Professional Dental Care

                                 for the Whole Family

A lifelong Fort Worth resident, Dr. Gary C. Morton has practiced general dentistry in Fort Worth since 1974.

Dr. Gary C. Morton is an

Active Member of the

American Dental Association

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Dental Hygiene Tips

Bad Breath

Bad breath or halitosis - it's something almost all of us suffer from at some point in our lives. What causes this timeless turnoff, and what can be done about it?

Infected gums

This can be one of the most obvious causes of bad breath. To get gums back into shape, brush thoroughly and often with a soft-bristle brush, and get into the habit of regular flossing. Dr. Morton can advise you of the appropriate treatment for all dental problems.

Dirty teeth

Best for keeping oral bacteria to a minimum is frequent brushing (with or without toothpaste) or even just swishing your mouth with water.

An unclean tongue

Many dentists believe that keeping the tongue clean may be more effective at arresting offensive breath than keeping teeth clean. Tongue-brushing is something the ancient Romans did regularly. Brush very gently, with a soft-bristle brush and avoid the very back of your tongue as this may cause a gagging reaction.

An empty stomach

Skipping meals can cause foul breath as it reduces the production of saliva needed to flush away bacteria from teeth, tongue, and gums. Stress can also lead to a dry mouth, which can cause trouble when coupled with the increase in stomach acid that stress can cause. Chewing gum and lozenges can step up saliva flow, along with between-meal snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Smoking

Because it sours the mouth and disrupts digestion, smoking has been linked to bad breath for centuries. Chewing tobacco can also foul the breath.

Overuse of mouthwashes

Mouthwashes may worsen a bad breath problem by irritating oral tissue, although it does temporarily mask bad odors. In an emergency, try a quick rinse with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil.

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Can't find a topic or answer for your question? Call Dr. Morton's office at 817.731.6496 and his staff will help you get the answers.