Nobody likes bad breath, and although it can sometimes be complicated to tell if you have it, it is always better to practice good oral health than risk having a smelly mouth. There are many ways to reduce or eliminate bad breath, some are definitely more effective and longer lasting than others. It's easy to improve your breath and keep your teeth and gums healthy at the same time. Try these simple steps to make your mouth feel fresh and clean.
- Brush teeth twice a day.Brush your teeth 2-3 minutes at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris. It’s very important to brush your teeth before going to bed.
- Floss RegularlyYou know brushing twice a day is important. But do you floss? And no, flossing twice a month doesn’t count. Here’s why you shouldn’t write off this essential step.See, flossing reduces the plaque and bacteria found in areas of your mouth that a toothbrush simply can't reach, and in turn it rids your mouth of the smell associated with those bacteria. While flossing may not eliminate bad breath on its own, if you do it along with other health oral hygiene habits like brushing, then you may just develop a fresher smelling mouth.
- Rinse your mouth out
Besides freshening your breath, a mouthwash adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. A fresh minty taste can make you feel excellent. But be sure the mouthwash you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath. Don't just cover up the smell. Rinse daily with a good mouthwash and stop bad breath at its source. - Get Your Glorious Vitamin C
Not just for colds anymore! Eating a diet rich in vitamin C (or even taking a vitamin C supplement) is a great and healthy way to ward off bad breath. Vitamin C naturally inhibits the production of oral bacteria. Bonus for vitamin C foods that pack a fibrous crunch, as eating these will help remove food particles that could otherwise begin to break down in the teeth and smell. - Keep your gums healthy
Gum disease causes bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, which creates afoul odor. If you have gum disease, your dentist may suggest you see a periodontist, who specializes in treating it.
- Drink This, Not That
One of the biggest causes of bad breath is dry mouth. As logic would then suggest, keeping the mouth moist is a key to bad breath prevention. The best way to do this is by staying hydrated.
Water – increases saliva production, which defends the mouth against the production of bad breath molecules.
Green and black teas – contain polyphenols, which wipe out sulphur compounds and reduce bacteria in the mouth. - Moderate Your MedicationAt the first seasonal sniffle, do you reach for an antihistamine? What about a pain reliever at the first throb of a headache? Over 400 medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, can give you bad breath by drying out the mouth. Cut back on over-the-counter meds where you can, and talk to your doctor about dry mouth/bad breath concerns regarding your prescribed medications.
- See your doctorIf your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, make an appointment with your doctor. He'll check to see if your problems are related to a medical condition.
