Many people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. Bad breath can be very embarrassing but fortunately there are numerous ways to resolve it. It is a common condition that in most cases originates from the gums and tongue. The American Dental Association recommends these follow tips to help you fight bad breath and keep your mouth healthy.
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Brush and floss your teeth
You should brush your teeth at least two minutes twice a day to eliminate bacteria and plaque that builds up in your mouth and is associated with bad breath. Brushing your teeth before you go to bed is the most important time of the day to do so. Flossing daily will also help remove food debris from in between your teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. If the food debris is not removed, bacteria will grow and cause bad breath.
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Brush or scrape your tongue to keep it clean
Use an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper or toothbrush to remove any residue build up of bacteria on the surface of your tongue. Don’t neglect this important step which is an easy fix for a breath problem.
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Use mouthwash
Keep in mind that if a dental problem is the cause of chronic bad breath then mouth wash will only mask the problem temporarily. It is fine to use mouth wash to provide temporary relief, as long as you don’t rely on it too much as a substitute for maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
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Visit your dentist regularly
The best way to maintain good oral hygiene and to rule out any causes that lead to bad breath is to visit your dentist regularly for an examination and professional cleaning. Identifying any dental problems is essential to eliminate the underlying causes of bad breath.
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Clean your dentures
If you wear dentures you should thoroughly clean them each night when your remove them in addition to the inside of your mouth. You should also clean them after each meal to remove any food debris that can lead to bacteria buildup and ultimately bad breath.
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Stimulate saliva flow
Saliva helps to wash away food debris and has antibacterial properties to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Drink plenty of water or chew sugarless gum to help with occasional dry mouth and to help stimulate saliva flow.
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Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products
Smoking (and chewing tobacco) tends to dry out your mouth and is a main contributor to bad breath. Giving up smoking or tobacco use will improve your overall health and eliminate bad breath.
Dr. Ted Melchers and his staff are here to help address any of your dental health issues and decide the best course of treatment for their patients. Contact us today at oldmtpleasantdentistry.com to see how we can best meet your dental care needs.
