Everyone suffers from bad breath from time to time, no matter how regimented their cleaning routine. Most commonly you get bad breath from the food you eat or from bacteria left on your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Here are a few tips to keep your breath fresh all day long:
Make daily flossing and brushing part of your routine. Make sure to get your teeth, gums, and tongue. Clean as far back on your tongue as you can, as that’s where bad breath bacteria often collect. If you don’t clean your mouth thoroughly, any remaining food particles will attract bacteria, which cause bad breath and contribute to tooth decay.
Brush your teeth after every meal whenever possible. If a full brushing isn’t possible, drink a glass of water or chew a piece of sugar-free gum to help remove leftover particles.
Avoid foods that can cause bad breath. Garlic, onions, and some spices don’t stop causing bad breath even after you brush your teeth. After digesting these foods, the proteins circulate through your bloodstream. They are then carried into your lungs and expelled through your breath. They can stay in your system for up 72 hours after eating.
Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars all cause bad breath and contribute to dry mouth. Dry mouth also causes bad breath. Quitting smoking or chewing will improve your oral health as well as your overall health.
If you have chronic bad breath that no amount of brushing and flossing seem to get rid of, it may be a sign of a more significant problem. Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jawbone, which can lead to a loss of gum and teeth. If left untreated, the bacteria will build up on your teeth and irritate the gums. Flossing helps removes food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. Be sure to also visit your dentist for periodic cleanings and exams.
As mentioned, dry mouth leads to bad breath. Saliva is imperative because it prevents bacteria growth by cleansing the mouth and removing odor-causing food particles. Dry mouth is also caused by some medications, alcohol, and breathing with your mouth open. Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum or candy to keep your mouth moist.
If your gums and teeth are healthy, chances are you won’t have to worry about bad breath very often. Keep your toothbrush handy, settle in with a solid oral routine, and regularly visit your dentist to keep your mouth healthy.