5 Tips for Beating Bad Breath

Success in our interactions with others requires a certain level of self-confidence. This is true whether you’re on a date, at a neighborhood barbecue, chatting with friends at a social gathering, or working on a task with your employer, employees, or colleagues. In nearly every situation, having bad breath can inhibit your confidence and quality of life, making these interactions more stressful than enjoyable.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure your breath is fresh instead of foul. Here are just a few tips to follow:

1. Maintain Your Daily Dental Hygiene

Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Be sure to brush your tongue too! Floss every day. These critical hygiene steps will help reduce your mouth’s amount of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, that causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

2. Rinse with an Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth after brushing can help rid your mouth of bacteria and keep it fresh. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash with antibacterial properties.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water rinses the mouth of food particles and bacteria. Additionally, water is necessary for the production of saliva, which aids in enamel remineralization and combats tooth decay, dry mouth, and bad breath.

4. Stop Smoking

If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, it’s time to quit. These habits wreak havoc on your oral health. Not only does tobacco cause bad breath and malodor, but it also increases your risk for oral cancer and is dangerous to your overall health.

5. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes after eating freshens breath and helps clean teeth. However, keep in mind that chewing gum isn’t a substitute for daily brushing and flossing, but supplemental.

Consult with Heritage Dental About Your Bad Breath

If you’re insecure about bad breath, let us know. We may find that the problem is deeper than daily practices can help. For example, a cavity or abscess can create malodor or advanced gum disease. Whatever your situation, we can help come with up a treatment plan to get your oral health back on track. So contact us today to schedule your next appointment at our dental office in Katy, TX.