Kissing someone under the mistletoe or at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s? Got a family member coming over for the holidays that’s a close-talker? Don’t be worrying about bad breath in social settings or the perfect moment! Keep your breath smelling great all the time by following these simple suggestions from your local Wasilla dentist.
1. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
As plaque builds up on your teeth from sugar and other food particles, your breath will begin to smell worse. Keep some sugar-free gum on hand to break up particles and to stimulate more saliva, which can also help ward off bad breath. It’s important, though, that the gum doesn’t contain sugar, otherwise you’ll be right back at square one.
Gums with spices or herbs that naturally fight off halitosis, or bad breath, are another good idea. Whether you like cinnamon, mint, or another flavor, just make sure that it’s sugar-free!
2. Drink More Water
Just like chewing gum helps to encourage more saliva, so will drinking water. Having a dry mouth can cause bacteria to grow more rapidly, which will in turn makes your breath smell unpleasant. If your mouth is still feeling dry after drinking a healthy amount of water daily, talk with our dentists about what the problem may be and helpful solutions.
3. Switch Out Your Mouthwash
Some mouthwashes give your breath a fresh, minty aftertaste, but they don’t get down to the root of the problem: killing that bacteria. Find a mouthwash that is labeled as antiseptic, or meet with one of our dentists to find the perfect mouthwash for your needs. Your halitosis may be the result of an even deeper problem that a dentist can identify.
For example, if periodontal gum disease is causing your bad breath, our dentists may recommend a mouthwash that’s designed to help with inflamed gums and plaque buildup. Or a fluoride-based mouthwash may be the better fit if you’re having trouble preventing cavities and halitosis-causing tooth decay.
Look closer at the type of mouthwash you’re using. If it’s a cosmetic mouthwash that only masks bad breath for a moment, then make the switch to another mouthwash that actually helps fight the problem rather than just covering it up.
4. Invest in a Tongue Scraper
A tongue scraper is one of those inexpensive items that makes a world of a difference. Many toothbrushes and dental flossers even come with a built-in tongue scraper now! Run it along your tongue regularly to clear out any bacteria hiding in small grooves.
5. Stop Smoking
Admittedly, this is a not an easy way to prevent bad breath. We understand that for individuals who have smoked or chewed tobacco for years, stopping is no easy feat. That being said, quitting can have drastic effects for your oral hygiene almost immediately.
Smoking and tobacco are notorious for causing bad breath. In many cases, long-term use leads to gum disease, which again can be a factor for halitosis. Not to mention how much smoking can stain teeth. Improve your overall dental health by making this meaningful change. (Want to whiten your smile too? Let us help. Come to Meridian Dental, serving Wasilla and Palmer, AK with professional teeth whitening trays and treatment.)
6. Get Back to the Basics
We can’t emphasize how important it is to maintain good oral health. This is the key for any individual looking to ward off bad breath. Start by establishing habits like brushing twice a day and flossing every night. Visit our dentists every 6 months to clean your teeth and provide a dental examination. This way, if certain issues like a decayed tooth or gum disease are making it harder to keep breath smelling fresh, we can resolve the problem sooner.
If you struggle with bad breath, request an appointment today to visit our Wasilla dental office. Our friendly dentists will work with you to come up with the best solution to combat the underlying causes behind your halitosis.
