Bad breath can be embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to fight it. A lot of instances of bad breath can be avoided with standard proper oral hygiene. In this post we’ll take a look at seven easy ways to combat bad breath… some will fairly “common sense,” but a few may surprise you…
1) Brush Twice Daily
You hear this advice all the time, and for good reason. At the very least, you should brush your teeth for 2+ minutes when you wake up, and right before you go to bed. You may also want to brush after a potent meal (especially if the ingredients contained onions, garlic, etc.).
2) Floss Daily
Regular flossing is important for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to reducing bad breath. Flossing helps remove food and gunk between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If left unchecked, these tiny parcels become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can quickly lead to bad breath.
3) Avoid Tobacco
We all know smoking is bad for your health… but did you know that smoking is known to cause bad breath? And not just that after-cigarette smell, the smoke can dry out your mouth–and dry mouths are more likely to emanate odors.
4) Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
As we just discussed above, a dry mouth is more likely to produce offending odors than a well-moistened one. Be sure to drink the daily recommended amount of water for your body weight/size. The water also helps clear your mouth of pungent bacteria and leftover food particles. If you find that you often experience dry mouth even if you ingest enough water, talk to your dentist about possible causes and remedies.
5) Chew Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum is a great way to stimulate your saliva glands. Your saliva is crucial to keeping your mouth hydrated, which again can help reduce odors and help maintain overall oral health.
6) An Apple a Day Keeps Bad Breath Away
Much like gum, eating apples (and other crunchy fruits & vegetables such as carrots) helps stimulate saliva flow in your mouth.
7) Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are a crucial part of your overall dental health. If you experience chronic bad breath that is not easily treated, it could be a symptom of an underlying problem. The best way to catch any potential issues early on is by scheduling an appointment with your local dentist for regular check-ups.
If you’re looking for a reliable family-friendly dentist in the San Marcos, TX area, give us a call at Larry D. Molenda, D.D.S… we’d love to speak with you and make sure your smile is all that it can be!
