Did you know that more than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis? For most cases, it originates from the gums and the tongue. As frustrating and embarrassing as this can be, there are some steps that you can take to prevent this common condition from occurring. Continue reading to learn some tips from your dentist in Medford so you can put and end to your halitosis for good.
Brush Twice Daily
You already know that you should be brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, but many people neglect to take this important step before bed. If you don’t then you are leaving behind plaque and food debris that contribute to bad breath. You could also try an additional round of brushing with baking soda in order to reduce the acidity in your mouth and make it more difficult for bacteria to grow.
Floss Once a Day
Brushing won’t remove all of the plaque from your mouth. That’s why it’s so important to use floss in order to clean away food debris that is in hard-to-reach places like between the teeth and beneath the gumline. If this isn’t removed, bacteria will feed on it and cause bad breath.
Clean Your Tongue
Food particles collect on your tongue too. You can clear this away by using your toothbrush to scrub your tongue or invest in an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper from your local drug store. This way you can remove residue from between the taste buds.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash works great at masking bad breath. However, if you have chronic halitosis, mouthwash will not get to the root of the issue. It could even worsen the problem by irritating oral tissue in the mouth. Try rinsing your mouth with a mix of water and a few drips of peppermint oil.
Drink Water
By drinking plenty of water, you can help to wash away food particles and bacteria that are the primary cause of bad breath. If you aren’t staying hydrated, you won’t be producing enough saliva for your mouth to function properly.
Chew Gum
Even though most candies aren’t the best idea for your smile, by chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum, you can stimulate saliva flow. Saliva helps to wash away food debris and bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
Have an Apple
Fresh, crispy fruits and vegetables help to step up the quantity of saliva in the mouth. This includes apples, carrots, celery, and pears. These snacks can also help to alleviate bad breath caused by hunger or fasting.
Don’t Smoke
Tobacco products contribute to bad breath because they dry out the mouth. They also leave an unpleasant smell behind that lingers, even after you brush your teeth. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best way for you to quit.
See Your Dentist
By going to the dental office for a checkup, your dentist will be able to rule out any dental issues that could be contributing to your bad breath. They will also be able to give you the best advice on how to deal with it for your individual situation.
No one wants bad breath! By taking the steps listed above, you can work towards having a healthy, fresh-smelling smile!
About the Author
After graduating from Harvard College, Dr. Anthony Giamberardino earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has been working in the field for over three decades. He is a member of numerous organizations including the American Dental Association. For more information on halitosis or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (781) 396-3800.