Have you ever breathed into your hand and smelled it to check for bad breath? How often do the results turn out favorably? Halitosis (the clinical term for bad breath) is a common condition often caused by a lack of preventative dental care.
However, with the power of science and a little elbow grease, there are ways to fight back against it. If you want to learn the secrets of bad breath-busting, continue reading.
1. Brush Your Teeth and Floss Twice Per Day
The first tip is a tried-and-true method for getting rid of bad breath. As you eat food, it leaves behind a sticky substance called plaque. Within this plaque are unseen bacteria that rapidly produce a bad smell.
Food left between teeth will also break down and start to produce its own odor. The best way to fight plaque and the bacteria it produces is to brush and floss twice a day.
2. Brush and Scrape Your Tongue
This is a lesser-known tactic, but an effective one. The same bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums can also cling to your tongue. The longer these bacteria are left to sit, the whiter and more swollen your tongue may appear.
Regularly brushing your tongue as a part of your oral hygiene routine is a great way to remove these bacteria. You can also invest in a tongue scraper that will gently remove the film that sits on your tongue as an added precaution.
3. Exploit the Power of Vegetables
Carrots and celery are two of the underdogs of the vegetable world. Today they make their comeback as a duo of breath-busters. Studies show that chewing on these vegetables can clean teeth and freshen breath between brushings.
4. Use Mouth Rinse Regularly
Mouth rinse is a great way to fight bad breath. However, be sure to get the right kind of rise to fit your needs. Mouthwashes that use alcohol may seem like the way to go, but these can dry out your mouth and kill all the good bacteria that work to keep your oral health in balance.
Instead, use more natural mouth rinses that are alcohol-free and contain ingredients that promote oral health like xylitol and sodium bicarbonate which strengthen teeth and regulate the pH levels in your mouth.
5. Check for Tonsil Stones
Another lesser-known cause of bad breath is tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths. These tiny, foul-smelling stones can happen when food particles, bacteria, or mucus get trapped in your tonsils. While not a huge concern, these stones can consistently cause bad breath.
To rid yourself of these pesky stones, you can gargle with a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar or warm salty water once or twice a day until you notice improvements.
While bad breath usually isn’t serious, chronic halitosis even after following all of these recommendations could be a sign of another more serious oral health concern. Visit your dentist if you continue to experience bad breath. They’ll be able to put you on the path to freshness.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny brings a wealth of expertise to his practice at Island Coast Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the esteemed University of Florida College of Dentistry. Afterward, he served as a Past President of the Collier County Dental Association. Dr. Skupny continues his education even now through SPEAR Education and the prestigious Dawson Academy. To schedule an appointment, call (239) 261-5566 or visit the website to explore their services.