Bad breath may seem like a minor issue, but considering it’s one of the most common reasons why patients seek dental care, those who suffer from it know that it can be anything but minor. Bad breath can impact so many areas of life. Having that constant paranoia each time you talk to someone up close can easily force you to build walls around yourself and shut people out. But there are ways to combat it and leave your mouth feeling (and smelling) nice and fresh.
If you’re sick of hiding behind your breath, here are four ways to help combat bad breath:
Brush and Floss Every Day
One of the leading causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Patients who neglect the care of their teeth and gums are much more likely to be left with stinky breath. When you eat and drink and don’t brush and floss, particles of food remain on and around your teeth and gums. This turns into plaque, which hardens into tartar. Plaque can fester over time and create a bad taste and a bad odour. So be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once each day.
Clean Your Tongue
The tongue is also responsible for housing bacteria that can create bad breath. That’s why many dentists will recommend using a tongue scraper each time you brush your teeth. It’s every bit as important when it comes to reducing bad breath. You can pick up a tongue scraper at any local pharmacy or store where you would find dental products.
Oil Pulling
A really powerful way for cleansing your mouth and eliminating bacteria that can cause bad breath is through oil pulling. This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that even helps to detoxify the body. You can use coconut oil, or sesame oil. Take a tablespoon and place it in your mouth. Hold it in there and begin swishing it around your mouth, sucking and “pulling” the oil between your teeth. Do this for at least 10 minutes daily, and then dispose of the oil in a wastebasket.
Drink More Water
Lack of hydration is a common culprit for contributing to bad breath. Increase the amount of water you consume each day and try to have the recommended eight glasses a day. Staying hydrated prevents dry mouth and helps to minimize the amount of bacteria that can be lingering in your mouth.
If you suffer from bad breath, you can take some comfort in knowing that you are certainly not alone. It’s the third leading problem that patients seek help with at the dentist. Try to incorporate some of these tactics into your daily routines, and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and of course, visiting your dentist for those deep cleanings.
