Have you ever leaned in to give your significant other a kiss and they backed away because of your horrible breath? Nothing feels quite as embarrassing. According to Delta Dental, more than 80 million people suffer from halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Because this problem is so common, a dentist in Lakewood has written this guide on nine tips to beat bad breath once and for all.
1. Brush Twice Daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time is essential for removing leftover food debris. If these particles get left behind in your mouth, they attract bacteria, which feast on them and produce a foul-smelling waste product.
2. Floss at Least Once a Day
Flossing is the only way to remove bits of food and plaque from between your teeth. If these particles are not cleaned out, harmful bacteria will feed on them.
3. Clean Your Tongue
Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper (which can be bought cheaply at most drugstores) to clean your tongue. Bacteria can harbor on your tongue and contribute to bad breath. Gently run your brush or scraper from back to front, rinsing after each scrape.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Keep in mind that mouthwash is only a temporary solution, but it can still mask oral odors. Choose a mouth rinse that doesn’t contain alcohol, since alcohol dries out your mouth and can increase bad breath.
5. Quit Smoking
Tobacco use dehydrates your mouth and results in bad breath, in addition to increasing your risk for gum disease and oral cancer.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
To avoid dry mouth and halitosis, drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Water will also help to wash out food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
7. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Another way to avoid dry mouth is to chew sugarless gum. The act of chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which rinse your mouth of harmful, odor-causing bacteria.
8. Munch on a Carrot, Apple, or Celery Stick
Crispy, fresh fruits and vegetables also stimulate saliva flow and wash your mouth out. Additionally, these snacks contain nutrients that strengthen your teeth.
9. See Your Dentist
If none of these methods work, you may have an underlying condition causing your bad breath. Seeing your dentist in Lakewood might be the only way to address this issue and get your breath smelling fresh again.
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino earned his doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine before taking over the practice of Lakewood Complete Dentistry in Lakewood, CO. He is skilled in a wide variety of aspects of dentistry, including gum disease treatment. Since gum disease is a common reason behind halitosis, it may be just the treatment you need to freshen your breath. To learn what the cause of your bad breath is, you can contact Dr. Vinnie’s office at (303) 238-2800.