Waking up with bad breath is commonplace. Walking around with bad breath? Not so much. Fortunately, there are ways to combat bad breath, or halitosis, and we’ve got some of them listed right here for you.
- Brush and floss more frequently: One of the leading causes of bad breath is plaque. Plaque tends to buildup in your mouth and harbors bacteria, but can easily be removed with regular brushing and flossing. For best results, brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
- Scrape your tongue: The coating of your tongue can host some foul-smelling bacteria. To get rid of them, you can gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush or invest in a tongue scraper.
- Avoid certain foods that contribute to bad breath: At the top of this list is onions and garlic. While they can be yummy additions to any meal, they are made up of substances that can work their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out. If you know you have a major social or work event, maybe avoid them for the day!
- Stop smoking: Smoking can cause gum disease and stain your teeth, makes you more likely to get oral cancer, and gives you bad breath. To kick the habit for once and for all, consider over-the-counter nicotine patches or meet with a doctor about programs or medications that can help you give it up for good.
- Rinse your mouth out: Anti-bacterial mouthwashes can freshen your breath and add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria that your toothbrush or floss can’t reach. One act, multiple benefits!
- Keep your gums healthy: Gum disease can contribute to bad breath big-time. Check out some tips on how to avoid gum disease here.
- Keep your mouth moist: Lack of saliva promotes tooth decay and can cause bad breath. If your mouth is dry, drink water! You can also consider using a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your home.
If you’ve done all of these things and are still experiencing bad breath, it might be time to call in the big guns. Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville can help your breath smelling fresh. Give us a call today at 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-14/your-healthy-mouth/get-rid-bad-breath?page=1