Many people may be ready for the days of wearing face masks to be over, but when you think about that person in your life with bad breath, masks may be working wonders for your face-to-face interactions!
But seriously, it can be difficult to be polite to someone who isn’t a big fan of personal space and also has bad breath. You certainly don’t want to fall victim to bad breath of your own, and your dentist in Lawrenceville can help with that.
Check out these tips for corralling chronic halitosis, which usually originates from the teeth and gums.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris. It’s very important to brush your teeth before bedtime. Perhaps consider a daily round of brushing with baking soda.
Floss Daily
Flossing removes food debris from in between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping flossing allows bacteria to begin feeding on what brushing left behind, which causes bad breath.
Brush or Scrape Your Tongue
To remove residue that may be accumulating between the folds in the tongue and the taste buds, you can get an inexpensive tongue scraper. Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush will also work.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Beyond mouthwash you might buy at the drugstore, consider rinsing your mouth with black or green tea. According to a study by the University of Illinois at Chicago, rinsing your mouth with black or green tea suppresses the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking contributes to bad breath. Tobacco often dries out your mouth and even brushing your teeth might not remove the unpleasant smell.
Stay Hydrated
Try to drink at least 48-64 ounces of water over the course of each day to avoid dry mouth. Water helps combat odor since it helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Use Sugarless Gum or Candy
Sugarless gum or sugarless candy can help stimulate saliva flow. The saliva helps remove food debris and bacteria.
Snack on Carrots, Celery, or an Apple
Eating crispy fruits and vegetables is another way to step up your saliva flow. Also, an empty stomach from skipping meals can cause bad breath due to the buildup of stomach acid.
Visit Your Dentist
Of course, the most important thing you can do to battle bad breath is visit your dentist regularly. They can make sure you don’t have any dental problems causing it. If your dentist believes the issue is caused from an internal source like an infection, they may refer you to a specialist.
Following these tips should help people focus on what you are saying and not how you say it!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce Carter is a cosmetic and restorative dentist who prides himself on giving patients his undivided attention for optimal treatment. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with more than 1,600 hours of advanced training since dental school. For dental checkups and cleanings as part of your regimen to banish bad breath, you can schedule an appointment or learn more about Dr. Carter’s other services on his website or call (770) 995-7616.