours straight, you’d still fall immensely short in the cleaning ability of a power toothbrush. At 30,000 strokes per minute, the superiority of a power toothbrush is unquestionable.
To eliminate and prevent bad breath, a power toothbrush must be used properly. How? Read the instructions carefully!
I’ve been using the Sonicare for years and have had phenomenal results. My hygienists are always amazed at how clean my teeth are. I attribute this, in part, to my use of the Sonicare. One of the best things about the Sonicare is its outstanding warranty and customer support. The Sonicare comes with a two-year warranty. I’ve had them instantly replace two of my units at the slightest hint of a problem at no charge to me, including shipping. They just shipped me a new one without requiring that I return the old one. I loved it.
Use an Oral Irrigator (also called a water flosser)
An oral irrigator can clean areas that no other dental cleaning product can reach. These areas include those at and below the gum line, around braces and implants, pockets, and between tight teeth, where food particles become trapped, plaque accumulates, and harmful, odor-causing bacteria grow.
When it comes to bad breath, these are the areas where the odor-causing problems occur. Therefore, to maintain fresh breath, it is essential to keep these areas clean. Periodontal pockets and other troublesome areas can heal if you keep them clean. An oral irrigator can do this where no other dental cleaning device can.
I am always surprised when several food particles wash into the sink as I am using this device, even though I have already completed every step of the protocol. This shows the tremendous value of this cleaning tool.
The oral irrigator closes the last remaining gap in the protocol for achieving teeth and gums that are as clean as possible.
I’ve been using a Waterpik for years. It has made a tremendous difference in helping me maintain excellent oral health. The Waterpik
I am very diligent when it comes to warranties. I keep track of when they end. If I detect the slightest problem during the warranty period, I contact the product’s customer service department. I’ve had extraordinary success using a strategy I developed to maximize the benefits of warranties. I describe it here: How to Get the Most from Warranties.
Use Mouth Wash & Other Dental Rinses
Many good mouthwash and dental rinse products are continually coming onto the market. I think it’s a good idea to complete the protocol with a quality mouthwash and/or dental rinse. Quality doesn’t have to be expensive.
I have found that the generic and store brands have the same ingredients as the heavily advertised products. There is one ingredient you should avoid: alcohol! It burns and dries out your mouth. It also makes you want to spit it out right away.
It’s essential to keep swishing the solution in your mouth for several minutes. Just swishing it around for a second or two does little good.
Be Diligent About Frequency
I go through the entire protocol twice a day. I do it in the morning and in the evening, before I go to bed.
Additionally, I clean my tongue first thing in the morning and after exercising. I follow this with a mouthwash rinse.
If I have a meeting or special engagement scheduled, I use my tongue cleaner, Sonicare, and Waterpik just before I leave to ensure that my breath is as fresh as possible.
The frequency of going through the entire protocol daily should be based on the condition of your teeth and gums, as well as your risk of developing dental or periodontal problems.
I strongly recommend completing the protocol at least once a day, but preferably twice. If you only do it once, I recommend doing another power toothbrush cleaning at the other end of the day.
The best way to ensure you don’t have bad breath is to follow the protocol every day.
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With all the relatively recent advancements in dental technology, no one should have bad breath. The problem is that most people who have bad breath are unaware of it, but everyone else is. You now have the information you need to ensure you have fresh breath.
After you’ve followed this protocol for a while, you’ll start to whiz right through it. And once you notice that you have fresher breath and healthier teeth and gums, you’ll happily complete the protocol every day.
To your fresh breath and bright smile. 🙂