Bad breath can happen to anyone. Foods you eat, alcohol, and smoking can all make your breath less than fresh and sweet. Bad breath can be embarrassing, but there are easy ways to prevent bad breath. First and foremost, good oral hygiene can prevent bad breath. Many times, bad breath is caused by a breakdown in food debris by bacteria in your mouth. Brushing and flossing in the morning and at night will help prevent the formation of the sticky film caused by bacteria. Here are some tips to prevent bad breath.

• Brush and floss after each meal. This removes any food debris and prevents the buildup of bacteria which can cause bad breath. Use a soft bristle brush and breath freshening toothpaste.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue. This removes any food debris and plaque present on the tongue and makes your breath feel fresher.
• Floss at least once a day to remove tiny food particles trapped between your teeth.
• If you wear dentures brush them at night with a dental cleanser. Also if you wear a retainer clean it before you put it back in your mouth.
• Avoid certain beverages such as coffee, wine, beer, and whiskey. These can all cause bad breath because they leave a residue behind which sticks to the plaque on your teeth and gums.
• Essential oils from peppers, garlic, and onions can cause bad breath as well as strong smelling cheeses. Instead of avoiding these foods, brush after eating them or use natural breath fresheners.
• Natural breath fresheners include parsley, mint leaves, mint tea, cloves, and fennel. All of these will naturally freshen your breath after you eat or drink.
• Smoking and chewing tobacco can make your breath smell very bad. Not only that but they greatly increase your risk of oral cancer. Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water during the day. Avoid soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol since they all can increase your thirst. If you suffer from a very dry mouth, your dentist can prescribe artificial saliva.

One last tip is to keep up on your regular dental checkups. Talk to your doctor about bad breath to help determine if it is stems from what you are eating and drinking, from medications, or if it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If you suffer from bad breath, call or contact us today and make an appointment with the doctor.