Bad breath is one of the most common side effects of eating pizza or anything with lots of garlic and onions. It’s also likely to develop if you do not practice regular oral hygiene. The truth is that more than 80 million people are living with or have had chronic halitosis (bad breath). But how can you get rid of it? Read on to discover three helpful tips that will make it easier to be around others without being self-conscious.
How Does Halitosis (Bad Breath) Develop?
Food debris, bacteria, and other harmful particles can be left behind in your mouth if you do not regularly brush, floss, or rinse. Over time, this accumulation can produce a type of sulfur compound that leads to a foul odor.
What you’re left with is the type of breath that can leave a bad taste in your mouth and keep others from wanting to get near you.
It’s also possible that if you have sinus congestion, are experiencing stress, snore, have a medical infection, or are experiencing hormonal changes, your breath may be less-than-pleasing.
What Are Effective Ways to Curb Bad Breath?
Eliminating bad breath is not an impossible feat. Taking the appropriate steps and being more mindful of your habits can help you avoid embarrassment. You can:
- Adopt a Solid Oral Hygiene Routine: You will need to brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You’ll clean your pearly whites for two minutes, twice each day. This removes accumulated plaque and tartar as well as surface stains. In addition, flossing between teeth at least once a day and rinsing as directed is essential. Don’t forget to also use a tongue scraper once a day to remove any bacteria that may exist.
- Drink Lots of Water: Consuming water regularly each day can minimize the chances of developing a dry mouth – an environment that is prime for bacterial growth. Your saliva production helps neutralize acids while also flushing out germs and other bacteria. To keep these salivary glands working correctly, drinking lots of water can do the trick.
- Quit Smoking & Using Tobacco: It’s no secret that this unhealthy habit can negatively affect your overall health. It also creates a foul odor in your mouth – one that most people do not want to smell or be around. Also, tobacco is known to dry out the mouth, which can encourage harmful bacteria to spread. By quitting, you can reduce your risk of lung cancer and get rid of the unpleasant odor in the long run.
Don’t let bad breath keep you from embracing opportunities and feeling good about yourself when you’re out with others. Your commitment to good oral hygiene, drinking lots of water, and giving up smoking will have positive benefits that affect both your oral and overall health.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, our three expert dentists provide an array of preventive and family services that help reduce the potential need for restorative care. Since bad breath (halitosis) can be a common problem, especially among adults, we can recommend helpful ways to eliminate the foul odor and help you start feeling more confident in yourself. If you are worried that you’ll be unable to get rid of your bad breath or you don’t know where to start, contact us at (770) 445-6606 to schedule an appointment.
