At some point in life, everyone deals with bad breath. Whether you have it first thing in the morning or after eating certain foods, bad breath can be unpleasant. At David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of dental hygienists helps patients deal with bad breath on a regular basis. While a fresh cleaning during your regular checkup can help identify severe tooth decay and gum disease, here are several ways you can get rid of bad breath at home.
1. Brush & Floss Often
Dentists everywhere advise their patients to brush and floss at least twice a day. However, if you keep a regular brushing schedule and still have bad breath, you may need to brush or floss more often. Try brushing after every meal or snack, and keep a bag of floss picks in your desk drawer.
2. Brush Your Tongue
If brushing your tongue isn’t a regular exercise when you brush your teeth, consider adding this motion to your routine. Brushing your tongue removes all of the food and bacteria that builds up throughout the day. The coating that usually forms on your tongue is host to a variety of bad smells and could be at the root of your bad breath battle.
3. Kick Tobacco Use
Smoking cigarettes and using chewing tobacco have proven to cause bad breath by causing gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Swap smoking for a nicotine patch and start focusing on your oral health. In time, you’ll find that your gums are no longer irritated, and your breath isn’t unbearable.
4. Drink More Water
The lack of saliva in your mouth can lead to bacterial growth and cavities. If you find that your mouth is continuously dry throughout the day or after a meal, take that as a sign that you need to drink more water. Staying hydrated also means your body can produce more saliva, which helps wash away sugars and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
5. Avoid Certain Foods
Unfortunately, some foods just cause bad breath, no matter how much brushing and flossing you do. Onions and garlic are often the culprits, but others include tuna fish, dairy products, and horseradish. If you want to have fresh, clean breath all the time, then it’s best to avoid meals or dishes with these ingredients.
Visit Your Dentist
Seeing your dentist regularly can help improve your oral health, especially when it comes to dealing with bad breath. Chronic bad breath could be a sign of a more significant underlying issue that only the team from David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can identify. We proudly serve residents throughout Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville, IN. To schedule an appointment, contact us today at (317) 844-0592.