These Tips Can Help You Tame Bad Breath and Boost Oral Health

Even those people with optimum oral hygiene may find themselves dealing with halitosis from time to time. Fortunately, the following tips can help virtually everyone control occasional bad breath, while also serving to boost oral health overall.

Brush Thoroughly and Floss Everyday

The first line of defense against unsavory breath is maintaining a daily oral health regimen. For a truly clean mouth, brushing should occur twice a day for at least two minutes. You must also make sure that you adequately cover all surface areas, including any hard-to-reach places. A soft-bristled brush is recommended, as this type of brush is less likely to wear down tooth enamel.

Flossing is also extremely important. Daily flossing helps get rid of leftover food particles, which can be the source of foul breath while also serving to damage teeth over time.

Carry Chewing Gum or Mints for a Quick Fix

While daily oral care is essential to a healthy mouth, there are also other steps you can take to improve your breath. Chewing gum and mints are great in this respect because they allow you to freshen your breath during the day when brushing may prove inconvenient.

However, be sure to select sugar-free varieties when using mints or gum to freshen breath. Those containing sugar can damage teeth while also making bad odors worse, which defeats the purpose.

Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

Regular cleanings are crucial to maintaining fresh pleasant breath. In general, twice yearly checkups are sufficient for most people. Those with significant dental issues may need to schedule more frequent visits.

Not only can regular cleanings afford improved oral health, they can serve to whiten teeth and reduce plaque build-up. Cleanings are also integral to combating gum disease, which can lead to a host of serious issues if left unchecked.

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated can also have a profound effect on one’s breath. An excessively dry mouth is a breeding ground for foul-smelling bacteria, which is neutralized when saliva is produced. Drinking lots of water promotes saliva production, which then reduces the amount of bacteria.

It’s also a good idea to stay away from mouthwashes containing alcohol, which can serve to dry out mouths even further. Your dentist can recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash that will strengthen teeth while also freshening your breath.

A Healthy Mouth Is a Happy Mouth

Unpleasant breath is not only unbecoming, it can also be an indicator of a developing oral issue. In this case, taking care of your teeth and gums can have a drastic impact on your overall health, while also ensuring your breath remains clean and fresh no matter what.