The most common complaint I receive from patients at my Beverly Hills practice is: bad breath. No matter how often they brush, floss, and rinse, some patients just can’t seem to get rid of their bad breath. Furthermore, some patients go so far as to not eating certain foods in order to reduce their chances of a foul odor. But what exactly is the cause of bad breath, and can a swig of mouthwash really be of any help?
Technically, bacteria that causes plaque and releases volatile sulfur compounds can create bad breath. Mouthwash can help reduce the bacteria present and cover up the odor, but it is a temporary fix and eventually the plaque will rebuild. Reducing the occurrence of bad breath is just one reason to regularly brush, floss, and rinse. In order to truly help cut down on bad breath, a therapeutic mouthwash is necessary. This is usually prescribed by your dental practitioner after an oral surgical procedure. A therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce plaque and control gingivitis, which in turn reduces bad breath. However, it is important you follow the directions provided in order to maintain healthy oral hygiene. Typically, no food or drinks should be ingested within 30 minutes of rinsing so that the usefulness of the mouthwash can take full effect.
As a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, I am dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy smile. I encourage you to visit my website to learn more regarding your options with cosmetic dentistry and schedule an appointment. We can further discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your goals.