It’s embarrassing! Whether you’re with someone who has bad breath or your mouth is the culprit, smelly breath not only stinks, but it can also create an uncomfortable situation. In today’s blog, Duncan, OK, dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges and the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center will give you five secrets that should keep your breath fresh all day.
Whether you suffer from bad breath (AKA halitosis) or other oral health concerns, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges. Call 580-255-4880 today! We treat patients of all ages and offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and cosmetic services.
Now, let’s dive into 5 tips to fight bad breath.
Tip #1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It sounds rudimentary because you’ve probably heard this advice since you were a child. Brushing and flossing daily is the number-one way to prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and many other oral health problems. Because your mouth is an open portal to your body, bacteria in your oral cavity can cause overall health issues, including endocarditis, which is hardening of the arteries.
Do this to help keep your breath fresh:
- Brush in the morning and evening. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Brush for two minutes and thoroughly rinse with antibacterial mouthwash or water afterward.
- Before evening brushing, thoroughly floss your teeth. If you don’t like flossing with floss thread, purchase disposable, pre-threaded flossers.
- You may want to add a tongue scraper to your routine. These handheld tools remove plaque, food, and bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the tongue.
Tip #2: Watch What You Eat
When a food or beverage has a strong odor, consuming that item will transfer the odor to your mouth. Onions, garlic, curry, fish, fermented foods, and some condiments like horseradish, leave breath quite potent.
Furthermore, alcohol and carbonated drinks contain elements that dry out the mouth. Since saliva washes our mouths to continually reduce bacteria and food particles, a lack of saliva not only leaves those odiferous elements in the mouth, but it also causes dry mouth. A clinical condition, dry mouth (AKA xerostomia), contributes to both bad breath and tooth decay.
Tip #3: 8 Glasses of Water a Day
Going back to dry mouth being the source of some mouth odors, you should consume eight glasses or more of water every day. It’s commonplace for people to carry bottled water or a refillable container when on the go, so jump on that bandwagon. Water will hydrate your mouth and your body, which promotes good overall health.
Tip #4: Quickly Freshen Your Breath
After consuming a smelly food or drying beverage, rehydrate your mouth with water, sugar-free mints or gum, or mouthwash. These promote salivation and reduce odors that cause bad breath. To stay ahead of bad breath, keep a small bag with these items and some handheld, disposable flossers, handy.
Tip #5: 6-Month Checkups and Cleanings
Do not neglect regular dental visits! Children and adults of all ages should visit Dr. Bridges every six months, or more often if advised, for a checkup and dental cleaning.
At checkups, Dr. Bridges often identifies oral health issues in their early stages, when conservative treatment is still possible. Cleanings allow us to track your periodontal health over time and spot gum disease early. The hygienist who performs your cleaning will be happy to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing or provide advice about oral health products.
Schedule a Checkup with Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK
Is bad breath causing you embarrassment? Give us a call at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges. He’ll talk with you about your oral health concerns, conduct a comprehensive oral exam, and explain his findings and treatment options, if necessary. We want to help you and your loved ones enjoy good oral health and a high quality of life now and in the future!
