Remember the saying: “If someone offers you a mint, take it”? Well, that individual might be saying you have bad breathe. In our world of industry of dental hygiene, we speak to our clients on health and wellness of the mouth and so often are asked: “How do I get rid of bad breath?” Many of those clients visit our office because of a serious tooth issue which in of itself, can be a cause for bad breathe alone. However, that is not always the case.
If you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath, also called halitosis affects over 90 million people. Just waking up in the morning is the first sign that your salivary glands are busy at work and hopefully you get to brush your teeth before anyone else notices. The facts are, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath.
Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, a trip to your dentist is in order to rule out any of these problems.
What can you do to deal with the issue if it’s not a gum related issue? We’re sharing 5 tips to help you interact without someone negatively reacting to an unpleasant social situation:
Tip #1: Floss, floss and floss some more
For years your dental professionals have asked you the same question on every visit; “Have you been flossing?” What they have left out of the discussion is that flossing can aid in decreasing bacteria and food particles which significantly increase the chances for bad breath. There are numerous convenient products that allow for a quick little floss in between meals, so take advantage of the modern conveniences.
Tip #2: Increase your water intake
Water will help lower the level of oral bacteria in your mouth. Drinking water has a lot of health benefits including preventing bad breath.
Tip #3: Chew more sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gums can contain a sweetener called Xylitol is an effective way to produce saliva. Producing more saliva in the mouth is your best weapon to fight bad breath. When you chew gum you salivate more. It washes away food debris and bacteria thus eliminating the odor.
Tip #4: Drink a cup of black tea
Black Tea has something called Polyphenols which can prevent growth of odor-causing bacteria and it decreases the production of bacteria. Black Tea has a high level of caffeine so be sure to be cognizant of this factor.
Tip #5: Eat foods high in fiber
Apples, potatoes, high fiber cereals and a slice or two of artisan whole wheat bread helps your body avoid toxin build ups and aids in digestion keeping bacteria at a health level in your mouth.
And as a bonus:
Clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner or scraper. Make it a habit to regularly clean your tongue using a toothbrush or tongue cleaner/scraper. There are quite a few models to choose from and with all being reasonably priced, you can increase usage and decrease the chances for bad breath.
