At some point in our life, we can be plagued with bad breath, also known as halitosis. This can become a real problem if not dealt with. Sometimes we aren’t even aware that we have bad breath in the first place! Regardless of whether you do or don’t have bad breath, it’s good to know how to prevent it.
Here are some useful tips for combatting this issue:
Oral Hygiene
Often, bad breath stems from irregular dental hygiene. Dentists recommend dental cleanings every six months, specifically to keep your gums and teeth healthy and avoid gum disease. Gum disease can cause halitosis, and if you have it, book an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
However, there are many ways that your bad breath can be avoided:
Brushing/Flossing
- The most obvious benefit is brushing your teeth after each meal, or at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Staying on top of this can prevent cavities or plaque build-up, which may add to the bad odour you may be experiencing.
- Regularly flossing your teeth can also assist in smelly breath, as well as keeping your teeth or gums healthy and clean.
Rinsing
- Rinsing with a mouthwash not only freshens your breath but will also aid in getting rid of any germs or bacteria that may be lingering.
- Using water to rinse your mouth may also assist in breaking down those bad odours and can also rid food particle build-up between your teeth.
Tongue Scrub
- Tongues are often coated in bacteria that may be a source of the smell, especially toward the back of the mouth, where it is hard to reach.
- This issue can be avoided by gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
Other Factors
There are other indicators that may factor into why your breath smells bad, and thankfully, they can be avoided or stopped.
Food/Drinks
- The most common offenders of bad breath are garlic and onions. While they may be delicious, simply brushing after you ingest them may not rid the smell entirely.
- Sugar can also be an attributing source to bad breath. Cutting back can go a long way for your oral health.
- There are foods that can benefit your breath and oral health. Probiotics or calcium-rich foods like yogurt, milk, and cheese will help.
Tobacco
- One of the most common originators of bad breath is tobacco. Cutting back on smoking or quitting may prove very beneficial for your oral hygiene.
- While it is difficult to quit, WebMD recommends over-the-counter nicotine patches to assist with any urges. This way, your mouth is tobacco-free.
Having a bad breath problem can be annoying and sometimes embarrassing. If you feel that halitosis may be a problem for you, or you are tired of having to deal with smelly breath, and nothing seems to be working for you, have no fears. Contact EK Dental Group, our Winnipeg dentists provides only the highest level of care and consideration when dealing with any concerns and needs you may have. From check-ups, cleanings, or fillings to surgical and cosmetic procedures, we will put your best interest first and make sure you leave with a healthy new smile.