We are all conscious about our teeth, whether it is because of yellow teeth or bad breath. Admit it: Before you chat with a buddy, you pop a mint in your mouth to make sure you cover up that nasty odor. We all do it. Many of us suffer from an occasional bout of bad breath, some worse than others. Chronic bad breath, medically known as halitosis, commonly results when bacteria in the mouth ferments food particles. These bacteria may be found in areas of gum disease or tooth disease, or on the back of the tongue. Several factors can contribute to bad breath, including decreased amounts of saliva, certain foods or spices (um, garlic!), or certain infections.
Here are some ways you can help yourself:
Take care of your oral health. Odor usually occurs when food particles in your mouth begin to decay, so brush and floss your teeth everyday and be sure to brush your tongue to get rid of as much bacteria as you can. Although mouthwash comes in handy before a romantic dinner for two, you have to use a full-strength mouthwash for at least 30 seconds (ouch!) to have a longer-lasting effect.
Chew sugarless gum. Saliva mechanically washes out and enzymatically kills bacteria, making it one of the best weapons against bad breath. Stimulate the production of saliva by chomping on some sugarless gum. Ever notice how your breath reeks in the morning? That's because saliva production slows while you sleep, allowing particles to linger longer and odor to build up.
Drink more water. It'll help wash out the bacteria in your mouth.
Rule out less common, more dangerous causes of bad breath. If there is a persistent odor in your mouth, visit your dentist. He might be able to pinpoint any cavities or decay. If your dentist doesn't find a cause for your bad breath, visit your doctor to rule out any underlying medical disorder.
Bad breath can be embarrassing, but yellow teeth are yet another inconvenience. There are several factors that cause yellow teeth:\n
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- Genetics. Some people's teeth are naturally more yellow in color. The outermost layer of the tooth (enamel) is white, and the layer below (dentin) is yellow. The enamel can become translucent, however, if the it is not well-mineralized. This makes the color of the dentin more apparent. \n
- Food and drinks. Coffee, tea, colas, wine, tomato sauces and certain fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth. \n
- Tobacco. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth. \n
- Poor dental hygiene. Infrequent brushing and flossing will not remove plaque and other stain-producing substances that can cause tooth discoloration. \n
- To help prevent yellow teeth, brush and floss twice a day. Chewing sugarless gum or swishing your mouth with water after eating also helps minimize discoloration. \n
Kira Blair Mayo is a University Medical student. She can be reached at k.mayo@cavalierdaily.com.
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