Whether you are preparing for an important meeting at work or getting ready for a first date, nothing can be more damaging to your confidence than a case of bad breath. Some people are more prone to bad breath than others, but luckily you don’t have keep your mouth closed out of fear of contaminating the room you’re in forever.
There are a number of things you can do to freshen up your breath and get your confidence back. Here are 6 tips for fresh breath you can implement immediately:
Take your brushing and flossing routine up a notch.
As you are probably already well aware, you should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day. And if you’re constantly battling bad breath, you may want to up it to three times a day. Insufficient brushing is one of the primary causes of bad breath. Plaque, that sticky buildup in your mouth that is a bacteria breeding ground, will build up in your mouth when you don’t brush. And lots of plaque translates into bad breath. Keep in mind that it also helps to add an antibacterial mouthwash to your brushing and flossing routine, as it helps to reduce any plaque-causing bacteria.
Scrape your tongue.
That coating that forms on your tongue over the course of the day is also major culprit of bad breath. That’s because that like plaque, this coating is home to a host of gross-smelling bacteria. The trick to fresh breath is scraping this layer off of your tongue using either a toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a device specifically designed to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the tongue (something that brushing alone can’t do).
Drink more water.
A dry mouth will inevitably cause tooth decay and promote bacteria growth, both of which cause bad breath. Drink more water to avoid cottonmouth. As an added bonus, staying hydrated is also good for your overall health. If you truly struggle with a dry mouth, try popping a piece of sugar-free gum every now and then. Gum will stimulate saliva production. More saliva translates into better breath, as it is the body’s natural defence mechanism against plaque acids.
Avoid notorious bad-breath offenders.
Foods like garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath. And you can’t just brush the problem away because as the substances in these foods are broken down, they make their way into your bloodstream, which then travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out.
Make sure your gums are healthy.
Gum disease is an incredibly common cause of bad breath. When gums are suffering from decay, bacteria gathers in pockets at the back of the teeth, generating a host of bad odours.
Stop smoking.
Smoking is one of the major causes of bad breath. Remember, smoking raises your risk of a number of diseases, including cancer, and also damages your gum tissue and stains your teeth. So don’t just quit for your breath, quit for your health!
If you have persistent bad breath, it's probably time for a check-up! Call us to book your next appointment and we'll help you treat any gum health issues quickly and affordably.