Tips for Bad Breath Prevention
Bad breath is a major hassle that many people have to deal with. Sometimes it can be so bad that it makes social interactions very unpleasant. Even chewing gum and breath mints can't hide these problems for long, which is why meeting with a restorative and cosmetic dentist is the best option to consider for improving overall dental health.
We'd like to take a few moments right now to go into the causes of bad breath and look at methods of treatment and prevention.
What causes bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath is the bacteria that naturally occurs within the mouth. This is the same bacteria that's responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When the bacteria feeds on food particles, it can create sulfurous gases.
We should note that there are other potential causes of bad breath, including respiratory infections, digestive tract issues, and systemic diseases of various kinds. It's important that you speak with your dentist or physician if you notice persistent or chronic bad breath. By doing this, you can have the matter looked into and the root cause of the bad breath can be determined.
Foods and Beverages That Can Cause Bad Breath
While bacteria often causes bad breath to occur, certain foods and beverages can contribute to off-putting odors, including:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Certain spices
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
Abstaining, avoiding, or limiting intake of the above can help reduce the severity of bad breath.
Quit Smoking and Using Tobacco Products
It doesn't take a restorative dentistry expert to figure this one out: cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco can all cause your breath to smell foul. This is just another reason to quit on top of more compelling health-related issues.
Stay Well Hydrated
Many people don't realize this, but dehydration and dry mouth can make your bad breath even worse since it creates ideal conditions for oral bacteria. It's a good idea to stay well hydrated through the day by drinking water. This will help keep your mouth moist and remove any food particles between teeth.
Proper Dental Hygiene
You don't need to visit a dentist to make sure your teeth are clean and healthy. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least every night. Ideally you want to brush and floss after every meal, which will remove food particles from your teeth and not allow them to linger there.
Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Never take for granted the importance of regular dental visits. By visiting your dentist twice a year, you're able to get potential dental health issues taken care of in a timely fashion. Your dentist can check if your bad breath is the result of dental problems or a more severe systemic issue, so it's better if this is caught sooner rather than later.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Care Treatment
For more information about what you can do to have the healthiest and best looking smile possible, be sure to contact our Flowood cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve all of your dental health and dental wellness goals.
