Having a quick fix on hand for bad breath is essential, especially if you are constantly face-to-face with other people. Mouth sprays are gaining popularity as a simple way to freshen your breath, but are they safe for your teeth?
What Is Mouth Spray?
A mouth spray is a spray designed to freshen your breath virtually instantly. They come in a variety of flavors to mask bad breath. Think of them as portable mouthwash without the need to actually rinse out your mouth!
Are Mouth Sprays Safe for My Teeth?
As with gum and mints, the ingredients in the mouth spray determine whether it is safe for your oral health. Many breath sprays contain alcohol or some form of sugar, which is actually damaging for your teeth and promotes acid production. When your mouth is highly acidic, it allows bacteria to thrive and increases your risk of tooth decay.
Look for a mouth spray that does not contain alcohol and contains xylitol instead, a sugarless sweetener that actually helps neutralize the acids in your mouth and can kill cavity-causing bacteria.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Sometimes bad breath is simply caused by eating certain foods, like onions and garlic, and passes over the course of a few hours. However, if you have persistent bad breath no matter what you do, consider what may be causing it:
—Certain medications, for conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease
—Smoking
—Diets high in sugar & carbohydrates
—Poor oral hygiene
It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to tackle your chronic bad breath head-on and to improve your oral health.
A Safe Mouth Spray Is Only a Temporary Solution
Mouth sprays are great quick fixes for bad breath, especially if you find one that has ingredients that won’t harm your teeth. However, mouth sprays are only temporary solutions and cannot replace consistent brushing and flossing. If you have persistent bad breath, visit your dentist for a thorough examination and to discuss the best treatment options.
At Paradigm Dental Austin TX, there’s no dental issue that’s too big for us. Contact us at (512) 992-2822 to schedule an appointment today!