Oral Hygiene and Bad Breath Elimination

Nobody wants to worry about bad breath, but it’s a common issue that can affect confidence and oral health. Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often a sign of underlying dental problems, such as gum disease, decay, or bacteria buildup.

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Hygiene Appointment

During a 45 – 60 minute hygiene appointment, we will floss, scale, and polish all your teeth, ensuring thorough cleaning around the periphery. We’ll apply fluoride or other remineralizing agents to protect and strengthen your teeth. Most importantly, we will educate you on how and why it’s essential to clean your teeth thoroughly at home.

This education is key—what you do every day at home plays a far more significant role in your oral health than what we can do every six months.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, bacteria buildup, dry mouth, or even certain foods, health problems and medications. Regular hygiene appointments can help manage and reduce bad breath by removing plaque and tartar, which can harbor bacteria that lead to unpleasant odours. If bad breath persists, it may be an indication of an underlying dental or medical issue, and we can discuss further treatment options with you.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock, air, soil, plants, and water. It is present in all fresh and seawater, and many foods and drinks naturally contain fluoride. Fluoride is also commonly found in:

  • Drinking water (where it may be added to local water supplies)
  • Fluoride toothpaste, gels, and mouth rinses
  • Fluoride treatments applied by a dental professional

Oral Hygiene Instruction

Manual Toothbrush – Use a soft-bristled brush with a small head, positioning it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Brush gently to avoid scrubbing, as a back-and-forth motion can cause abrasion, gum recession, and sensitivity. (Search on Google “The Modified Bass Technique” for a demonstration on correct toothbrushing)

Electric Toothbrush – Let the electric toothbrush do the work for you. Simply place it gently on each tooth, making sure it reaches along the gum line.

Regardless of the type of brush you use, cleaning between your teeth is essential. Ideally, you should clean between all your teeth daily. Popular options include dental floss, interdental brushes, and flossettes.