We all experience bad breath once in a while. Sometimes it’s caused by eating garlic bread at our favorite restaurant or from forgetting to brush the night before and waking up with extra smelly breath the next morning. However, some patients have had issues with chronic bad breath that’s ruining relationships with colleagues, friends, and even family members.
That’s why today, your dentist in Lincoln is offering a few tips to consider before coming to your dentist for a professional diagnosis.
#1: Evaluate Your Oral Care
According to your dentist, most cases of bad breath can be solved by simply making a few changes in your oral care routine. If you experience excessive plaque buildup throughout the day, especially if you snack often, you may need to brush more often to compensate. The recommended amount of typical patients is twice a day for at least two minutes. You should also be flossing at least once a day to remove plaque from the sides of teeth.
It’s important to note that most bad breath bacteria likes to hide in the many crevices of your tongue. If you aren’t brushing your tongue already, take about 15 to 20 seconds to gently scrub your tongue back-to-front at the end of your brushing routine.
Finally, you should also purchase a mouth rinse specifically designed to treat bad breath. Not only can this act as additional protection for your enamel, but mouth rinse containing alcohol works best to kill bad breath-causing bacteria.
#2: Consider Your Diet
Does your diet consist of large amounts of onions, garlic, brussels sprouts, or coffee? If so, it could be the sole cause of your chronic bad breath. Unfortunately, using a mouthwash or brushing after eating these foods won’t curb bad breath entirely. If you’ve heard of the saying “you are what you eat,” then you can understand why its necessary to remove these foods from your diet entirely. At the very least, avoid consuming them when you know you’ll be speaking with friends and family.
#3: Kick Bad Habits
If you smoke or use tobacco products of any kind, it’s likely the main cause of your bad breath. The carcinogens and other ingredients leave a layer of plaque and grime on your teeth. They also stain your clothes, making it impossible to remove the smell entirely. Talk with your doctor about your options for quitting.
#4: Keep the Mouth Moist
Patients who experience chronic dry mouth are at much higher risk of having bad breath. A dry mouth makes it easier for bacteria to move around and multiply, increasing the intensity of the bad breath as well, similar to morning breath. To curb this, try chewing sugarless gum or eating mints, especially after a meal. Keep a humidifier in your bedroom to moisten the air throughout the night.
If you’ve tried all of the above and still have bad breath, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lincoln to confirm you don’t have an underlying condition!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding works hard to offer patients a sound diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically to their needs. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, he’ll do everything he can to find the source and treat it effectively. To learn more about his experience or preventive treatments, contact him through his website.