Bad breath. No one likes it, but everyone’s had it at some point in time. Chronic halitosis (bad breath) is a problem that affects more than 80 million people, so if you’re currently suffering from it, you’re not alone. However, that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. If you’re searching the internet for ways to prevent it, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Continue reading as a dentist in Houston shares seven tips to stop bad breath.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Everyone knows they must brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. They’re crucial for eliminating plaque, food particles, and other debris from your mouth. Unfortunately, some people neglect to follow these essential practices as recommended, resulting in bad breath.
Clean Your Tongue
While brushing your teeth, don’t forget to clean your tongue as well! Plaque, bacteria, or food particles can easily get trapped between the grooves and crevices, contributing to bad breath. To clean your tongue, brush it gently with a toothbrush or use a tongue scraper.
Rinse with Mouthwash
If you have an underlying health problem causing bad breath, mouthwash will only mask the odor, not cure it. Sometimes, it can even worsen your condition by irritating the oral tissue! For a quick freshen-up, try rinsing with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil. You can also rinse with black or green tea, as studies show they suppress the growth of bacteria that cause a foul mouth odor.
Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
It’s no secret that these poor habits can be detrimental to your oral and overall health. Smoking contributes to bad breath, and using tobacco products can dry out your mouth, leaving an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth. So, if you ever needed a reason to stop, do it for the sake of your mouth odor!
Stay Hydrated
Water is truly the best drink for your mouth and body. To avoid dry mouth, make sure you drink a sufficient amount of water every day. It helps keep bad breath under control by washing away food particles and bacteria that cause it.
Chew on Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing on a stick of sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva flow. As mentioned earlier, saliva is a natural cleansing agent your mouth produces that washes away food debris and bacteria that cause bad breath.
Visit Your Dentist
Aside from brushing and flossing, you must visit your dentist regularly to maintain good oral health. If you have chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment right away to rule out any dental problems. Depending on their findings, they’ll recommend solutions or develop a treatment plan to help resolve your odor issues.
Do you have bad breath? Use the tips outlined above to help alleviate it. Ultimately, good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are the best ways to keep your mouth smelling fresh and looking its very best!
About the Practice
At Tamborello Dental Associates, we provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art, outstanding dental services for patients of all ages. Our team has years of combined training and experience, meaning we’re more than capable of helping you achieve optimal oral health. For more ways to stop bad breath, visit our website or call (713) 522-7540.