We all know the feeling of waking up with morning breath or having to return to work after lunch with the smell of garlic lingering. But for some, bad breath is a much bigger problem. In fact, more than 80 million Americans suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Even though it is a common condition, it can be embarrassing to deal with. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to lessen and prevent it. Your dentist in Newark shares some effective tips for eliminating bad breath.
Brush Twice and Floss Once Daily
Brushing your teeth for about two to three minutes at least twice a day is the best way that you can remove food debris and plaque from your mouth. However, your toothbrush cannot effectively clean some hard-to-reach areas. This is why flossing is so important. By removing food particles from in between the teeth, you can prevent bacterial growth.
In order to further reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, try an additional round of brushing with baking soda. This will reduce acidity and make it much more difficult for bacteria to grow.
Clean Your Tongue
In order to remove any residue that has built up on your tongue and is causing bad breath, it is beneficial to invest in an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper. If you don’t have a tongue scraper, simply use your toothbrush to scrub your tongue after brushing your teeth.
Use a Mouth Rinse
Mouthwash is just another step that helps to clean away food debris and bacteria left in the mouth. It is also great at masking bad odors. However, if you have chronic halitosis, this will only cover up the problem and won’t attack it at the source.
Drink Water
Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. By drinking a sufficient amount of water each day, about six to eight cups, you can keep your mouth moist and wash away both food particles and bacteria.
Candy and Gum
Both sugar-free candy and gum can help to stimulate saliva flow in the mouth. This will wash away food particles and bad breath causing bacteria, leaving you with a fresher smile.
Have a Healthy Snack
High fiber, crunchy fruits and vegetables help to increase your saliva flow. By munching on an apple, carrot, or celery between meals, you can alleviate bad halitosis. This technique also helps to reduce bad breath that’s caused by hunger or fasting.
Stop Smoking
As you probably already know, smoking tobacco products contributes to bad breath. It both dries out the mouth and leaves and unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth regularly. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways that you can quit.
See Your Dentist
If you have chronic bad breath, it is a good idea to address it during a checkup with your dentist. This way, they can rule out any dental problems or other related issues in the body. They will be able to give you the best advice for reducing halitosis.
If you have been dealing with chronic halitosis, know that you aren’t alone. By taking the steps listed above and talking to your dentist, you will be able to alleviate the issue and freshen your smile.
About the Practice
At White Clay Dental Associates, you have not one, but two highly skilled dentists that provide a wide variety of services. Dr. Donald Bond earned his DDS from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Dr. Timothy D. Ganfield graduated Magna Cum Laude at Temple University. Both dentists regularly attend continuing education courses to keep up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry. For more information on halitosis or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (302) 731-4225.