Are you worried that you might have bad breath?
Here are three simple ways to effectively treat bad breath and leaving your mouth feeling fresh.
Halitosis, or bad breath as it’s more commonly known, is something that affects millions of people every year. Eating foods with a strong smell such as garlic or coffee can temporarily give you bad breath but what about when it’s an ongoing problem?
The good news is that there are some easy steps you can take which will freshen your breath and leave you feeling full of confidence. Here are the top three ways which will alleviate unwanted bad breath.
Quit Smoking
Much has been written about the health benefits of giving up smoking, but it’s not just the smell of cigarette smoke that can linger. Smokers are far more likely to suffer from bad breath, even if they use breath mints or gum.
One of the reasons for this is that smokers have a greater risk of suffering from gum disease. Research has shown that even when dental hygiene is good, gum disease can still occur as a direct result of the smoking. This is because three of the most common types of bacteria which contribute to gum disease occur in higher quantities in smokers. The higher likelihood of gum disease is also exacerbated by the reduced blood flow which is typically seen in individuals who smoke.
Even if you don’t have gum disease, smoking will leave a stale odour on the breath that can’t be eradicated by brushing your teeth. It also dries out the mouth and leaves a film over the teeth, all of which contribute to bad breath.
Eat And Drink Regularly
While certain food and drinks can cause strong smells, going without eating or drinking can be just as problematic. If you don’t eat for prolonged periods, the acid levels in your stomach can build up and cause an unpleasant odour on the breath.
Munching on healthy snacks doesn’t just control stomach acid, it also improves the flow of saliva. Drinking regularly does the same thing. This helps to remove bacteria from teeth and wash away any residue which can also contribute to bad breath.
Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and you’ll notice that your mouth feels cleaner and your breath won’t smell stale.
Good Dental Hygiene
By far one of the most common causes of bad breath is dental problems. This could be poor dental hygiene or untreated cavities or gum disease.
To improve your breath, start by adopting a regular routine which starts with brushing your teeth twice a day. Morning and night for 2-3 minutes each time will help to remove most of the food debris that may be lingering as well as getting rid of unwanted bacteria. Following it up with flossing will help to remove the micro-particles that can get stuck between teeth.
Scraping the tongue is one part of dental hygiene that many people skip but it can make a real difference. The tongue has lots of tiny crevices and folds and it’s easy for residue to get stuck. A tongue scraper can be purchased cheaply and it’s remarkably effective – or you could just use your toothbrush!
Of course, as part of good dental hygiene it’s imperative to have regular check-ups with your dentist. This will catch any problems early and prevent gum disease from developing. To book your appointment, get in touch with us here at Sloan Dental today.
