Dealing with bad breath? There are some steps you can take to breathe fresher. Follow these five friendly air tips from your dentist in 06002! You (and your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors) will be so glad you did.
#1: Brush better
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you’ll probably suffer from bad breath if you’re not cleaning your teeth and tongue as well as you should. Make sure you brush for two minutes, twice a day — and don’t forget about your tongue! Bacteria collects on this part of your mouth just like it does on your teeth, so give it a gentle but thorough cleaning for fresher breath.
#2: Floss daily
Flossing is just as important for fresh breath as thorough brushing. If you don’t believe us, take a whiff of the floss the next time you’ve skipped a few days — that’s bacteria that’s allowed to harbor in your mouth unless it’s removed. Make a habit of flossing by leaving it somewhere you’re sure to see it each night, like right beside your toothbrush.
#3: Keep a (food) journal
If you have good oral hygiene habits but you’re still suffering from bad breath, it could be the result of something you’re eating. Write down everything you eat and take notice if the foul odor seems to repeatedly occur after something you might not expect — like oily, fatty foods.
#4: Drink more water
When you’re habitually dehydrated, your mouth can’t produce enough saliva to properly cleanse itself. That means bacteria stays on the tongue and teeth, turning into plaque and causing that familiar unpleasant odor, too. Keep a water bottle with you during the day and sip when you’re feeling parched — especially in the mid-morning and throughout the afternoon.
#5: Get a gum disease evaluation
One of the most common causes of chronic bad breath is gum disease — the condition that affects some 75 percent of Americans. If you’ve tried everything but still suffer from a foul mouth odor, you may unknowingly be dealing with gum disease. Don’t wait to seek treatment. Left unattended, the condition can have serious effects on overall health. In fact, it’s been linked to heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, among other conditions.
With periodontal treatment in Bloomfield CT, the team at Family Dental of Bloomfield can help you enjoy healthy gums and fresher breath once again! Contact us to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning. We’ll evaluate your risk for gum disease and help you find a solution if necessary. Request your appointment online today!