Have you ever noticed people taking a step back the moment you opened your mouth to talk? If you have, then it’s probably due to halitosis or more commonly known as bad breath, which can be super embarrassing for anyone. Preventing bad breath is challenging. Unfortunately, there is no one cure for treating halitosis but there are many ways in which you can reduce the amount of smell that comes from your mouth.
In order to find solutions on how to treat bad breath, you should be aware of some of the causes of bad breath. Here are some of the main causes of bad breath:
- Excessive amounts of bacteria in the mouth.
- Foods with strong odors.
- Drinking alcohol and smoking
- Dry mouth
- Wearing Braces
Bad Breath Treatment
Well now that you know why and how bad breath is caused, let’s learn how to treat bad breath. If you follow these steps on a daily basis, you should be fine! If you still need some help then feel free to call the office of Dr. Guerra.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene on a Daily Basis
Brushing and flossing twice a day are the most important oral hygiene practices you should be following. If you have questions on what type of toothbrush you should be using or need tips on brushing and flossing the right way, then call our office so we can assist you. Not practicing good oral hygiene can lead to oral health problems such as gingivitis, which can cause bad breath.
Mouth Wash for Additional Help with Cleaning
Once you’ve brushed and flossed, feel free to use a mouthwash (i.e. Listerine) for extra defense against bacteria and plaque buildup. If you wear braces, then using mouthwash can ensure that any food particles you’ve missed while brushing and flossing get washed out from in between the brackets and wires.
Clean Your Tongue
Cleaning your tongue can always be another great way to prevent bad odors that come from your mouth. Using your toothbrush to clean your tongue or a tongue scraper can help with preventing bad breath. No matter what method you use, both can be helpful in preventing plaque buildup.
Staying Hydrated is Key
Drinking water not only helps prevent bacteria but also helps your mouth generate more saliva which can help to clean out bacteria. Plus staying hydrated is good for your body and overall health. Drinking water after you eat can help with cleaning your teeth, especially if you’re not able to brush your teeth right away.
A Healthy Diet
Lastly, a good healthy diet is important not just for your teeth but for your overall body. Making sure that your diet consists of healthy nutrients is good for keeping your body and teeth healthy and strong. Eating foods that are high in sugar can cause tooth decay as well as cavities. Plus with too much sugar in your mouth, it can stick to your teeth and also cause bad breath, especially if you don’t brush or rinse your mouth soon afterward. So, next time you go grocery shopping, be sure and check the back of the box and see how much sugar is in your food.
Should you have questions or need more information about halitosis (bad breath), please call Guerra Dental so a member of our team can help you. Don’t forget to call our office (719. 596.1230) to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning!