Top 5 ways to prevent bad breath
Bad breath is a problem that affects millions of people.
Bad breath can be frustrating and embarrassing to the extent of avoiding social functions. The foul odor does not only hurt your confidence but can also damage your dental health.
Here are five steps that you can take to enhance your breath and keep your gums and teeth healthy;
Kick some personal habits.
Besides, causing cancer, alcohol consumption and smoking can stain your teeth, damage your gums, and cause bad breath. Besides, excessive alcohol consumption tends to reduce saliva flow in the mouth leading to a dry mouth.
Persistent bad breath can be the reason you stop such bad habits. You can talk to your doctor about prescription medication and programs that can help you tame the urge and stop the habit for good.
Eating some foods like garlic, cheese, and onions can also cause halitosis. Even brushing after consuming such foods doesn’t help. The bad smells travel through your bloodstream into your lungs causing bad breath when you breathe out.
The best way to address the issue is to stop eating such foods.
- Control dry mouth
A dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medical conditions and medications. Saliva protects your mouth against bacteria and food particles. It is a natural antibacterial which means that your mouth can get overwhelmed if certain drugs inhibit saliva production. Without enough saliva in the mouth, bacteria can increase causing bad breath.
If this is the issue, keep your mouth moist and hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You could also try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
- Get your teeth cleaned professionally
Over time, plaque buildups in the pockets forming a hard substance called tartar which cannot be removed by regular flossing or brushing. Professional teeth cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist to help keep your teeth and gums clean by removing hardened plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Bad breath can be an indication that you have not had professional teeth cleaning in a while. Make a dental appointment to have your teeth cleaned professionally.
- Improve your oral hygiene
Proper dental hygiene is the best way to control bacteria in your mouth and keep your breath fresh. If you don’t floss or brush regularly, bacteria causing foul odors can accumulate in your gums and teeth.
Brush your teeth twice every day for at least two minutes to effectively wash away bad bacteria. Also, remember to floss between your teeth. Flossing helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that are stuck in the gaps between your teeth. Brushing only cleans 60% of your teeth’s surfaces. Flossing cleans the remaining 40% which your toothbrush cannot reach.
Use a mouthwash to help get rid of stinky bacteria, kill germs, stop plaque buildup, and clean out infections.
- Get a dental checkup from Springvale Dental Clinic
Unfortunately, persistent bad breath can be caused by diverse factors such as gum disease, cracked filling, or tooth decay.
With a complete examination, your dentist can determine the cause of your bad breath and effectively treat it.
Occasionally, bad breath can be a sign of a serious medical condition such as kidney disease, diabetes, or respiratory infection. Regular dental checkups can help detect such issues early before they worsen.
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