Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that no one wants to have. Despite brushing and flossing every day, bad breath happens to everyone at times. Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your halitosis. If simple methods do not work, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out if it is a symptom of an underlying condition.
Many causes of halitosis are preventable and easily treated. Halitosis is caused by many factors, including poor oral hygiene, a dry mouth and certain foods. People can fend off halitosis by developing good oral health habits and making changes to their diets. Here are four daily tips for managing bad breath.
Brushing teeth properly is an effective way of fighting against bad breath. Brushing teeth twice a day will help whisk away odors. It is important to cover all the areas in the mouth. This involves brushing all surfaces of the teeth, including the inside portion of the teeth near the tongue and palate and the gumline. To eliminate bad breath, a person should brush the entire tongue surface where bacteria tend to linger after brushing the teeth and gumline. The tongue gets a great deal of bacteria buildup, which can contribute to bad breath.
Flossing is an important component of good oral health. Flossing removes the bacteria and plaque buildup from between the teeth that toothbrushes usually cannot get rid of. This should be done at least once a day. Flossing also rids the mouth of debris and food particles. If these are left between teeth, they will rot, which smells foul.
One problem that can cause halitosis or make it worse is having a dry mouth. It occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva lubricates and cleanses the mouth and helps flush out the bad bacteria. Dry mouth causes bad breath because food particles remain trapped in the mouth, and they eventually rot and cause an unpleasant smell when someone exhales.
Drinking plenty of water is recommended. A person should carry a water bottle and take sips frequently. It is advisable to avoid acidic beverages such as soda, orange juice and any drink that contains phosphoric or citric acid. Dry mouth and acid together is a breeding ground for dental cavities.
Chewing sugar-free gum and sucking sugarless candies can stimulate saliva production. Using sugar-free products is recommended because sugar can help feed bacteria, which will make bad breath worse once the gum is gone. Sugar in gum may also cause tooth decay. Artificial saliva prescribed by a dentist can help moisten the mouth and reduce the risk of bad breath.
People can benefit from choosing foods carefully. Certain foods are naturally harsh on the breath. Pungent seasonings such as vinegar and garlic can linger after meals, so these foods should be eaten sparingly. Avoiding sticky, sugary foods that linger on the teeth for a long time is also recommended.
You do not have to suffer from halitosis any longer. By brushing and flossing daily, maintaining adequate saliva in the mouth and choosing food carefully, you can keep your breath fresh. Regularly visiting your general dentistry is also recommended. These tips will assist you in managing and eliminating your experience with halitosis.
Request an appointment here: https://artofdentistrytx.com or call Art of Dentistry at (817) 550-0134 for an appointment in our Arlington office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Bad Breath in Arlington, TX.
A root canal cleans out infection from the interior of a tooth, but dentists will attempt other options, such as dental fillings, when possible. Therefore, it can be hard for patients to know when they may need a root canal or whether a problem can be solved in another way. The signs that you may…
Preventive dentistry can support your efforts to keep your mouth healthy, including practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding things that can damage your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but sometimes it is…
Seeing a cosmetic dentist can bring dramatic improvements to your smile. The experience can even enhance your oral health. Knowing what to look forward to from this dental care provider can prepare you for your appointment. Here are the things to anticipate from a cosmetic dentist.Visiting a cosmetic dentist for the first time can be…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…
A root canal may seem like a complex procedure, but it is a routine process…
Let us take a look at a few of the benefits of preventive dental care.
The right cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and dental function at the same time.
Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…
Dental sealants provide extra protection to teeth, especially for those more prone to tooth decay.
When visiting the kid friendly dentist, families can expect activities geared toward the children.
