General Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Videos

  • Too long since your last dental visit?

    Hello, Everybody. It's me, Dr. Naqvi from Atlantis Dental. So I wanted to address a certain problem that I see all the time. where I always have one or two patients a day, where they haven't seen the dentist in a very long time. And when I ask them, when was the last time you saw a dentist? And they say, oh, I'm really embarrassed. I haven't seen a dentist in several years. And I'll ask them, well, why is that? I wanted just to tell you that it is never too late, okay? And if you have a dentist that is caring and compassionate, they're never going to make you feel bad about not seeing them for so long. So, you know, it's a no judgment zone. So no matter how late it's been No No matter what your condition is right there. I would love to see you. I would love to get you healthy, And you feel confident and you feel great about yourself. So if you're looking for a dentist, come see me.

  • What should you do if your filling breaks?

    Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbul Naqvi from Atlantis Dental in Framingham, Massachusetts. So, okay, so you have a filling and it broke. What do you do? Well, you come and see me. You know, what I do is I have an emergency special for $49. If you don't have dental insurance, I'll take an X ray, I'll do an exam, and I'll tell you exactly what you need to fix the tooth. Sometimes you just need to redo the filling. Sometimes the break is a little bit bigger. So we need to crown the tooth. And, unfortunately, sometimes the tooth is unsavable anymore, depending on what I find on The X-ray and in your mouth. But, you know, my advice to you would be to get it done fast. So if you have a broken tooth that broke this morning, get it checked very fast, because the longer you wait, the chances are that it's you're going to end up losing the tooth. And there's nothing like having your own teeth. You know, I do a lot of Because the feel of it and all of that, the dexterity, the feel, the, the perception that you have in a tooth, you lose it. Once you lose the tooth, the implants don't have that kind of feel to it. All right, I'll see you soon. Bye.

  • What are the options to replace a missing tooth?

    So, you know, there's three different ways, really, to replace a tooth. One of them is to get a denture, a partial denture, but that is removable. You have to take it in and out. Food, gets caught in it. Sometimes you have to worry about the glue. And the second option is to get a bridge, where if you have a space and you have two teeth on each side, we cut the tooth in the front, we cut the tooth in the back, and we put these three units on top of it to cover that. And then the third and the best option is, for you to get a dental implant. A dental implant is something that preserves your original teeth. So we don't have to cut the teeth in the front and the back to put it in. What we do is we drill a hole in the bone, and you're super numb for that, so you don't feel anything. So if you have a missing tooth, please come see me. I would love to give you an implant or any of the other two procedures. We can sit and have a conversation about what's the best option for you, both clinically and financially.

  • Why doesn’t insurance cover it all?

    So you're wondering why does your dental insurance doesn't cover everything? So I'm Dr. Sumbul Naqvi from Atlantis Dental in Framingham, Massachusetts, and I personally love dental insurance. We take pretty much every insurance. We work with every insurance. You know, we have Blue Cross, Aetna, Medlife, we work with Delta, you know, principal, you name it. And we work with pretty much every insurance. When you come in, we call your insurance company, we get your benefit breakdown, and we try to maximize your insurance benefits, you know, as much as we can. We don't take unnecessary X rays or whatever just to bill insurance. I just don't believe in that kind of philosophy. Obviously, if an X ray is needed, we'll take it. But we don't, you know, do unnecessary things to waste your benefits just for the sake of billing insurance just because the insurance covers something. If the insurance doesn't cover something, but. And that's what you need. We help you figure it out. And we help you figure out, how you're going to pay for it so it's affordable for you.

  • How can a dentist help with dental anxiety?

    You know, first thing I do is I see them first thing in the morning, so they're not thinking about their, dental procedure all day. And the other part is we start with something small, like, you know, just small little baby steps. Because they've obviously had. Most of the time when I speak to them, they've had a bad experience somewhere else or when they were kids, they were tied up or something happened that just stayed with them. I've had patients who ended up getting full mouth reconstructions done, once they were comfortable with me and my team, and that's what we did. We started with a small cleaning. We started with just small little things and got them through the process. But the first thing is for them was to make a decision decision. I would love to see you so I can help you through that process. I've helped lots and lots of patients with that process. And now they have beautiful smiles. They're super help. See, I only see them once every three months or so, just to maintain their dentistry.

  • How fast can I get an appointment?

    Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbul Naqvi from Atlantis Dental in Framingham. So, one of the frequently asked questions that we have all the time is, how long does it take for a new patient to call in and get an appointment? In my office, it's usually pretty instant, especially if they are in pain or if they have an emergency. But if you're not, even if you're not in pain and you don't have an emergency and you're due for a cleaning, we want to get you in the same day, the next day, or pretty much the same week. So we always have block time in our schedule for new patients. So if you're looking for a great dentist, I would love to be your dentist. And I would love to be your forever dentist. Come see me at Atlantis Dental in Framingham. Our Phone number is 508-270-5050.

  • What does Dr. Naqvi do in her free time?

    Hello, everybody.

    I'm Dr.

    Sumbul Naqvi from Atlantis

    Dental in Framingham.

    So my patients ask me all

    the time, doc, what do you like

    to do in your free time?

    What do you do in

    your free time?

    I don't have a lot of free

    time because I work

    a lot and I travel a lot.

    And a lot of my travels are

    because I'm taking continuing

    education courses, to improve

    my skills or just refresher

    things to review things, so I

    can just get better at

    practicing dentistry.

    But when I do have free time,

    I'll actually, you know,

    my goof of time.

    I love going to the beach.

    You know, that's like, my place.

    I love looking at the ocean.

    I love being in that space.

    So that's what I

    really love to do.

    But I also do something

    else in my free time.

    And one of the things I do is

    I raise money for charity.

    And I.

    I think the last couple

    of years, about three

    or four years, I've raised

    over a million dollars

    for different charities.

    And some of them were for,

    projects like Drug Free World,

    where we help kids

    get off of drugs,

  • Where did Dr. Naqvi go to dental school?

    Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbul Naqvi in Framingham. One of the, questions I get asked all the time is where did I go to dental school? So I went to dental school actually three different times at three different countries. So the first time I went to dental school was actually in Karachi, Pakistan. And then it was my dream to come to North America to, become a dentist here. So I decided to come to Boston and I went to the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. And I had the best dental school experience there. So I graduated there in 2005, and I've been practicing in Massachusetts ever since then, living the dream. And, you know, it's just my passion. I've always wanted to be a dentist, and the school really helped me get there.

  • Why did Dr. Naqvi become a dentist?

    Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbul Naqvi in Framingham, Massachusetts. So I get asked this all the time. Like, you know, people ask me, doc, why did you become a dentist? What motivated you to become a dentist? So, you know, when I was a teenager, I had very crooked teeth. And when I used to smile, I was very embarrassed because people used to make fun of me. So I used to hide my smile, And I used to beg my parents to take me to the orthodontist. So finally, you know, my parents took me. And I love my orthodontist. And I still remember the day when my braces came off. I went and got a professional picture taken, and I was all smiles. And ever since then, I've always been smiling. And that's what I wanted to do for other people. Just give them the confidence, to smile and be happy with themselves and just look at the mirror and just admire themselves. I think that is so important for someone's morale and someone's confidence, and I think it takes them places. They just live a better life. And that's what I truly believe in, and that's what I help my patients do every single day.

  • Are dental X-rays safe for me and my family?

    Are dental X rays safe? Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbal Naqvi from Atlantis Dental. And this is, a question that gets asked all the time, doc, are dental X rays safe? Will I be safe with all these dental X rays that we're getting taken? And the answer is yes, because first of all, the, technology I use in my office, you know, the X ray units are brand new. They have very low radiation. We have digital X ray technology. Our X ray units get checked very regularly, by an outside service just to make sure that they are in good order. And we have very qualified staff, so they're not going to expose you to radiation, or practice taking X rays on you. Don't allow anybody who I hire to do that. First they have to test their X ray taking skills,

  • How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

    So how many times a year do you need to get your teeth cleaned? Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbal Naqvi from Atlantis Dental, and I get, this question all the time from patients. Doc, how many times do I have to come in for a cleaning? Well, it really depends on your condition. So if your teeth are generally healthy and your gums are generally healthy, you've never really had a lot of problems in the past. You get really, like a healthy mouth cleaning. It's called adult prophylaxis, and you get that done twice a year. But if you've been treated for gum disease and you've had infection in your gums in the past, then I recommend a cleaning every three months.

  • How much will my cleaning hurt?

    Will my cleaning hurt? You know, I again get asked this all the time. Will my cleaning hurt? Dog, Was this gonna hurt? Especially, with patients who I'm seeing for the first time. And the truth is, a cleaning should never really hurt. You know, if. If your cleaning is hurting or you're bleeding a lot during a cleaning, something is not right. You know, definitely get yourself evaluated for gum disease, no matter how young or old you are. Gum disease used to be these a disease of old age, but now we're seeing it in a lot of younger people. So, you know, just because of change of, you know, diet, lots of younger people are smoking and vaping, so, you know, they're high risk to, to getting gum disease.

  • Are cleanings covered by dental insurance?

    Cleanings covered by dental insurance. Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbal Naqvi from Atlantis Dental in Framingham, Massachusetts. So are cleanings covered by dental insurance? Yes, they are. You know, if you have an insurance that doesn't cover a basic cleaning, find a new insurance. I'm, I'm sorry to say that, you know, there is no reason for your cleaning to not be covered. Most insurances will cover a cleaning twice a year. Now, if you don't have a healthy mouth, where if you are being treated for gum disease and you've had a deep cleaning done, then you should get a cleaning done every three months. Most insurance will cover that as well. If they don't, it is worth paying for that extra cleaning out of pocket because it prevents your gum disease from spreading further into your other teeth and melting away your bone.

  • Are dental X-rays safe for me and my family?

    Are dental X rays safe? Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbal Naqvi from Atlantis Dental. So, Yeah, X rays are very, very safe. And just to give you an idea, taking a full mouth series of X rays is less radiation than you being on a four hour plane ride. So, you know, I travel a lot, so I guess I get exposed more to X ray ra, X rays, than I do, you know, in a dental office, even though I work in a dental office. So hopefully that answered your question. And if you again, want a great dentist and you want to, be a part of our Atlantis Dental family, our patient family, please, give us a call. 508-270-5050.

  • When should you get dental X-rays?

    Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Sumbal Naqvi from Atlantis Dental, If you come in with a ton of tartar buildup, then, of course I want to see some X rays. But if you come in and your mouth is, like, super clean, and, you know, I'm like, okay, what do I really clean in here? Which, again, normally doesn't happen, but, you know, definitely there are exceptions to the rule, but if you are in that category, then once in once a year or once in two years also, sometimes is possible. But always listen to your dentist whenever they give you that recommendation, because it is for your own benefit. It is better to get some X rays taken and get a tiny, teeny, teeny, tiny cavity fixed right. Right now than to wait for X rays and postpone them and then find out that something small that could have been caught at an earlier stage got something really big. So, you know, you really don't want that. All right, well, I'm Dr. Sumbul Naqvi from Atlantis Dental, and if you're looking for a dentist, call me 508-270-5050.

  • How do I choose the best dental insurance?

    Make sure you get the best insurance plan when your employer offers it to you. So it has a maximum coverage. What I find is that most insurances do cover cleanings at 100% when they come in for the three month cleaning when they're on the perio maintenance program, which is, you know, program for patients who are being treated for gum disease. A lot of times it is at 80% coverage. So you do have a 20% co pay, for that. But that co pay is super important because it keeps your gums healthy, keeps your gum disease in control. So anyways, if you have more questions about your dental insurance, please give us a call. We're at Atlantis Dental, 508-270-5050.

  • Will My Insurance Cover a Cleaning Every 3 Months?

    Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%. Some plans may cover additional cleanings, such as 3-month periodontal maintenance visits, at 80%.


    Even if insurance doesn’t fully cover extra cleanings, investing in them is far less expensive than waiting and needing crowns, root canals, or implants later. These cleanings typically cost $120–$200 and are worth every penny in prevention.

  • What if I Lose My Insurance or Change Jobs — Should I Skip My Cleaning?

    No! I’ve seen many patients pause their cleanings while between jobs, only to return with serious problems that cost thousands to fix. If you're uninsured temporarily, it’s still better to pay out of pocket for your cleaning than to skip it altogether.


    Staying on schedule with cleanings is the best way to protect your investment in your dental health.

  • My Gums Bleed When I Brush — Should I Be Concerned?

    Yes. Bleeding gums are often a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). The earlier we catch it, the easier and more affordable it is to treat.


    At Atlantis Dental, we strongly believe in early detection — we even created a flyer recently to help our patients understand the signs of gum disease and when to seek treatment.


    If you see blood on your toothbrush or floss, schedule a visit right away. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, but it's preventable with timely care.

  • What’s the Difference Between a Regular Dental Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

    Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

    A regular cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and no significant bone loss. It involves:

    • Removing plaque and tartar above the gumline
    • Polishing the teeth
    • Flossing between the teeth
    • Checking for early signs of decay or gum issues

    🔹 Typically done every 6 months

    🔹 Covered 100% by most insurance plans

    🔹 Helps prevent future dental problems


    Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

    A deep cleaning is not preventive — it’s therapeutic. It’s for patients with active gum disease (periodontitis), which causes bone loss around the teeth. Deep cleaning involves:

    • Removing plaque and bacteria below the gumline
    • Cleaning around tooth roots to reduce infection
    • Numbing the area for comfort
    • Sometimes done over multiple visits

    🔹 Necessary when pockets between teeth and gums measure 4mm or deeper

    🔹 Helps stop gum disease from progressing

    🔹 Usually followed by cleanings every 3 months to maintain health


    Why it matters:

    “If you only get a regular cleaning when you really need a deep cleaning, it’s like vacuuming the surface while ignoring what’s under the carpet. Gum disease won’t go away on its own — and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.”

    – Dr. Sumbul Naqvi


    How to know which one you need:

    At Atlantis Dental, we use periodontal charting and digital X-rays to check the health of your gums. We’ll always explain what we see, what’s best for you, and why — so you can make an informed decision.


  • Why Is Oral Health So Important for People With Diabetes?

    Diabetic patients are more prone to dental problems — especially gum disease (periodontitis). Diabetes affects blood flow and the body’s ability to fight infection, making it harder to heal from gum infections and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

  • How Often Should a Diabetic Patient Get Dental Cleanings?

    Every 3 months. This strict protocol helps prevent gum disease from advancing. Most dental insurances cover additional cleanings for diabetic patients once risk is documented. Our office helps submit all necessary paperwork and narratives to support insurance approval.

  • What Happens if a Diabetic Patient Skips Cleanings or Treatment?

    Gum disease can spread rapidly, leading to:


    - Bleeding gums


    - Bad breath


    - Loose or shifting teeth


    - Excessive decay


    - Risk of total tooth loss


    Untreated gum disease in diabetics also doubles the risk of heart disease, since both diabetes and gum disease are inflammatory conditions that impact heart health.

  • Should I Take My Diabetes Medication Before a Dental Visit?

    Yes — always take your regular medications unless your physician has told you otherwise. Never stop medication or change your eating routine before a dental visit.


    If you're feeling lightheaded or shaky during your appointment, let us know. We keep sugar pills and drinks on hand to help raise blood sugar quickly in case of hypoglycemia.

  • Can I Get Dental Implants if I Have Diabetes?

    Yes — controlled diabetics can safely receive dental implants. Healing may take slightly longer, but with proper planning and care, diabetic patients often experience excellent long-term results.

  • What Else Should Diabetic Patients Know About Oral Health?

    - **Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):** Diabetes can reduce saliva production, increasing cavity risk. Stay hydrated and use xylitol-based products.


    - **Fungal Infections (Oral Thrush):** More common in diabetics, especially denture wearers. Look for white patches or burning.


    - **Delayed Wound Healing:** Diabetics may heal more slowly after surgery or deep cleanings.


    - **Monitoring HbA1c:** Lower HbA1c (under 7%) is linked with better oral healing.


    - **Daily Home Care:** Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes, use a water flosser, and consider antimicrobial mouthwash.


    - **We Work with Your Doctor:** We’re happy to coordinate care with your primary care physician or endocrinologist as needed.

  • What Are the Most Common Causes of Bad Breath?

    1. Infrequent Dental Visits


    Plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up when cleanings are skipped for more than 6 months — especially below the gumline. This is a major source of odor.


    2. Poor Oral Hygiene


    Brushing but skipping flossing or tongue cleaning allows bacteria to thrive. The tongue especially can trap odor-causing debris.


    3. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)


    A leading cause of chronic halitosis. Bacteria deep in gum pockets can’t be removed by brushing alone.


    4. Food Triggers


    Foods like garlic, onions, and spices can linger. Brushing/flossing afterward helps.


     Fun fact: Chewing coffee beans may help with garlic breath!


    5. Wisdom Teeth or Infections


    Partially erupted or infected wisdom teeth often trap bacteria, which can smell bad.


    6. Tonsillitis, Throat Infections, or GI Issues


    Non-dental causes like sinus infections, tonsil stones, acid reflux, and digestive issues can contribute.


    7. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)


    Saliva rinses away bacteria. A dry mouth — caused by dehydration, medications, or health issues — increases bad breath risk.

  • How Can I Get Rid of Bad Breath?

    • Brush at least twice a day (electric toothbrush preferred).

    • Floss daily to eliminate hidden food and bacteria.

    • Use a tongue scraper — especially in the morning.

    • Change your toothbrush every 4 weeks.

    •  Use a Waterpik if you have crowns, bridges, or implants.

    • Rinse with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash

     (Try Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse — effective and under $5)


    • Brush with baking soda for 7 days to balance pH and neutralize bacteria.

    • Stay hydrated (8+ glasses of water daily).

    • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes — they dry out your mouth.

  • What if I’ve Tried All This and Still Have Bad Breath?

    It’s time to see a dentist. At Atlantis Dental, we offer full halitosis evaluations, including:


    • Gum disease assessment

    • Wisdom teeth examination

    • Dry mouth screening

  • Will My Insurance Cover a Cleaning Every 3 Months?

    Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%. Some plans may cover additional cleanings, such as 3-month periodontal maintenance visits, at 80%.


    Even if insurance doesn’t fully cover extra cleanings, investing in them is far less expensive than waiting and needing crowns, root canals, or implants later. These cleanings typically cost $120–$200 and are worth every penny in prevention.

  • What if I Lose My Insurance or Change Jobs — Should I Skip My Cleaning?

    No! I’ve seen many patients pause their cleanings while between jobs, only to return with serious problems that cost thousands to fix. If you're uninsured temporarily, it’s still better to pay out of pocket for your cleaning than to skip it altogether.


    Staying on schedule with cleanings is the best way to protect your investment in your dental health.

  • My Gums Bleed When I Brush — Should I Be Concerned?

    Yes. Bleeding gums are often a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). The earlier we catch it, the easier and more affordable it is to treat.


    At Atlantis Dental, we strongly believe in early detection — we even created a flyer recently to help our patients understand the signs of gum disease and when to seek treatment.


    If you see blood on your toothbrush or floss, schedule a visit right away. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, but it's preventable with timely care.

  • What’s the Difference Between a Regular Dental Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

    Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

    A regular cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and no significant bone loss. It involves:

    • Removing plaque and tartar above the gumline
    • Polishing the teeth
    • Flossing between the teeth
    • Checking for early signs of decay or gum issues

    🔹 Typically done every 6 months

    🔹 Covered 100% by most insurance plans

    🔹 Helps prevent future dental problems


    Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

    A deep cleaning is not preventive — it’s therapeutic. It’s for patients with active gum disease (periodontitis), which causes bone loss around the teeth. Deep cleaning involves:

    • Removing plaque and bacteria below the gumline
    • Cleaning around tooth roots to reduce infection
    • Numbing the area for comfort
    • Sometimes done over multiple visits

    🔹 Necessary when pockets between teeth and gums measure 4mm or deeper

    🔹 Helps stop gum disease from progressing

    🔹 Usually followed by cleanings every 3 months to maintain health


    Why it matters:

    “If you only get a regular cleaning when you really need a deep cleaning, it’s like vacuuming the surface while ignoring what’s under the carpet. Gum disease won’t go away on its own — and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.”

    – Dr. Sumbul Naqvi


    How to know which one you need:

    At Atlantis Dental, we use periodontal charting and digital X-rays to check the health of your gums. We’ll always explain what we see, what’s best for you, and why — so you can make an informed decision.


  • Why Is Oral Health So Important for People With Diabetes?

    Diabetic patients are more prone to dental problems — especially gum disease (periodontitis). Diabetes affects blood flow and the body’s ability to fight infection, making it harder to heal from gum infections and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

  • How Often Should a Diabetic Patient Get Dental Cleanings?

    Every 3 months. This strict protocol helps prevent gum disease from advancing. Most dental insurances cover additional cleanings for diabetic patients once risk is documented. Our office helps submit all necessary paperwork and narratives to support insurance approval.

  • What Happens if a Diabetic Patient Skips Cleanings or Treatment?

    Gum disease can spread rapidly, leading to:

    - Bleeding gums

    - Bad breath

    - Loose or shifting teeth

    - Excessive decay

    - Risk of total tooth loss


    Untreated gum disease in diabetics also doubles the risk of heart disease, since both diabetes and gum disease are inflammatory conditions that impact heart health.

  • Should I Take My Diabetes Medication Before a Dental Visit?

    Yes — always take your regular medications unless your physician has told you otherwise. Never stop medication or change your eating routine before a dental visit.


    If you're feeling lightheaded or shaky during your appointment, let us know. We keep sugar pills and drinks on hand to help raise blood sugar quickly in case of hypoglycemia.

  • Can I Get Dental Implants if I Have Diabetes?

    Yes — controlled diabetics can safely receive dental implants. Healing may take slightly longer, but with proper planning and care, diabetic patients often experience excellent long-term results.

  • What Else Should Diabetic Patients Know About Oral Health?

    - **Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):** Diabetes can reduce saliva production, increasing cavity risk. Stay hydrated and use xylitol-based products.

    - **Fungal Infections (Oral Thrush):** More common in diabetics, especially denture wearers. Look for white patches or burning.

    - **Delayed Wound Healing:** Diabetics may heal more slowly after surgery or deep cleanings.

    - **Monitoring HbA1c:** Lower HbA1c (under 7%) is linked with better oral healing.

    - **Daily Home Care:** Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes, use a water flosser, and consider antimicrobial mouthwash.

    - **We Work with Your Doctor:** We’re happy to coordinate care with your primary care physician or endocrinologist as needed.

  • What Are the Most Common Causes of Bad Breath?

    1. Infrequent Dental Visits

    Plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up when cleanings are skipped for more than 6 months — especially below the gumline. This is a major source of odor.


    2. Poor Oral Hygiene

    Brushing but skipping flossing or tongue cleaning allows bacteria to thrive. The tongue especially can trap odor-causing debris.


    3. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

    A leading cause of chronic halitosis. Bacteria deep in gum pockets can’t be removed by brushing alone.


    4. Food Triggers

    Foods like garlic, onions, and spices can linger. Brushing/flossing afterward helps.


     Fun fact: Chewing coffee beans may help with garlic breath!


    5. Wisdom Teeth or Infections

    Partially erupted or infected wisdom teeth often trap bacteria, which can smell bad.


    6. Tonsillitis, Throat Infections, or GI Issues

    Non-dental causes like sinus infections, tonsil stones, acid reflux, and digestive issues can contribute.


    7. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

    Saliva rinses away bacteria. A dry mouth — caused by dehydration, medications, or health issues — increases bad breath risk.

  • How Can I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
    • Brush at least twice a day (electric toothbrush preferred).

    • Floss daily to eliminate hidden food and bacteria.

    • Use a tongue scraper — especially in the morning.

    • Change your toothbrush every 4 weeks.

    •  Use a Waterpik if you have crowns, bridges, or implants.

    • Rinse with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash

     (Try Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse — effective and under $5)


    • Brush with baking soda for 7 days to balance pH and neutralize bacteria.

    • Stay hydrated (8+ glasses of water daily).

    • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes — they dry out your mouth.
  • What if I’ve Tried All This and Still Have Bad Breath?

    It’s time to see a dentist. At Atlantis Dental, we offer full halitosis evaluations, including:


    • Gum disease assessment

    • Wisdom teeth examination

    • Dry mouth screening