Over 80 million people suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Not only can this condition be seriously embarrassing, but it could also be a sign of oral health issues like gum disease. Fortunately, because it’s so common, there are plenty of ways to combat bad breath. Keep reading as a dentist in Melbourne, FL shares nine of them.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
Every morning and night, brush your teeth for two minutes at a time. This removes leftover food debris in your mouth that provide fuel for the bacteria that cause bad breath as well as other issues like cavities and gum disease.
2. Floss Every Day
Flossing is the only way to get rid of food particles between your teeth. If these particles aren’t removed, bacteria will feed on it and create an acidic waste product that makes your breath worse.
3. Clean Your Tongue Too
Even if you brush and floss daily, bacteria still accumulate on your tongue. While you can buy a tongue scraper for cheap at most drugstores, you can also use your toothbrush to clear away this residue.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash not only freshens your breath, but it can clean areas of your mouth that other oral hygiene products can’t reach. Make sure your mouthwash is alcohol-free, as alcohol dries your mouth out.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Six to eight glasses of water a day should be enough to prevent dry mouth. Drinking lots of water aids in the production of saliva, which washes away food debris and bacteria.
6. Avoid Tobacco Products
Not only does smoking leave behind a lingering odor, but tobacco often dries out your mouth.
7. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Popping a piece of sugarless gum or sugar-free candy stimulates saliva flow, washing away bacteria and awful-smelling food debris.
8. Snack on a Carrot or Celery Stick
Fresh, crispy produce increase saliva production, rinsing out harmful particles that worsen your breath. Munching on these items in between meals can also eliminate the bad breath caused by hunger of fasting. An empty stomach can actually cause foul breath as stomach acid builds up.
9. See Your Dentist
If you still have bad breath even after trying all of these tips, your best bet is to ask your dentist to determine the cause of the problem. After examining your mouth, they may either diagnose the issue themselves or refer you to a specialist or your primary care doctor to help remedy the situation.
In most cases, preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is the best way to stop bad breath in its tracks. Keep these tips in mind to maintain fresh breath and an overall healthy mouth.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose is a dentist in Melbourne, FL who obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been in private practice since 1996. She underwent extensive post-graduate training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where she learned a variety of techniques in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry. She also believes wholeheartedly in the power of preventive care in keeping your smile healthy. To learn more about how to avoid bad breath, visit Dr. Rose’s website or call (321) 259-4666.