Halitosis is the clinical name for bad breath. This incredibly common problem supports the multi-billion dollar breath freshener industry, and over the counter products work extremely well against short-term bad breath caused by garlic and onions or other odiferous foods. Chronic bad breath is tougher to fight, but these 4 tips can help you prevent even stubborn bad breath.
Oral Hygiene
Step one is to step up your oral hygiene game. Brush at least twice and floss at least once every day. Rinse your mouth with clear water after every sugary snack or beverage. Make sure you are brushing each quadrant of your mouth for a full 30 seconds, and have a professional cleaning every six months.
Consider using a tongue scraper to fully clean the back of your tongue. This hard to reach area can harbor large quantities of odor causing bacteria.
Medicated mouth rinses can also help remove the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Be sure to choose a formula that contains not only breath fresheners but also bacteria-killing agents. Over the counter products may be sufficient, but your dentist can prescribe something stronger if needed.
Hydration
Your saliva does an excellent job of rinsing your mouth, but only if you are fully hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day, and increase this amount if you live in a dry climate or take medications known to cause dry mouth. Also consider running a humidifier at night and selecting oral hygiene products that are formulated to combat dryness.
Diet
Lowering your intake of sugar reduces the food debris left behind for odor-causing bacteria to enjoy. Try switching to sugar-free candy or gum, which can also stimulate the production of saliva. When you do consume sugar, rinse your mouth well with plain water.
Green and black tea, along with spices such as cardamom and fennel, are naturally antibacterial. Tea is also soothing, and it can even help settle a case of bad breath-causing acid reflux.
See Your Dentist
Tooth decay, gum disease, and oral health conditions can lead to bad breath. If you treat the underlying issue, you will not only improve your breath, but you will boost your overall health. If home remedies are not working, call your dentist for an appointment.
Most cases of bad breath are due to minor, easy to treat issues. Bad breath is extremely common, but in today’s world, there is no reason to live with it. Try the tips above, and call your dentist if you don’t get relief.
Ready for Help?
If you want to banish bad breath for good with a West Milford dentist you can trust, contact Dr. Jamrozek today at 973-728-3779.