Bad breath is something that every one of us struggles with to some degree. Halitosis, the official name for bad breath, can be caused by several issues including dietary habits, oral hygiene routines (or lack thereof), and sometimes even medical conditions.
Fortunately, there are many ways to easily remedy your bad breath, leaving you with an incredibly fresh mouth! In this post, we are going to share some of our favorite tips for preventing bad breath.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of bad breath is the lack of proper oral hygiene practices. When you do not clean your teeth thoroughly, plaque begins to accumulate bacteria on the surface of your teeth. This bacteria, along with food particles, create an unpleasant odor.
The number one way to achieve fresh breath is to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice each day. It is also imperative to floss your teeth as this is the only way to clean between your teeth, removing food particles and bacteria.
In addition to proper oral hygiene habits at home, it is important to have your teeth professionally cleaned twice each year during your bi-annual dental exam.
Clean Your Tongue
Most of our patients neglect their tongues. Whether you choose to use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, it is important to give your tongue some attention. Bacteria, food particles, and dead skin cells gradually accumulate on your tongue, forming a coating over the surface. This is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be responsible for unpleasant breath.
Remember to Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is an important part of maintaining your overall health. But did you know that dehydration can directly impact your oral health as well? A lack of saliva, sometimes caused by dehydration, can lead to both bad breath and tooth decay.
Following your meals or snacks with a glass of water also helps to flush out any remaining food particles, another step in eliminating bad breath.
Change Your Diet
It should come as no surprise that certain dietary choices can create bad breath. Coffee and garlic, to name a few, are some of the most common offenders. While we are certainly not suggesting that you cut these things out of your life completely, it may be wise to avoid that second cup of coffee before a date or important meeting at work.
Consult a Professional
If you consistently struggle with bad breath, it is wise to consult a professional. Our team of dental experts can help you evaluate what may be causing your bad breath. In some cases, bad breath is caused by gum disease, tooth decay, or other infections, all of which require professional treatment.
Implementing these simple tips into your daily life will allow you to achieve fresh breath so that you are ready for any situation. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our team today!