Dealing With Bad Breath

Bad breath is an issue that affects everyone at some point, but there are millions of Americans who deal with bad breath on a regular basis. Whether you have been aware of your own bad breath or it has been brought to your attention by someone else, there are different ways to deal with this issue. Often times, simple changes in oral habits can produce significant results in your breath.

• Stop all tobacco use. Due to the countless negative side effects of tobacco use, any and all tobacco use should be stopped immediately. Not only is tobacco dangerous to your entire health, it also contributes to bad breath. Tobacco has its own strong odors, but mixed with the damage that it causes inside your mouth it exacerbates bad breath and makes it a permanent issue.
• Avoid stinky foods and beverages. Certain foods and beverages are notorious for causing bad breath. Of these foods, onions, garlic, coffee, wine, alcohol, and cheeses are the most well-known for leaving a stinky smell behind. The reason this is so is due to the fact that these foods have their own pungent smells, and as you eat them they leave a residue behind inside your mouth. The only sure-fire way to keep them from causing bad breath is by avoiding them all together. If that is not possible, or even desired, it will benefit you to keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash at the ready. After indulging in any type of pungent food or beverage, brush and rinse to combat the lingering odors.
• Stay hydrated. Your body depends on an adequate amount of water to function properly. If you are dehydrated, your mouth will not produce the necessary amount of saliva needed to keep your mouth moist. Saliva also helps to wash bacteria-laden plaque from the teeth, so the more water you drink, the better your breath will smell just from staying cleaner.
• Practice good oral hygiene. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and there is no better place to start for dealing with bad breath than with proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are essential components to your oral health because they help to remove plaque, clean the surfaces of the teeth, and keep your breath fresh. It is important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. By making oral hygiene a priority, you are preventing bad breath from affecting you.
• Clean oral appliances. Dentures, retainers, and aligners are all commonly associated with bad breath. They are notorious for harboring plaque and foul odors, which is why they must be cleaned daily.
• Visit the dentist regularly. It is important that you visit the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and thorough exam. Your dentist can help you determine an appropriate method for treating your bad breath, and s/he can also make sure that there are no other underlying medical issues causing your bad breath.

Heritage Dental
23945 Franz Road, Suite A
Katy, TX 77493

(832) 709-2429