When it comes to keeping bad breath at bay you cannot underestimate the importance and commitment to good oral hygiene by keeping our mouths clean.
In most circumstances, bad breath stems from odor-inducing microbes that reside in-between your teeth and gums, and on your tongue.
There are many products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental floss that can help to eradicate bad breath and aid in keeping bad smells at bay.
Here are a few simple guidelines to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue in tip-top shape.
1 – Brush and floss correctly.
Do you know how to brush and floss correctly ? Chances are that if you are not performing this basic task well you will have bacteria in your mouth, or worse, plaque and tartar on your teeth. To keep your mouth fresh, clean and hygienic it is imperative that you brush at least two times a day and thoroughly floss at least once a day – YES flossing is crucial ! A toothbrush will only clean the front and rear surfaces of your teeth while floss will get to where the teeth actually contact each – the in-between-parts ! This will move caught food debris, and plaque which can cause bad breath.
2 – Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Bad breath can be caused by cavities, root absorptions, and lots of other conditions. Visiting your dentist twice a year for a dental clean goes a long way to maintaining great oral hygiene. Also allowing him/her to take X-rays is the only way a dentist can truly know what’s going on in the entirety of your mouth.
3 – Drink more H2O.
Having a dry mouth can contribute to bad breath. Bad breath can occur from taking certain medications – dry mouth is a side effect that is listed on as many as 400 prescription and over-the-counter medications. Morning breath can be alleviated by drinking water during the night or on waking. Many bad breath culprits can be washed away by simply drinking more water !
4 – Tongue scrapers are all the rage.
Your tongue aught to be cleaned every day. These nifty scrapers play a role in cleaning and eliminating plaque and food debris. It’s best to use a proper tongue cleaner, not the type you find on the back of a toothbrush. To get a good clean, scrape all the way back to your gag reflex, the part that makes you feel like you might choke as this is where the bugs, bacteria and mucous sit, the type that are responsible for bad breath.
5 – Bad breath can travel all the way up from the gut !
Having less-than-optimal gut flora can make you vulnerable to health conditions linked to bad breath. Having a healthy and well balanced diet is essential for a healthy gut. Beneficial gut bacteria are essential for optimal health and disease prevention and your diet plays a significant role in the balance or imbalance of your gut flora.
6 – Munch on some raw, crunchy veggies.
Crunchy veggies have a low-water content, so in order to swallow them properly you have to produce more saliva in order to lubricate your throat. Increased saliva is one of nature’s ways of protecting and naturally cleaning your mouth.
7 – Stinky foods.
The smell of onions, garlic, spicy dishes, and coffee can all linger in our mouths. Brushing and flossing after each meal can help keep your breath fresh and mask any food odor.
8 – Alcohol.
Alcohol cannot only smell bad on your breath but it dehydrates your mouth adding to smelly breath and bacteria build up.
9 – Himalayan saltwater gargle.
Make your own mouthwash – Gargle with one teaspoon of Himalayan salt in a cup of warm water. This can benefit and clean your tonsils from food, bacteria and mucous build up and stop them from getting stinky.
10 – Chew on some mint.
Chewing mint can help freshen breath and the action of chewing helps to increase salivary production and moistens the mouth.
11 – Don’t smoke.
There’s a reason it’s called “smoker’s breath.” Smoke particles that get stuck in the mouth, throat, and lungs after smoking cigarettes can leave you with a nasty sour smell. Chemicals found in tobacco contribute to the bad smell and can linger in your lungs for hours. Tobacco dries out the mouth, increasing plaque formation and gum disease, all of which adds to the unpleasant smell.
12 – Missing some boudoir action ?
Good oral hygiene and fresh breath are important to everyone but studies have shown that for couples, it matters a lot and plays a huge role in their level of intimacy. As many as 60% of adults say that their partner’s oral health, breath and the state of their teeth effects what or if any action happens in the bedroom !
Book today with Hobart’s Holistic Dentist, Dr Matthew Clougher at the Dental Pod on 6234 5114 – Your Hobart Dentist.
Because it’s time you thought differently about your dental health.