DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter CAUSES OF BAD BREATH Bad breath, also called halitosis, is caused by the bacteria in our mouths that grow on bits of food that get stuck between teeth. The bacteria release sulfur compounds that cause your breath to smell bad. Contrary to common belief, you can't counteract bad breath by using mouthwash: you must brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily. In addition to regular brushing, daily flossing is the best way to avoid bad breath because it removes food particles from in between teeth. Certain pungent foods such as onions and garlic may also cause bad breath because their oils are carried into the lungs and then I recycled into your mouth through the respiratory system. At CARPENTER DENTAL, our purpose in presenting this column is to exhibit the virtues of professional care as well as diligent home care in achieving and maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile. Through a combination of proven techniques and innovative technology, plus communication and compassionate concern, we attempt to move our patients toward an optimum state of oral health. When was your last dental checkup? Now is a good time to schedule an appointment for comprehensive dental care, including help with bad breath, helpful dietary information, cleanings, restorations, cosmetic work, or gum disease treatment. Call us at 1086 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, 507-331-0909. P.S. You cannot determine whether you have bad breath by breathing into your cupped hands. Talking, rather than breathing, brings odors from the back of your mouth to the front. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter CAUSES OF BAD BREATH Bad breath , also called halitosis , is caused by the bacteria in our mouths that grow on bits of food that get stuck between teeth . The bacteria release sulfur compounds that cause your breath to smell bad . Contrary to common belief , you can't counteract bad breath by using mouthwash : you must brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily . In addition to regular brushing , daily flossing is the best way to avoid bad breath because it removes food particles from in between teeth . Certain pungent foods such as onions and garlic may also cause bad breath because their oils are carried into the lungs and then I recycled into your mouth through the respiratory system . At CARPENTER DENTAL , our purpose in presenting this column is to exhibit the virtues of professional care as well as diligent home care in achieving and maintaining a healthy , vibrant smile . Through a combination of proven techniques and innovative technology , plus communication and compassionate concern , we attempt to move our patients toward an optimum state of oral health . When was your last dental checkup ? Now is a good time to schedule an appointment for comprehensive dental care , including help with bad breath , helpful dietary information , cleanings , restorations , cosmetic work , or gum disease treatment . Call us at 1086 Wyoming Ave. , Forty Fort , 507-331-0909 . P.S. You cannot determine whether you have bad breath by breathing into your cupped hands . Talking , rather than breathing , brings odors from the back of your mouth to the front . Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort , PA ( 570 ) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com