So, you just had your teeth professionally cleaned, your pearly whites feel fresh, your gums are in great shape, yet… your breath still isn’t as minty as you expected. What gives? Our Mitchell dentists are here to uncover the mystery of post-cleaning bad breath.
1. Leftover Bacteria Still Lingering
A professional cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface bacteria, but some bacteria live deeper in the mouth like on the tongue, in the back of the throat, or even below the gumline. If these aren’t addressed, they can still produce that less-than-fresh aroma.
How to Fix It: Try tongue scraping and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help wipe out those lingering germs.
2. Dry Mouth Strikes Again
Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleaning agent, washing away bacteria and food particles. After a cleaning, some patients experience temporary dry mouth, especially if they’ve been lying back in the dental chair with their mouth open for a while.
How to Fix It: Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, suck on sugar-free mints, or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
3. It Could Be Coming from Your Gut
Sometimes, bad breath can be linked to acid reflux, digestive issues, or even your diet. Spicy foods, garlic, and onions can leave behind lingering odors that don’t disappear instantly after brushing.
How to Fix It: Pay attention to what you eat and try eating fresh, crunchy veggies like carrots or celery, which naturally help clean your mouth.
4. An Underlying Dental Issue
Persistent bad breath could be a warning sign of something deeper, like gum disease, untreated cavities, or an infection. Even after a cleaning, bacteria hiding under the gums can still cause odors.
How to Fix It: If bad breath won’t go away, schedule a follow-up visit. A deeper check might reveal an issue that needs treatment.
Fresh Breath Starts with Good Habits
A dental cleaning is a great step toward fresh breath, but daily habits matter, too! We recommend that you:
- Brush twice a day.
- Floss at least once daily.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- Keep up with regular checkups at your Mitchell dentist.
Schedule Your Dental Exam in Mitchell, SD
If you’re still struggling with bad breath or if it’s time for your next dental appointment, give us a call at (605) 996-1316.