Bad breath affects everybody at some point. We may have it for a day or chronically, but there are many ways to solve the issue of bad-smelling and gross-tasting breath.
Fortunately, our Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry teams are always more than happy to help you and your family get and keep fresh breath. We have created a list of some common causes and solutions for you and your family to start your fresh breath journey!
Brush and Floss Daily
Your parent or guardian has likely told you your entire childhood to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. You probably tell your kids, too. But why?
Brushing and flossing help rid the mouth of undesirable bacteria and prevent a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums, which can cause cavities, infections, gum disease, gingivitis, tooth loss, and other things. This harmful bacteria and the damage it causes could also be the culprit behind your bad breath!
Brushing and flossing your teeth and gums thoroughly only takes a few minutes. We even suggest adding a water flosser to your routine. A water flosser is a machine that uses water to floss between your teeth and clean along the gumline. Have you ever had a piece of food, such as chips or popcorn, stuck between your teeth that you can’t get out, even after brushing and flossing? A water flosser would be able to dislodge it almost immediately. Less residue left in the mouth means fresher breath! Remember that water flossing is to be used in addition to traditional flossing and is not a replacement.
Keep Up Regular Dental Cleanings.
We at Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry know that going to the dentist isn’t easy for everybody. We know it can be hard to remember an appointment made months ago. We aim to create a welcoming and safe environment for all our patients. In order to promote healthy habits for our patients to be happy and healthy, we encourage everyone to attend their regular dental cleanings.
At your dental cleaning, an experienced team member will rid your teeth and gums of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Then Dr. Edwards or Dr. Prince will check your mouth for problems, like cavities, gingivitis, broken filings, and other issues. If they find something, they will discuss a treatment plan with you to get your oral health back on track! Your dentist will also gladly address any concerns or questions you may have.
Complications that cause bad breath can sneak up on you. Even if you think your mouth is in excellent condition, still attend your regular dental cleanings every six months (or as instructed by your dentist) to guarantee its healthy state!
Try a Tongue Scraper.
After you brush and floss your teeth, you might want to try a tongue scraper. These metal or plastic tools come in different shapes and sizes to scrape the residue off the tongue that may remain after the rest of your routine. This bacteria can also cause bad breath and disease if not removed. Using a tongue scraper is simple. Stick your tongue out and slowly pull your tongue scraper from the back to the front. Repeat until you’ve done your entire tongue and wipe off between scrapes.
Before using a tongue scraper, talk to Dr. Edwards or Dr. Prince to find out if a tongue scraper is right for you or your child.
Maintain a Balanced Diet.
Your diet plays a significant role in your oral health! A balanced diet supplies the body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to keep your digestive tract running smoothly and your body healthy. Low-carb diets, such as the keto diet, result in bad breath because your body lacks the necessary carbohydrates. Foods high in acid, like sodas, fruits, and even some pasta sauces, can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria that causes bad breath. Nutritious eating habits also prevent acid reflux, another contributor to bad breath.
Crunchy raw fruits and vegetables, probiotic yogurt, herbs, sugar-free gum, and fruits high in Vitamin C are a few examples of foods that combat bad breath.
Lots and Lots of Water!
Water is a crucial ingredient for overall physical and oral health! Dehydration reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth available to kill bacteria that cause bad breath, gum disease, and other issues. Saliva also makes it easier to swallow, reducing digestive problems, and stops food from getting stuck on teeth, which means less sustenance for germs in the mouth. After every meal, we recommend rinsing the mouth with water to remove any remaining residue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day — every sip cleans the mouth a little and boosts your digestive system. Adequate hydration promotes fresher breath.
Use Quality Mouthwash.
Mouthwash has been known to provide users with fresh, minty breath for years! Like all the toothpaste options, one size does not fit all, and we suggest asking your dentist to recommend the best mouthwash for you. However, there are two kinds of mouthwash you might want to try to banish bad breath!
Some of the bacteria causing your bad bath breath are anaerobic. Try an oxygenated mouthwash. Generally, these are for patients with chronic issues like gum disease, but anyone can use them. They break down the oxygen-hating bacteria and plaque to leave you with fresh breath.
Switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash can help your bad breath, too. Alcohol dries the mouth out over time, resulting in bad breath and the growth of bacteria.
Get a more extensive list at Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry!
We are proud to provide personalized care for all our patients to help them have the healthy smile and fresh breath they deserve! Excellent care starts with quality information. Call or visit Scott Edwards Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today to make an appointment with our experienced and welcoming teams at either location!