How to Prevent Bad Breath
We've all experienced it. You're meeting someone for the first time, whether on an interview, a blind date, or just a friend of a friend. They express gladness to meet you, extend a hand for shake, lean in, and that's when it happens... bad breath! In all likelihood, from then on, you have a tough time forgetting that this is the dude with the stinky breath. But what if you're the person with the stinky breath? What do you do about it? Is there anything over and above brushing your teeth six times a day or constantly chewing gum or popping breath mints that can help with the dreaded halitosis? These are some of the common, not to mention important, questions about dental health that any of us can ask of our dentists. And here are some helpful answers.
Dental hygiene habits
Topping the list of easy preventions of bad breath is instituting and maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine. Frankly speaking, no one who has poor dental hygiene can possibly expect anything less than halitosis that could choke an alligator. Maintaining optimal oral health is the first and most important step in maintaining fresh breath. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Choose a soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush that won't wear away at your teeth's enamel. Floss at least once daily. For extra protection, brush your tongue to wipe away bacteria buildup and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Finally, schedule bi-annual checkups with your family dentist for professional cleanings as well as to stay on top of any changes that may be occurring inside your mouth.
Diet and nutrition
Another big-time cause of halitosis is what you eat. Nothing can ruin all your good oral hygiene efforts quicker than a diet that lacks nutrition. Include raw, crunchy vegetables in your daily diet, as these not only are packed with high nutritional values, but are also born teeth cleaners. But nutrition is only the half of it. Eating sugary or other processed foods can do a number on the health of your GI tract, and stomach problems can be one of the major causes of chronic halitosis.
Dry mouth
For those who are on a regular medication regimen, dry mouth can be a huge problem. So what does that have to do with halitosis? Everything! Saliva is an important component in washing away nasty bacteria that can build up on teeth, gums, tongue, and all the surrounding structures inside your mouth. Take away that much-needed saliva, and you're left with a dry mouth that's likely building up a serious amount of bad bacteria. For those who suffer from dry mouth, it's vital to keep hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of water to replenish saliva that can help clean away bacteria from inside your mouth. Additionally, keep lots of sugarless breath mints, candy, or gum on hand when you can't drink water or utilize your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Coffee and cigarettes
The caffeine in coffee, tea, and other beverages can stain your teeth. So too can all tobacco products. Limit these as much as possible, or quit their use altogether, especially if you're a chronic sufferer of halitosis.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions also can be a factor in bad breath. These include acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, and even upper respiratory or throat infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions. Additionally, bring up your medical history with your dentist, as dental professionals are a great resource for further information on controlling halitosis.
Bad breath might provide comedians with all the funny material they need, but it's not always such a laughing matter, especially when it's chronic... and especially when you're the one with the bad breath! The good news is that halitosis sufferers can take steps to prevent bad breath and keep it at bay. Some of the biggest causes of bad breath can be dealt with relatively easily. These include poor dental hygiene habits, smoking, use of caffeine products, and poor diet. Even dry mouth due to medications has its preventive measures. If you're someone who has a chronic medical condition, you might have a bit more difficulty controlling your bad breath, but there are things you can do to help. Talk to your family dentist if you have more oral health questions to get tips that can help you avoid halitosis.
Dental hygiene habits
Topping the list of easy preventions of bad breath is instituting and maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine. Frankly speaking, no one who has poor dental hygiene can possibly expect anything less than halitosis that could choke an alligator. Maintaining optimal oral health is the first and most important step in maintaining fresh breath. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Choose a soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush that won't wear away at your teeth's enamel. Floss at least once daily. For extra protection, brush your tongue to wipe away bacteria buildup and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Finally, schedule bi-annual checkups with your family dentist for professional cleanings as well as to stay on top of any changes that may be occurring inside your mouth.
Diet and nutrition
Another big-time cause of halitosis is what you eat. Nothing can ruin all your good oral hygiene efforts quicker than a diet that lacks nutrition. Include raw, crunchy vegetables in your daily diet, as these not only are packed with high nutritional values, but are also born teeth cleaners. But nutrition is only the half of it. Eating sugary or other processed foods can do a number on the health of your GI tract, and stomach problems can be one of the major causes of chronic halitosis.
Dry mouth
For those who are on a regular medication regimen, dry mouth can be a huge problem. So what does that have to do with halitosis? Everything! Saliva is an important component in washing away nasty bacteria that can build up on teeth, gums, tongue, and all the surrounding structures inside your mouth. Take away that much-needed saliva, and you're left with a dry mouth that's likely building up a serious amount of bad bacteria. For those who suffer from dry mouth, it's vital to keep hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of water to replenish saliva that can help clean away bacteria from inside your mouth. Additionally, keep lots of sugarless breath mints, candy, or gum on hand when you can't drink water or utilize your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Coffee and cigarettes
The caffeine in coffee, tea, and other beverages can stain your teeth. So too can all tobacco products. Limit these as much as possible, or quit their use altogether, especially if you're a chronic sufferer of halitosis.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions also can be a factor in bad breath. These include acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, and even upper respiratory or throat infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions. Additionally, bring up your medical history with your dentist, as dental professionals are a great resource for further information on controlling halitosis.
Bad breath might provide comedians with all the funny material they need, but it's not always such a laughing matter, especially when it's chronic... and especially when you're the one with the bad breath! The good news is that halitosis sufferers can take steps to prevent bad breath and keep it at bay. Some of the biggest causes of bad breath can be dealt with relatively easily. These include poor dental hygiene habits, smoking, use of caffeine products, and poor diet. Even dry mouth due to medications has its preventive measures. If you're someone who has a chronic medical condition, you might have a bit more difficulty controlling your bad breath, but there are things you can do to help. Talk to your family dentist if you have more oral health questions to get tips that can help you avoid halitosis.