Nobody likes bad breath. Unfortunately, try as we might, some of us still struggle with it every day. Fortunately, battling bad breath doesn’t have to be hard. All it takes is an understanding of what causes bad breath and a little extra effort to make sure your halitosis never disrupts your life again.
And don’t forget that dental cleanings and checkups are a crucial way to avoid bad breath. A lack of regular cleanings can result in plaque buildup, fillings, root canals, and more. Make sure you schedule your checkups about every six months with the dentists at Salling & Tate by clicking here or by calling us at 910-256-9040.
1. SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE
Available at any department/drug store, tongue scrapers are a cheap and easy way to remove the bacteria, skin cells, and food debris that can build up on the tongue.
2. CHEW SUGARLESS GUM
Not only does it smell nice, but chewing gum is another way to encourage saliva production which washes bacteria away naturally.
3. DRINK WATER
A hydrated mouth is a healthy one. Drinking plenty of water will wash food particles away and ensure your body can maintain ideal saliva production.
4. USE MOUTHWASH
It doesn’t completely solve the problem, but it can rinse away debris and leave a pleasant smell behind. Try an alcohol-free mouthwash, or a solution of baking soda and water, to avoid irritating your gums.
5. BRUSH AND FLOSS
Ideally, you should brush and floss your teeth after every meal, but even doing so twice a day will go a long way toward preventing bad breath.
6. STAY AWAY FROM STINKY FOODS
Even if you brush after eating. onions, garlic, and dairy can still leave you with foul-smelling breath for hours.
7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
Both of these things caused reduced saliva production which drys out the mouth, temporarily eliminating your body’s ability to remove bacteria naturally.
8. REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
You should get a new toothbrush every three months or so. If you don’t, it’ll grow bacteria and you’ll have a toothbrush that’s contributing to your bad breath instead of helping it.
9. VISIT YOUR DENTIST
Regular teeth cleanings remove stubborn bacteria and plaque buildup. Plus, your dentist may be able to identify what’s causing your bad breath and give you additional tips for preventing it.
