Whether you’re heading into that dream job interview or going on a first date, the last thing you want to worry about is bad breath. Unfortunately, according to Medical News Today, bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally. While it can be a signal of an underlying medical issue, the most common cause comes down to oral hygiene. In this post, your dentist in Port Orange explains how to achieve fresh breath with 7 simple tips.
Beating Bad Breath
Home remedies, lifestyle changes and improved hygiene are all easy ways to reduce bad breath.
Pay Attention to Parsley
The next time you’re at a restaurant and see that sprig of parsley, don’t just throw it out! Save it to eat after your meal. Parsley is an herb that can cleanse your pallet, remove odor-causing plaque from your teeth and neutralize smells from foods like onions and garlic.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water increases saliva production and combats dry mouth, a condition that causes bad breath. Water also rinses the mouth out, removing unwanted food particles. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep plaque levels at a minimum.
Drop Your Smoking Habit
You’ve no doubt heard that smoking is bad for your health for a variety of reasons. From oral cancer to gum disease, tobacco has extremely negative effects on your mouth. Smoking is also bad for your breath. The smell itself can be unpleasant and smoking also increases the risk of dry mouth.
Use the Right Products
Breath mints and gum will freshen your breath for a time, but you should use those funds on the right oral hygiene products for more permanent results. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste and dental floss to keep your teeth free from plaque. You can ask your dentist in Port Orange for product suggestions.
Brush Between Meals
It may seem like going overboard but stepping up your daily hygiene routine can be useful if you want to eliminate your bad breath. Brush your teeth or use a mouth rinse between meals. This limits the amount of time that plaque is stuck to the teeth and avoids the development of hardened plaque, which can only be removed by a dental hygienist.
Brush Your Tongue
After brushing your teeth (and before rinsing off the toothpaste), lightly scrub your tongue with your toothbrush. Don’t stop there though! Cleaning the roof of your mouth and inside of your cheeks can also improve your breath.
Visit Your Dentist
Drop by your dentist’s office twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. This allows your dental team to clean your mouth of harmful plaque and check for other causes of your bad breath. Plus, you can ask for product recommendations and other suggestions for fresh breath.
For a majority of people, it only takes a few small changes to eliminate bad breath. Help yourself and the others around you by trying out a few of these tips. If bad breath persists, talk to your dentist about potential causes.
About the Author
Dr. Sean Bannan has over 15 years of experience in the dental field. He is committed to lifelong learning and regularly attends continuing education courses. If you have further questions about bad breath, he can be reached through his website or at 386-761-5883.