The leading cause of bad breath (halitosis) is poor oral hygiene. Improper brushing and flossing can cause food debris to remain between the teeth and around the gum line. This encourages bacteria growth, causing bad breath. Gum diseases that result from poor dental care can also be a source of bad breath. The good thing is that you can improve your breath while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are tips for a fresh breath.
Clean All Areas in Your Mouth
Trapped food between the teeth can lead to plaque buildup, which can collect odor-producing bacteria. In this case, brushing and flossing daily could help. It will prevent plaque buildup, thus, ensuring fresh breath. When brushing, try to focus on the tongue, teeth, and gums. You can perform this at least twice a day. Remember not to overdo it since brushing too hard can damage the enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Keep Your Mouth Moist
Your saliva plays a crucial role in ensuring a fresh breath. It helps to flush bacteria and food debris. Without enough saliva, bacteria and leftover food particles will break down, causing an unpleasant smell. To treat a dry mouth, you will require consuming plenty of water. The dentist can also prescribe a medicine to stimulate saliva production.
Consult a Dentist
If the bad breath does not stop despite your efforts to improve oral hygiene, it would be best to consult a dentist. A professional will perform an examination to see whether the bad breath is linked to a dental condition. In some cases, bad breath may result from gum disease. The bacteria may gather around the gum line, creating an odor. In this case, our dentists will treat gum disease to stop the foul breath. They will also give you tricks on how to prevent halitosis.