How to Combat Bad Breath
GrandviewDental | August 7, 2008Ok, so it’s not the most pleasant dinner topic but let’s face it, we’ve all been around others when their breath has been a little overwhelming.
We all know that bad breath can spoil our dates, business meetings, and social interactions in general. We may be annoying others even without knowing it. Are there simple steps you can take to ensure that your mouth doesn’t stink. Yes, there are. Bad breath does not necessarily mean that there is a dental problem, but seeing your dentist on a regular basis can make sure that there isn’t a problem.
The simplest factors causing bad breath are:
- Consumption of tobacco and alcohol
- Deposits on the tongue
- Food particles inside the mouth
Here are quick and easy steps to follow to avoid bad breath:
- Brush your teeth after every meal. Yes, you’ve heard this a million times before, but that only emphasizes how important a step it is. Hidden food particles in the mouth decay, producing micro-organisms, which in turn release bad odor. EEEWWW! Micro-critters hanging out in your mouth! You don’t want that.
- Floss, floss, floss. Yep, another one you’ve heard before. But flossing regularly gets rid of the food particles stuck between your teeth. And if you’ve ever been brave enough to sniff your floss afterwards…. it doesn’t smell pretty.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with a good mouthwash a couple times during the days when you feel you have bad breath or after your morning coffee.
- Drink plenty of water. Bacteria thrives in a dry mouth.
- Cleanse your tongue regularly to combat bad breath. Using your tooth brush works.
- See you dentist every 6 months or more often depending on your periodontal needs. It’s a quick appointment, and you end up with clean, smooth, teeth and fresh breath.