Dealing With Bad Breath

Whether you realize you have bad breath on your own or someone else brings it to your attention, bad breath can have negative effects on your social and professional life. Bad breath originates right inside the mouth, making your dentist the best person to talk to about how to deal with it. Sometimes, a simple change in your oral habits can bring about a successful outcome and more pleasant breath.

• Stop all tobacco usage. The negative and damaging effects of tobacco are no secret, and it should be a priority to stop all tobacco usage period for your health’s sake. Not only is tobacco dangerous, but it is well known for causing bad breath. The damage that tobacco causes to your teeth and gums exacerbates the bad odors in your mouth.
• Stay hydrated. How hydrated your body stays is a huge factor in how your breath smells. The production of saliva is necessary to constantly wash plaque away from the teeth. Because plaque is laden with acid-producing bacteria, it is a stinky substance that accumulates inside the mouth. The more water you drink, the less odorous your breath will smell.
• Avoid odorous foods and beverages. Coffee, wine, alcohol, garlic, onions, and cheeses are the most notable foods and beverages that cause bad breath. Not only do they have strong smells on their own, but they leave behind a residue inside the mouth that causes their odors to linger. Avoiding these foods and beverages will help to limit your bad breath that is specifically caused by diet. However, when you cannot avoid these options, it is always a good idea to take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and even mouthwash with you. Brushing and rinsing your mouth after consumption of these foods and beverages will help to limit the amount of residue that is left behind in order to combat bad breath.
• Practice good oral hygiene. It is essential that you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. Brushing and flossing help to remove bacteria-laden plaque from your teeth in order to prevent damaging buildup. Plaque is the number one cause of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease – all of which have a negative impact on your breath. Making good oral hygiene habits a priority in your life is an easy way of dealing with bad breath by preventing it from occurring.
• Clean oral appliances. Retainers, aligners, and dentures must be cleaned each day. They are notorious for harboring plaque and foul odors, and they should always be cleaned before putting them back into your mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Visiting the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning helps to ensure that plaque buildup is not causing your bad breath. If you have been unsuccessful with the above mentioned tips, something more serious could be causing your bad breath and your dentist is your best source for figuring it out. Certain medical conditions and medications could be the cause.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Dave Mahon, Siena Dental