Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that no one wants to have. Despite brushing and flossing every day, bad breath happens to everyone at times. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your halitosis. If simple methods do not work, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if it is a symptom of an underlying condition.
Many causes of halitosis are preventable and easily treated. Halitosis is caused by many factors, including poor oral hygiene, a dry mouth and certain foods. People can fend off halitosis by developing good oral health habits and making changes to their diets. Here are four daily tips for managing bad breath.
Brushing teeth properly is an effective way of fighting against bad breath. Brushing teeth twice a day will help whisk away odors. It is important to cover all the areas in the mouth. This involves brushing all surfaces of the teeth, including the inside portion of the teeth near the tongue and palate and the gumline. To eliminate bad breath, a person should brush the entire tongue surface where bacteria tend to linger after brushing the teeth and gumline. The tongue gets a great deal of bacteria buildup, which can contribute to bad breath.
Flossing is an important component of good oral health. Flossing removes the bacteria and plaque buildup from between the teeth that toothbrushes usually cannot get rid of. This should be done at least once a day. Flossing also rids the mouth of debris and food particles. If these are left between teeth, they will rot, which smells foul.
One problem that can cause halitosis or make it worse is having a dry mouth. It occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva lubricates and cleanses the mouth and helps flush out the bad bacteria. Dry mouth causes bad breath because food particles remain trapped in the mouth, and they eventually rot and cause an unpleasant smell when someone exhales.
Drinking plenty of water is recommended. A person should carry a water bottle and take sips frequently. It is advisable to avoid acidic beverages such as soda, orange juice and any drink that contains phosphoric or citric acid. Dry mouth and acid together is a breeding ground for dental cavities.
Chewing sugar-free gum and sucking sugarless candies can stimulate saliva production. Using sugar-free products is recommended because sugar can help feed bacteria, which will make bad breath worse once the gum is gone. Sugar in gum may also cause tooth decay. Artificial saliva prescribed by a dentist can help moisten the mouth and reduce the risk of bad breath.
People can benefit from choosing foods carefully. Certain foods are naturally harsh on the breath. Pungent seasonings such as vinegar and garlic can linger after meals, so these foods should be eaten sparingly. Avoiding sticky, sugary foods that linger on the teeth for a long time is also recommended.
You do not have to suffer from halitosis any longer. By brushing and flossing daily, maintaining adequate saliva in the mouth and choosing food carefully, you can keep your breath fresh. Regularly visiting your general dentistry is also recommended. These tips will assist you in managing and eliminating your experience with halitosis.
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionviejosmile.com or call Basti Dental Care at (949) 201-4721 for an appointment in our Mission Viejo office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Bad Breath in Mission Viejo, CA.
If you have partial dentures, you know how important it is to take good care of them. Repairs can be costly and sometimes damaged dentures may require a total replacement. When it comes to partial dentures, there are many parts prone to breaking, including the teeth, clasps, acrylic plastic base and any metal pieces. When…
If you’ve lost a tooth, odds are you’ve at least looked into dental implants. They are one of the most popular alternatives to dentures or bridges. They are sturdier, more pleasant to look at, more pleasant to deal with, and have a tremendous success rate.However, there is a bit of a time commitment. You’ll need…
General dentistry refers to routine oral health care, whether that be oral hygiene or preventive measures, such as keeping bad breath at bay. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and more often than not, it is easily preventable. General dentists often recommend a few different things, which can go a long way in maintaining a…
Dental fillings are one of the oldest known methods of dental restoration. Dentists have been placing dental fillings for years as a way to stop damage and restore an unhealthy tooth. However, as modern dentistry has begun to take over, certain types of dental fillings are beginning to die out. Silver dental fillings were originally made…