If you know you have bad breath—or worse, if someone else has told you that you do—there are several things you can do to combat it. You can always visit your Farmington, NM dentist to find out more, but meanwhile, you might want to try the following to keep your mouth fresh and clean.
#1. Brush and Floss—Frequently
The sticky buildup on your teeth—also known as plaque—is what is causing your bad breath. Food that might stick between teeth is another culprit. Be sure to brush at least twice daily and floss once a day to keep your teeth as clean as possible. Feel free to brush more often if bad breath is a concern.
#2. Brush Your Tongue
When you are brushing your teeth, take a moment to brush off the coating that forms on your tongue. You can also try a tongue scraper, specifically meant for this task.
#3. Rinse Your Mouth with Mouthwash
Not only does mouthwash freshen your breath, but it gets rid of bacteria. Make sure your mouthwash is the type that actually kills germs and doesn’t just mask the smell of bad breath.
Swishing your mouth with water after eating can also help with bad breath by getting rid of any stray food particles that might stick between teeth.
#4. Avoid Offending Food
Onions and garlic taste great, but the substances that create their delicious aroma travel to your bloodstream after eating them. Brushing your teeth won’t get rid of the smell because these substances wind up in your lungs, so you breathe them out. If you are going to be around people, don’t eat them.
#5. Chew Gum After a Meal
It’s tempting to want to grab an after-dinner mint as you walk out of a restaurant, but the sugar in the candy actually feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Sugarless gum is a better choice.
#6. Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker, bad breath may be the least of your health worries. Kicking the habit will not only help stop damage to your entire body but will also help your breath stay fresher.
#7. Visit Your Dentist
If your bad breath persists in spite of your best efforts, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as gum disease. A trip to your Farmington, NM dentist might be a good idea. Call Lusk Family Dentistry to make an appointment!