Feeling the need to pop a mint or know a loved one that could use one? Bad breath is something that is easily treatable, and can be improved with many home remedies. Bad breath is caused by bacteria building up in your mouth. This often comes from food particles breaking down that have gotten stuck in a crevice somewhere in your teeth. The best way to prevent bad breath is by brushing and flossing after meals. If you are already doing that, try drinking more water after each meal and be sure to swish it around to wash away any remaining food particles. If you have dentures, be sure to remove and clean them every evening to prevent bacteria building up in your mouth. While mints and other herbs such as parsley and basil can help neutralize the odor, you can also try raw crunchy foods such as apples to clean the teeth. Cinnamon and yogurt are some other foods that can help cut down on the bacteria in your mouth. Still having issues? Talk with one of our experts to make sure there aren’t other issues causing your bad breath!

We all know the best ways to avoid toothaches: brushing, flossing and eating a healthy diet. However, sometimes you take that bite and still feel the sting of pain! Toothaches are our bodies’ way of letting us know something isn’t right. We can’t always get in to see our dentist right away, or may want to wait and see if it’s something that can be treated with a home remedy. Calling your dentist to ask is always a great first step. There are several at home treatments you can try while you wait to hear from your dentist. 

1. Apply a cold compress: Inflammation occurs when your body rushes in to help repair. To help the inflammation go back down in the affected area, ice and other cold compresses can help to reduce that inflammation. A cold compress for 10-15 minutes is a good place to start. 
2. Take an anti-inflammatory: If you’ve tried the cold compress, and need something to help longer, an anti-inflammatory pill such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling as well.
3. Rinse with Salt Water: Salt water has healing abilities. Salt water can act as a disinfectant and help reduce inflammation as well. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a mug of warm water, and swish a small amount of it around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds at a time.
4. Use Peppermint: Peppermint is a natural anti-inflammatory, and many people have peppermint tea bags in their pantry already. Steep the tea bags in some warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds. 
5. Clove Oil: Cloves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in addition to being natural anesthetics. If you have some clove oil, you can try placing a drop on a cotton ball and holding it over the area. Alternatively, you can try gently chewing some cloves to release the oil and hold it in the affected area if you are able.

Once you try some of those remedies, you may still need to visit a dentist. When should you make that call?

• If you still have pain after 48 hours
• Have a fever 
• Have swelling in your mouth or face
• Have an earache or pain when you open your mouth 

While we can’t always avoid toothaches, we can help prevent them. Make sure you take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Still have a toothache and need help? Contact us, and let us assess the ache!