November 2021

Beat Bad Breath with These Tips

bad breathBack in the day, we used to have conversations with people at a relatively close distance. We’re getting back to that, now that we have vaccines and treatments for the COVID-19 virus. Whether you’re still wearing a mask or have a few people with whom you can safely shorten the distance during conversations, your breath may be a source of concern. We all experience bad breath from time to time, but persistent bad breath can be an embarrassing or frustrating problem. Here, we discuss why breath can take a nosedive and what you can do to prevent or correct it. 

The Role of Bacteria in Bad Breath

We don’t see them, but they’re there. The mouth is home to a multitude of microorganisms. The bacteria that live in the mouth consume our “leftovers,” tiny particles of debris from foods and drinks. What consumes must also secrete. In the case of oral bacteria, they secrete an acidic byproduct onto the teeth and gums, and sometimes onto the back of the tongue. You might recognize the accumulation of bacterial waste in the form of morning breath. A foul odor may also persist if bacteria are out of control.

If you’ve been living with bad breath, you don’t have to accept it as your norm. There are several preventive measures you can take.

  • Brush and floss daily. If you’re concerned about the odor on your breath, we assume you are brushing morning and night as your dentist recommends. Where a lot of people miss the mark is in their flossing practice. For some reason, flossing feels like a chore whereas brushing does not. Skipping this last step of daily oral care, though, lets bacteria hide in between teeth and at the gum line. Flossing not only helps fight bad breath but can also reduce your chances of getting gum disease and cavities. 
  • Keep mouthwash handy. You can’t be expected to brush your teeth every time you consume a snack or meal. This actually might be overkill, anyway. However, if bad breath sneaks up on you, having a small bottle of mouthwash handy can be helpful. Just swish and spit. 
  • Drink plenty of water. Hydration is key to oral health. Don’t guzzle water only at certain times of the day; sip on water several times an hour. This way, your mouth does not become a dry haven for bacteria. 

Your Dentist Can Help with Bad Breath

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are integral to optimal oral health, and oral health is essential for good breath. Dr. Mahal offers personalized dental care in a comfortable, friendly office. To schedule a visit, call 916.800.5001.

Teeth Whitening Can Help you Radiate Joy This Holiday Season

iStock 889681798 1Your smile is a large part of the portrait of your personality. Studies have shown that we tend to assess other humans through their smiles. Teeth that are bright and shining, even if not perfectly straight, send a message of warmth, friendliness, and vitality. Whiter teeth also make the smile look younger. If you don’t see these things in your own smile, perhaps it’s time to gift yourself more brightness. As the holidays approach, we can’t think of a better time for professional teeth whitening

We enjoy helping patients fall in love with their smiles, whether for the first time or all over again. Professional teeth whitening is a convenient and effective way we can do this. Dr. Mahal offers treatments that can be enjoyed right here in the office or in the comfort of your home. Both are effective and both can transform your smile pretty quickly.  If you’re ready to live in your best smile, we’d love to meet with you. Together, we can discover if teeth whitening treatment is ideal for you.

How Teeth Whitening Works

To determine if teeth whitening is the best approach to a better smile, we have to look at what this treatment does. Both in-office and home whitening techniques utilize a bleaching agent to lift discoloration from enamel. The bleaching gel penetrates the uppermost layer of enamel, which has tiny pores just like the skin. This breaks up the tiny particles of debris that have collected in the outer layer of teeth. As the particles are broken up, the natural radiant shade of teeth shines through. Professional treatment can even go beyond the natural shade of white to give the smile a special glow without making it look artificial.

An experienced dentist knows to look beyond the surface. While teeth whitening is a proven and convenient method of reviving the smile, it may not be the best approach for every person. For example, if you have intrinsic stains that are beneath the surface of enamel (usually caused by tetracycline use), teeth whitening will not work. In these instances, Dr. Mahal may suggest veneers. Ultimately, the goal of cosmetic treatments is to improve the appearance of the smile in the most effective manner. When possible, teeth whitening is ideal. Not only does it achieve quick results, but it achieves results that are easy to maintain. With periodic touch-ups, our patients can maintain a radiant smile for decades.

Get your glowing smile. Contact our Granite Bay office at 916.800.5001.

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Granite Bay, CA 95746

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