Advice on Maintaining Fresh Breath and Good Oral Health
2 min read
People of all ages deal with the embarrassment of chronic bad breath. It’s embarrassing, but it’s often preventable. Regular brushing and flossing make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive in the mouth, reducing the likelihood of bad breath.
Here are some things you can do to prevent bad breath:
Don’t Be a Slob; Brush Your Tongue
Bad breath is often the result of germs, food particles, and dead cells on the tongue. Dry mouth and smoking both increases the likelihood of this happening. You may prevent this problem by gently cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper every time you brush your teeth.
Be sure to schedule regular visits with your dentist.
Although it’s crucial to practice proper oral hygiene at home, it’s no substitute for seeing the dentist in Riverside, CA, twice a year. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can keep bad breath at bay by eliminating the underlying causes of halitosis: germs, plaque, and tartar.
Put Floss to Use
While it’s crucial to maintain a routine of brushing your teeth, that alone isn’t enough to ensure optimal oral hygiene. You may reduce bacteria and plaque in your mouth by using dental floss to remove food particles between your teeth.
Keep Your Mouth Moist
Bad breath can be avoided due to saliva’s role in clearing the mouth of leftover food and bacteria. If your mouth is dry, your saliva production can be insufficient. Don’t forget to drink lots of water and avoid dry-mouth producers like alcohol and smoking. Sugar-free gum chewing has the added benefit of stimulating saliva production and maintaining a moist mouth.
Improve your diet.
Especially strong aromas from foods like garlic, seafood, and onions can remain on your breath for hours after eating. Remember that sugary meals, caffeine, and alcohol can all contribute to foul breath, so moderation is key.
Gargle with some antiseptic mouthwash.
Daily use of an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce bad breath by killing the microorganisms that cause it. Minty flavors are familiar, and they work well at masking lingering scents. Mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing but should be used in addition to these routines.
Dentures and other dental prostheses should be kept clean.
Care for your mouthguard, retainer, dentures, or other oral appliance as directed by your dentist. It’s essential to take out and sanitize dentures and dental bridges every night. Clean around your permanent oral equipment, such as a fixed retainer, to avoid building up food and bacteria.
