Everyone is a victim of bad breath at some point in their lives, but it doesn’t have to be a persistent problem!
Bad breath has many different causes; however, it’s possible to evade them with a suitable home oral care routine and regular dental appointments.
To help you prevent bad breath, here are a few pointers.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time removes the food debris and plaque build-up that can cause bad breath.
What many people forget is that flossing is a perfect companion to brushing! Food gets stuck in between your teeth, and your toothbrush can’t reach it. Flossing removes these particles and prevents odor-causing gas from being released.
Show Your Tongue Some Love
Brushing your tongue is equally as important as brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Tongues trap food particles beneath a thin layer of mucus, which gives bacteria a place to thrive.
Daily removal of this thin layer helps prevent bad breath. There are commercial tongue scrapers you can buy, or you can use the bristles of your toothbrush to gently clean the top of your tongue.
Drink Plenty of Water
Having a dry mouth can lead to bad breath too. If you drink six to eight glasses of water each day, your mouth will remain moist. You’ll also wash away lingering food particles. Increasing your daily water intake can help your oral health as well as your overall health.
Avoid Smoking and Other Tobacco Use
Any type of tobacco product can have harmful effects on your general health, and also contribute to bad breath. Tobacco use can cause your mouth to become dry, which is a primary cause of bad breath. It also contributes to other oral health conditions such as oral cancer and periodontal disease.
Handling Bad Breath
David W. Piper, DMD, can help you prevent bad breath. To learn how by contacting us today at (727) 548-7100 to schedule an appointment!
Dr. Piper is a General and Cosmetic Dentist who has proudly served Pinellas County since 1993. Both he and his team of professionals provide high quality, gentle dental care in a relaxed, personalized, and caring environment. Treating patients like family sets his practice apart from others.
