No one likes to hear it, but it’s worse if you don’t know you have it. Bad breath, also known as halitosis– can be extremely embarrassing for you and the people around you.
Fortunately, this problem is treatable. We have 7 tips to help you get rid of anything that could be making your breath smell less than enjoyable.
1.) Chew sugar-free gum.
It’s not a permanent solution, but an easy fix for bad breath is to chew gum. By chewing sugarless gum, you can help to stimulate saliva flow. The saliva will wash away any food debris and bacterias that are causing it.
2.) Floss every day.
Next, you need to floss. When you floss in addition to brushing, you’ll remove more food debris from in-between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If the debris isn’t removed, the bacteria will begin to feed on it, and in turn– cause your breath to stink.
3.) Visit us regularly.
The best way to make sure that your breath is smelling fresh is to maintain good oral hygiene habits– and visit us regularly.
Studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. Cavities, gum disease, and numerous other dental problems can lead to bad breath. That’s why seeing us twice a year is so important. When you visit us, we’ll clean your teeth and Dr. Arnold will perform a full examination of your mouth.
4.) Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
If you ever needed another reason to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, we’ve got it. Smoking contributes to bad breath, and tobacco dries out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after you brush your teeth.
5.) Rinse your mouth.
Along with chewing gum, rinsing with mouthwash is a good short term solution for anyone that’s suffering from halitosis. In addition to mouthwash, in an emergency– try a quick rinse with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil. You can even rinse with black or green tea to help suppress the growth of the bacteria that are causing your mouth odor.
6.) Use a tongue scraper.
Next, to remove any residue that might build up between your taste buds, we suggest you buy a tongue scraper, which you can find in any drugstore or on Amazon.com. If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can always use your toothbrush to brush your tongue.
7.) Drink water.
Finally, you need to keep your whistle wet! Since dry mouth is a major cause of bad breath, be sure you’re drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to avoid it. Keeping your mouth moist can help to keep odor under control because it helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, which are the main causes of bad breath. If you have chronic dry mouth or take any medications that might cause you to have dry mouth, talk to us. We can recommend an over-the-counter substitute.
Stay Fresh!
Follow our tips for the freshest breath possible! If you’re still having issues, make an appointment. You might have an underlining medical condition that could be causing it. Dr. Arnold will give you a full examination, and figure out the problem.
Ever since he was little Dr. J. Fred Arnold wanted to be a dentist. He has lived in Kentucky all of his life, except for three years he spent serving in the Air Force (1984-1987). He and his wife Holly have raised their family here and couldn’t imagine spending life anywhere else. They love the great schools and the emphasis on arts and culture.
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