In the universe of dental problems, bad breath probably doesn’t seem as serious as some others. That’s true, to a point – although it can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed like gum disease and decay. Still, no one wants bad breath. The good news is, there are many things you can do to help keep your breath smelling fresh. We’ve listed five of them for you here.
If you take our advice and still suffer from bad breath, call 1st in Smiles at 972-905-9266. You may have a dental problem that needs to be addressed.
Stop Smoking
It’s easy to identify a smoker by their bad-smelling breath. While tobacco products make your breath stink of smoke, they also dry out your mouth. Without enough saliva, your breath will smell bad. If you’re looking for a reason to stop smoking, how about breath that smells clean instead of smoky?
Drink Lots of Water
Numerous things can cause dry mouth. But one of the most common causes is a lack of adequate hydration. It’s an even bigger issue when the temperature heats up. Consuming plenty of water is one of the best ways to combat dry mouth. If you’ve just never been a big water drinker, you can get at least some of your moisture through foods with a high water content. Some good examples are fresh melon, cucumbers, and apples.
Visit Your Physician Regularly
Numerous medical conditions can cause chronic bad breath, including diabetes, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, and liver and kidney problems. See your doctor to see if your bad breath could be linked to a health problem, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms.
Skip The Onions & Garlic
Sulfur compounds in these substances enter your bloodstream, then travel to your lungs. They are released into the air when you exhale. To counteract the compounds, try munching on fresh parsley after eating foods seasoned with garlic and onions. If you don’t like the taste of parsley, try a parsley dietary supplement. Zinc also decreases the amount of sulfur compounds. So consider taking a zinc supplement.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Gum disease and dental decay can both cause bad breath. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day to help keep your mouth healthy and disease-free. Brush or scrape your tongue too, as disease-causing bacteria collect there.
You can also use a homemade mouthwash made using baking soda or vinegar, two substances that make your mouth less hospitable to bacteria. Add two teaspoons of baking soda to a cup of warm water. Or add two tablespoons of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Gargle for at least 30 seconds with these mouthwashes.
Visit us every six months for a professional dental cleaning. If you’re prone to cavities, we may also suggest fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants.
To schedule your next dental cleaning or to address any dental need, call 1st in Smiles today at 972-905-9266 to schedule an appointment in Plano, TX.
