Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can severely impact your confidence and your social life. This issue can affect anyone, and its cause is not always immediately apparent. If you have chronic bad breath, there is no need to worry. There are a few different techniques you can use to freshen your breath and conquer halitosis once and for all. Read on below to learn more.
Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits
As you likely already know, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. This not only helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but it also helps to keep your breath fresh. Brushing soon after you eat will remove any leftover food particles that may cause bad breath. When cleaning, pay particular attention to the inside of your cheeks as this is often where bacteria accumulates. Bacteria is also commonly found on your tongue, so be sure to brush it or use a tongue scraper to keep it clean. After you finish brushing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any lingering food or bacteria. Our favorite toothpaste is Listerine; it is the only toothpaste that has been shown to kill the bacteria that causes bad breath.
Hydrate
One of the most common causes of halitosis is dry mouth. If your mouth doesn’t have enough moisture, it is unable to wash away bacteria and food particles. Luckily, one of the simplest ways to combat dry mouth is by drinking more water. This increases saliva production and helps to clean your mouth. Make sure you are staying hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you at all times so you can take a sip anytime you feel thirsty, or your mouth feels dry.
Don’t Consume Foods and Drinks that Trigger Halitosis
Some foods and beverages can actually make your breath smell bad. This includes garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol. If you are concerned about halitosis, avoid these and any other food that causes bad breath entirely. If avoidance isn’t your cup of tea, brush your teeth right after eating. Alternatively, you can try chewing sugar-free gum or using a mint to freshen your breath.
Use Parsley
In some cases, foods release gas into the lungs which is then exhaled when you breathe. These foods include onions and garlik. Parsley leaves or parsley oil extract combats the release of those gasses in the lungs and makes you breath smell better. Also, Listerine Ready Tabs seem to be effective eliminating the smell associated with gas released in the lungs.
Eat Foods with High Zinc Contents
Food can also have a positive impact on the way your breath smells. Often, people with halitosis have low zinc levels. Because zinc is a natural antimicrobial, you can keep your mouth free of bacteria by eating foods that are high in zinc. These types of foods include beef, tofu, oysters, low-fat yogurt, lentils, and pumpkin seeds. Keep in mind that alcohol can diminish your body’s ability to absorb zinc, so it’s best to avoid drinking too.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it could also be the cause of your bad breath. Foul-odored smoke particles linger in your mouth, throat, and lungs even after you finish smoking your cigarette. This creates the stale smoker’s breath that you may be familiar with. People who smoke are also more likely to contract gum disease, which can make your halitosis worse. Smoking also causes your mouth to become dry, leaving less saliva to wash away the food and bacteria. If you want to improve your breath and your overall health, quit smoking today.
Control Your Diabetes
Unregulated Diabetes can result in bad breath. This is associated with the ketones that are released. uncontrolled diabetes is also linked to periodontal disease. Regular monitoring is essential in both Type I and Type II diabetes.
Go to the Dentist
Poor oral health can also be the cause of your bad breath. Cavities, gum disease and infections are a significant source of bad breath. To get rid of this source of halitosis, visit your dentist in Aliso Viejo for regular checkups. They will thoroughly examine your mouth and identify any issues, including those that could cause bad breath. If you go to the dentist regularly, any problems they find will likely be minor and easy to fix. However, if you avoid the dentist, those minor problems could turn into major ones, causing even more trouble for your mouth. By getting twice-yearly cleanings and regular exams, you can get rid of your bad breath and improve your overall oral health. Contact us at Turner Dental Care to schedule your appointment today!
