Tips For Fresh Breath
More than 80 million people suffer from chronic bad breath known as halitosis. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue.
The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. Bad breath may also occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure or a liver malfunction. Dry mouth and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath.
Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but it is a common condition and there are numerous ways to prevent it.
Following a few simple tips can help you fight bad breath as well as keep your mouth healthy on a daily basis.
Visit Your Dentist - The best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene is to visit your dentist regularly. If you have chronic bad breath, you should visit your dentist first, to rule out any dental problems. Or, if your dentist believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist to help remedy the cause of the problem.
Brush Teeth Twice a Day - Brush your teeth at least two minutes twice a day to remove plaque and food debris. It’s very important to brush your teeth before going to bed.
Brush or Scrape Your Tongue - To remove any residue that may be building up between the taste buds and folds in the tongue, use a tongue scraper to scrape your tongue, or simply brush your tongue with your toothbrush.
Use a Mouth Rinse - Keep in mind that if a dental problem is the cause of chronic bad breath, a mouth rinse will only mask the odor and not cure it. In some cases, mouth rinses may actually worsen a bad breath problem by irritating oral tissue.
Quit Smoking - Smoking contributes to bad breath. Tobacco tends to dry out your mouth and encourages the growth of bad-smelling bacteria.
Drink Plenty of Water - Drinking a sufficient amount of water (six to eight 8-ounce glasses) daily will help to avoid dry mouth. It helps keep odor under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath. If you have chronic dry mouth or take medications that cause you to have dry mouth, talk to your dentist about recommendations to help with this such as eating a piece of sugarless candy or chewing on a piece of sugarless gum.
Munch on the Right Things - Snacking on crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery or apples, help increase your saliva flow between meals to wash away bacteria from teeth, tongue and gums that can cause bad breath. Furthermore, an empty stomach from skipping meals can cause bad breath as acids in the stomach build up.
Keep Your Gums Clean - Be sure to brush your gums each time you brush your teeth. We always recommend using a soft bristled brush!
Remember to brush regularly, drink plenty of water and avoid tobacco and alcohol to get a jump-start on fresh breath! Happy National Fresh Breath Day!!!
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