Bad breath can be chronic or transitory. You can typically experience bad breath when eating foods that contain garlic or onions. However, problems like tooth decay and gum disease can lead to bad breath that may be more difficult to treat. No matter the type, addressing bad breath and getting fresher breath is important. As your dentist in Hampton Roads, VA, we’re here to help you keep halitosis, or bad breath, in check.
Tips For Bad Breath From Your Dentist in Hampton Roads, VA
Follow these tips to minimize bad breath and prevent problems like chronic bad breath:
Brush and Floss Properly
Flossing before brushing your teeth can remove leftover food and help ensure the active ingredients in your toothpaste get between your teeth. When brushing, use a soft-bristled brush and brush gently, beginning on the outside of your teeth, then moving to the chewing surfaces and behind the teeth. Remember to brush your tongue–bacteria can food debris can also build up on the tongue and contribute to halitosis.
Replace Your Brush
If you have a manual toothbrush, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Patients with electric brushes should also replace their brush heads every 3 to 4 months. Bacteria can build up on the brush over time, possibly contributing to problems like decay and creating odor-causing bacteria if the brush is not replaced regularly.
Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Alcohol can dry out the mouth and lead to problems like dry mouth, contributing to bad breath. Choosing an alcohol-free mouthwash will keep your breath fresh and also prevent problems like tooth wear.
Hydrate
Drinking water helps increase saliva production and wash away food debris and bacteria in the mouth. Reducing sports drinks, juices, and alcohol can also prevent sugars and starches from staying on the teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria feed on these sugars and starches to create plaque and tartar.
Take Your Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals help strengthen the tooth enamel against bacteria that can build up on the teeth and can contribute to tooth decay or gum disease.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Apples, celery, oranges, watermelon, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables are high in water content and vitamins. This combination helps increase saliva production to combat dry mouth and can strengthen teeth.
Visit Our Dental Office
We want patients to visit our office twice a year, or every six months, so we can help maintain their oral health. During routine dental cleanings, our hygienists use professional dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Professional cleanings can help reduce bad breath because it is often caused by bacteria left over in the mouth.
Do you need to schedule a cleaning? Call our dental office for care today at 757.414.7227. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. William Harper on our website.