Bad breath can occur for a number of reasons … the foods and beverages we consume can have a lasting effect on the air we expel when we laugh, breathe, or speak. A breath mint or quick rinse with a mouthwash may help. But if you sense that your breath needs something more, it may be time to schedule a visit with your dentist.
Root Causes for Bad Breath
Getting to the bottom of the problem could be as simple as having your teeth cleaned, and discovering if an underlying problem such as the onset of gingivitis could be the reason for bad breath.
Correcting a problem before it has a chance to escalate is always a better solution. And with affordable dentistry, you can resolve many dental problems quickly. Once you’ve had your good dental health restored, you have many resources at your disposal to help you maintain it.
Dental Tips To Help Keep Breath Fresh
Brush at least twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste. It is important to brush correctly to make sure you are thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Don’t forget to clean your tongue as well. Brush it or use a tongue scraper.
Floss to remove what your toothbrush missed. Food debris can be caught between teeth and can produce a foul odor … remove it with dental floss.
Drink lots of water. In addition to staying hydrated, water helps to keep your mouth flushed.
When you want a snack, select crunchy fruits and vegetables as they help keep bacteria and plaque growth in check.
A mouthwash may help, but make sure it’s alcohol free; a dry mouth can exacerbate bad breath and alcohol in mouthwash has a drying effect.
A sugar free breath mint or sugar free gum may help. Or for a very natural breath saver, keep spices like clove, cinnamon or fennel on hand.
If you wear a dental prosthesis, make sure to follow instruction for keeping it clean. Failure to remove, clean, and store it properly could result in bad breath.
Finally, make sure you visit our team at Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry for a cleaning and exam twice a year.