Have you ever experienced waking up with bad breath in the morning? You aren’t alone. This is a common occurrence for more than 80 million people, and it can be pretty embarrassing if it happens often. However, this can also be caused by more serious dental problems like gum disease or halitosis. Fortunately, there are several methods to minimizing your troubles. Read on to learn the eight tips your dentist in San Antonio says can prevent bad breath.
Tip #1: Brush or Scrape Your Tongue
One of the main areas in your mouth that can collect smelly residue is your tongue. Investing in a tool like a tongue scraper to clean off your tongue daily, or even using your toothbrush, can significantly reduce any buildup that’ll keep you from having fresh breath.
Tip #2: Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
Aside from your tongue, regularly brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day is important for removing plaque and food debris. It’s especially vital to end your day with a clean slate, as this can reduce the acidity in your mouth and make it harder for bacteria that cause bad breath to grow.
Tip #3: Floss At Least Once a Day
Flossing is essential for removing debris from between the teeth since your brush won’t be able to reach these places. If the oral bacteria start feeding on any food matter stuck between your teeth, they’ll release stinky gases that foul up your breath.
Tip #4: Try a Mouth Rinse
In combination with brushing and flossing, you can also try using a mouth rinse to freshen your breath. According to a study from the University of Illinois at Chicago, rinsing with black or green tea can actively suppress the growth of bacteria that lead to mouth odors.
Tip #5: Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help wash away food matter and bacteria, the primary reason for bad breath. By providing a constantly moist environment in your mouth, bacteria that create bad smells won’t be able to grow.
Tip #6: Eat Foods That Stimulate Saliva Flow
Snacking on fibrous fruits, raw vegetables, and even sugarless gum can help promote saliva flow, which helps wash away debris and bacteria that cause foul breath. Maintaining constant saliva flow can also keep dry mouth at bay.
Tip #7: Cut Off All Tobacco Use
Smoking is one of the major contributors to bad breath. With a tendency to also dry out your mouth, using tobacco products can end up leaving unpleasant smells that persist even after brushing your teeth.
Tip #8: Visit Your Dentist
While some cases of foul breath are caused by oral issues like gum disease or tooth infections, these are usually rare. You should still see your dentist so they can ensure those reasons aren’t at play for your situation, and they’ll also help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
These are only a few suggestions on how you can encourage fresh breath in your everyday life. And if you have any concerns about your situation, you can always contact your local dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Brian L. Eck earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. As a proud member of the Texas and American Dental Associations, he offers a variety of top-quality dental treatments with a passion for helping you maintain a healthy smile. If you want to know more about how to prevent bad breath, visit his website or call (210) 361-8905.
