What To Avoid For Better Teeth And Breath?

We all brush and floss our teeth... hopefully but what hidden culprits can cause bad breath and staining?

1. Dark Liquids - Although the enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, it is not flat and smooth. Your tooth enamel contains microscopic pits and ridges that can hold particles of food and drink. Pigments from the dark-colored drinks/foods can become embedded in those cracks and ridges and if the proper steps are not taken this can cause permanent staining on your teeth.
2. Onions and garlic - These are hard to avoid since they are flavor enhancing ingredients. When you eat garlic/onions you produce several sulfur-containing gases. Allyl methyl sulfide is a "sticky" molecule, it adherers very easily to the tissues in your mouth and that's why your breath smells funky.
3. High Protein Foods- Bacteria loves glomming into proteins, so high protein foods contribute to halitosis. Top contenders are fish, red meat and beans. Hold the protein and swap out meat courses for vegetarian options a few times a week. 

Allergic To Your Toothpaste?

Although you brush your teeth daily there are rare cases of people who experience discomfort around or in their mouth after using toothpaste.

Signs you may be allergic to your toothpaste:

• Changes inside your mouth - Teeth and gums may become very sensitive, swelling of the tongue, increased redness or sores that don't heal.
• Skin changes around the mouth - Rashes at the corners of the mouth and also can occur around bottom lip.
• Body rashes/hives- You can develop rash/hives anywhere on the body, these are raised, itchy bumps in a circle. This rash is often mistaken as ringworm.

Virtually any product that you use has the potential to cause an allergic reaction, but studied have found the ingredients in toothpaste that often show up as allergens in patch tests are listed below:

• Toothpaste flavorings.
• Preservatives.
• Foaming agents.
• Essential oils and other antibacterials.
• Fluoride.

A Little Monday Humor :)