Have you ever struggled with bad breath? Also called halitosis, it can be caused by anything from certain foods to medical conditions. With such a wide range of factors that can cause your breath to smell less than fresh, what can you do to stop it in its tracks? Read on for six helpful tips on how to eliminate bad breath and regain your confidence!
#1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth in the morning before you eat breakfast to eliminate the bacteria that accumulate in your mouth while you sleep. You should also brush before bed or after you eat your last meal of the day. Clean your teeth for two minutes both times and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your pearly whites and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the enamel. Floss at least once per day, preferably after dinner or before you go to sleep, to remove leftover plaque and harmful oral bacteria.
#2: Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth. If your salivary glands don’t seem to be producing enough saliva on a regular basis, speak with your dentist so they can determine if there’s an underlying oral health issue causing the mouth dryness. You can also eat crisp, fresh fruits and veggies, chew sugar-free gum, or eat sugar-free hard candy to increase saliva production.
#3: Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash can mask odors, but it doesn’t cure bad breath. It may even make the issue worse by irritating oral tissues. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to water instead and gargle with it for a quick breath refresh. You can also rinse with green or black tea, both of which suppress the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
#4: Don’t Smoke, Use Tobacco Products, or Drink Excessively
Smoking and using other tobacco products can dry out your mouth, which may lead to bad breath. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can have a similar effect. Cut out these bad habits to eliminate bad breath. If you need help quitting, ask your dentist or doctor for resources and you family and friends for support.
#5: Visit Your Dentist
Make sure to visit your dentist at least two times per year for checkups and cleanings. There are certain parts of the mouth that you can’t clean on your own, so visiting a professional is a key part of keeping your mouth as clean as possible and lessening your chances of developing halitosis. Your dentist will also be able to identify and treat any underlying oral health issues that may be causing your bad breath.
If you are dealing with halitosis, there are several things you can do to get rid of it. With the above tips, your breath will smell fresh and clean before you know it!
About the Practice
Artistry Smile Center offers a wide range of services, including restorative, general, cosmetic, and children’s dentistry. They make patient care and comfort their top priority and can administer preventive dental services like dental cleanings to help freshen up your breath and prevent oral health issues. Are you interested in learning more information about how to get rid of bad breath, or do you want to set up an appointment with their talented team? If so, visit Artistry Smile Center’s website or call them at (614) 451-7393 to get started.