Tips to Help with Bad Breath

Bad breath can get in the way of your social life and personal life, making you self-conscious and can lead to embarrassing moments. Lucky for you, there are effective ways to help!

Brush & floss more:

One of the main causes of bad breath is plaque, the buildup in your mouth that holds onto bacteria.  Food caught in between your teeth adds to the problem as well.  Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day are standard for oral health care. If you're concerned about bad breath, try brushing 3 times a day and flossing twice a day.  Be aware that brushing too often or too aggressively can wear down enamel, which can lead to cavities. 

Scrape your tongue:

The coating that forms on your tongue can sometimes have bad smelling bacteria. To eliminate that coating, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush each time you brush your teeth.

Rinse your mouth:

Rinsing your mouth not only freshens your breath but anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing bacteria. After each snack or meal, simply swishing your mouth out with plain water also helps your breath by eliminating food particles.

Skip mints and chew gum instead:

Sugary candies help the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath.  Chew sugarless gum instead.

Moisten your mouth:

The lack of saliva promotes tooth decay, which leads to bad breath.  Drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy.  A humidifier can be used at night to moisten the air in your home.  

Don’t eat foods that sour your breath:

Garlic and onions are the top offenders and unfortunately brushing after you eat them doesn't help.  The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them altogether.

Kick the bad habit:

Smoking is a major factor when it comes to bad breath. Smoking not only causes bad breath but stains your teeth and damages your gums.

Keep your gums healthy:

Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria sit in pockets at the base of your teeth, creating bad odors and breath.

For more information on bad breath and treatment options, contact Impressions Dental and schedule your appointment today!