How does your breath smell? It can be difficult to judge its odor yourself, so you may not know that you have bad breath until someone tells you. Studies estimate more than 80 million people suffer from this embarrassing situation on a daily basis. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to fight off halitosis by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Try these nine easy tips from your Naples dentist to keep your breath and your smile fresh.
Tip #1 Brush Your Teeth
The plaque that accumulates in your mouth can release foul gases if it’s not removed regularly. Clean it away by brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
Tip #2 Floss Every Day
If food particles are trapped between your teeth, they can cause your breath to smell over time. Not only will daily flossing keep your breath fresh, but it will prevent larger issues like gum disease as well.
Tip #3 Clean Your Tongue
To remove the plaque, bacteria, and food particles from the grooves of your tongue, try using a tongue scraper. Alternatively, you can clean off your tongue by brushing it with your toothbrush.
Tip #4 Use Mouthwash
Cosmetic mouthwashes only mask the smell of your breath. To treat the underlying issue causing your halitosis, try an antiseptic mouthwash to fight off bacterial infections and plaque buildup.
Tip #5 Stay Hydrated
Stinky bacteria grow rapidly in a dry mouth, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. This also washes your teeth to remove any lingering food particles and plaque.
Tip #6 Try Sugarless Candy or Gum
Another way to combat bad breath caused by dry mouth is to chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy. This encourages saliva production, which helps wash away remaining particles.
Tip #7 Quit Tobacco Products
Among a host of other issues, chewing and smoking tobacco products causes your mouth to dry out and slows its healing process, which leads to bad breath. Quit tobacco for a healthier, fresher smile.
Tip #8 Eat Crunchy Vegetables
When you eat raw, crunchy vegetables that are high in fiber, they clear away plaque by gently scrubbing and washing your teeth. Excellent snacks choices include celery, cucumbers, and carrots.
Tip #9 See Your Dentist Often
Your dentist can help you maintain great oral hygiene and clean out plaque and bacteria from places in your mouth you have difficulty reaching. Sometimes, bad breath is an early warning sign of a developing health concern like an oral infection or diabetes. Your dentist is specially trained to identify these issues and treat them as early as possible. However, the purpose of routine dental checkups is to prevent these problems and the bad breath they may cause before they have a chance to begin!
About the Author
If you’re tired of being embarrassed by your bad breath, it’s time to visit Island Coast Dentistry in Naples, FL. Dr. Jeffrey Skupny is a graduate of the prestigious University of Florida College of Dentistry and an active member of several organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry. With extensive continuing education in a wide variety of topics, he would be happy to help you achieve the happy, healthy, and fresh smile you deserve. If you need help combating your halitosis, feel free to contact him via his website or at (239) 261-5566.