5 Ways to Beat Bad Breath
Bad breath isn’t something to be ashamed of or worry about. Instead, think of it as a part of body maintenance and potentially as a medical concern. You can try changes to your dental care routine to see if that helps, and if not, a dentist can look into underlying causes or contributors of the bad breath, which they may call by its official name of halitosis.
If you need a dentist in Mentor, OH to help you improve your dental health, Great Lakes Dental is here for you. And if you're struggling with an odor, try these five simple solutions for bad breath.
1. Brush and Floss
It’s best to start with the basics. Make sure you’re properly brushing and flossing, and if you’re not, see if improving in this area combats the bad breath before you move forward with other oral hygiene tips.
A bad smell can develop from food, residue and bacteria building up on your teeth, as well as your gums and tongue. Ideally, follow guidelines of brushing at least twice a day, especially cleaning your teeth after meals and with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing can get the film off the teeth, and make sure to brush your tongue as well, including the back of it. Flossing at least once a day will help ensure any food debris that’s missed from your brushing can be removed from between your teeth, too, leaving your gums healthy and happy.
2. Take Care of Dry Mouth
Having dry mouth can contribute to bad breath. If this is the case for you, try chewing on foods that increase your saliva production, such as carrots or apples. You could also try gum or candy, just be sure to choose ones that are free of sugar.
Drinking water regularly and swishing your mouth with water after eating can also help. Research has found that drinking or swishing with water took away as much as 60 percent of the substances in the mouth contributing to halitosis.
If these kinds of fresh breath techniques don’t help, a dentist can take a look at the underlying causes of dry mouth. They may suggest artificial saliva or other solutions, depending on the cause and situation.
3. Add Mouth Wash
You could try adding mouth wash to your dental care routine. It can help with bad breath in the short term, and can provide some good mouth-cleansing properties that contribute to better oral health and breath. For instance, you can find over-the-counter mouth washes with antiseptic properties that kill germs in the mouth and ones that cut down on plaque.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase odor in your mouth and even stain your teeth, so quitting could provide a solution to bad breath you’re experiencing. Cutting out smoking (or vaping) will also help decrease your chances of other health-related issues including oral cancer, heart disease, and tooth decay.
5. Visit a Dentist
If your fresh breath techniques aren’t helping enough, a dentist in your area can provide tailored halitosis treatment. Solutions may include:
- Professional cleanings that make the mouth cleaner than you can at home
- Check-ups that find underlying problems contributing to bad breath
- Oral care education and recommendations
- Treatment for a dental problem like gum disease or an infection that could create an odor
- A referral to an oral specialist like a periodontist if you require specialty dental care
- A referral to a primary healthcare provider if the dentist thinks a non-dental health cause may be contributing
Need a Dentist in Mentor, OH?
If you're looking for a new dentist in the area, we can help at Great Lakes Dental. Our professionals can provide the care you need to address bad breath and improve your oral health overall. Contact us to make an appointment.