Creative Commons image by Walt Stoneburner
Do your friends shrink away from you when you speak? Do you feel self-conscious about your breath? Many people deal with halitosis, which is otherwise known as bad breath. We all wake up with it, but for some, it’s an ongoing battle. If you are ready to speak out loud and proud without trying to determine if your breath is offensive, take a look at these tips.
Spruce Up Your Oral Hygiene Regimen
If you have a strange taste or smell in your mouth, then the obvious fix is to go and brush your teeth. It might not end there, though! Brushing without flossing leaves many smelly particles behind, so don’t neglect this vital step. Also, your tongue is home to lots of bacteria. Either get a tongue scraper or brush your tongue regularly. You can follow up with an antibacterial mouthwash to get any stragglers out of there, and your breath should smell sweeter.
Visit Your Dentist
You knew it was coming: You need to visit your dentist twice a year (or more often, if recommended for you) in order to help keep bacteria levels under control. When the hygienist cleans just under your gumline, he or she is removing the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Infections in your gums can give your breath a foul odor, and can cause loose teeth and bone loss, besides. Tooth decay can also do a number on your breath. If it’s been six months since your last visit, give us a call to schedule a cleaning and a checkup now.
Watch What You Put in Your Mouth
If you’re inclined to eat a tuna fish sandwich with extra onions for lunch, don’t blame your afternoon companions from keeping away. While it’s fine to indulge in odoriferous foods, be aware that your breath will mirror your diet. If you are bothered by halitosis, avoid onions, garlic and other strong-smelling foods when you need to work in close proximity to others for everyone’s comfort.
In addition to avoiding stinky foods, quit smoking if you currently partake. Also, be sure to sip water frequently, as that will keep your breath smelling better. Finally, chew sugar-free gum between meals to keep your saliva flowing.
See Your Doctor
If all of these tips aren’t helping, it’s possible that your bad breath is due to a health condition. Diabetes and reflux are two health issues that can cause problems with halitosis, so it’s important to get checked out if yours is persistent.
You can defeat bad breath by paying special attention to your dental care and your diet and, if necessary, by seeing your doctor to check into other causes of your malady. Call us today to schedule an appointment if you are dealing with chronic halitosis and could use some help.
