Many people are self-conscious when it comes to their breath. There are a lot of causes for bad breath, or halitosis, but there are also a number of steps you can take to fight back breath.
Dental Hygiene
Food particles and other debris can release unpleasant odors as they break down in your mouth. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day! As you brush, take a moment to scrape and brush the surface of your tongue as well, as bad breath causing bacteria can cling to its surface. Add a rinse using mouthwash.
Be Aware of What You are Eating
Certain foods and beverages automatically up the halitosis factor, these include onions, garlic, and coffee. Low-carb diets can also cause bad breath, especially when used for weight loss, as certain chemicals, known as ketones, are produced during the fat-burning state of ketosis. These substances can cause a foul odor, which isn’t remedied by brushing and flossing alone. Often, the only way to stop this form of bad breath is to modify your diet.
Fight Dehydration with Water
Dehydration and having a dry mouth can cause bad breath. Why? Because you are less likely to produce enough saliva to neutralize acids and wash away food debris or dead cells. Drinking water, not other liquids, will help you stay hydrated and keep bad breath at bay.
Tobacco is Taboo
Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products leave you with bad breath. Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke not only coats the mouth but also gets into the lungs, creating an odor that can’t be addressed by brushing and flossing alone. Smokeless tobacco leaves a residue behind that, once it begins to break down, can cause halitosis.
Health Sense Dental
Health Sense Dental can help prevent and cure many causes of bad breath. Issues like bleeding gums, tooth decay, and oral infections can cause an unpleasant odor to take over your mouth, leading to halitosis. We’re here to help so give us a call!