How to Fix Bad Breath – Do you worry that your bad breath could be considered a weapon of mass destruction?

#1: Visit the Dentist – If recurring bad breath is a problem, it’s important to make sure it is not caused by a more ominous issue such as dental decay or gum infection. Routine visits to your dentist make sure any problems can be caught early. It also helps keep your plaque and tartar build up at bay, and you get to catch up on all the latest gossip about the Kardashians and who’s dating who in Hollywood from your hygienist.

#2: Hygiene is the Key– Your armpits wouldn’t smell very good if you only bathed once a month would they? The same hygiene rules apply to your mouth. Brush for 2 minutes twice a day and floss once a day to keep that gross bacteria off your teeth. After all, plaque is just bacteria eating up left over food particles and pooping out sulfur compounds all over your mouth. No wonder we get bad breath!! Brushing and flossing reduce that stinky plaque and lower our risk of dental disease. And don’t forget to brush your tongue!!

#3: Make sure your health isn’t the problem– If your mouth is as clean as Martha Stewarts jail cell and you are still having issues with bad breath, there may be bigger problems at work. Sinus infections, Gastric Reflux, Diabetes, and chronic systemic infections can all play a role in how your breath smells. If you are doing everything you can to keep your mouth clean and healthy and there are still odor issues, make sure you are up to date on your annual physical as well. If you are taking prescription medication you may also suffer from Xerostomia, or dry mouth. When your mouth is dry the bacteria in your mouth throw a party like it’s 1999 and can really ramp up the bad breath. That’s why when you wake up in the morning your mouth feels like a swamp and gives you that morning breath we have all grown so fond of.

#4: Watch what you eat– Having a healthy diet isn’t just important to make sure you can fit into your pants without having to call EMS for help. We all know about the obvious things that can make your breath smelly like garlic and onions, but what about the not so obvious things. Diets high in protein can also play a roll. Proteins can take a while to digest and hang around the nooks and crannies of your mouth giving bacteria an all you can eat buffet. Some foods like green tea and cinnamon can help, and fragrant foods like cilantro, dill, parsley, mint and others can help mask offending odors. Also make sure you consume enough water each day. It’s healthy, keeps your mouth moist, and can rinse away some of those food particles that are sticking around.

These tips can help make your bad breath a thing of the past, but remember, it is always best to discuss any questions or ongoing oral issues with a dental health professional to rule out any big problems that may be lurking around the corner. Keeping your mouth fresh and clean not only makes a happy healthy mouth, but it keeps your social life happy and healthy too!! If you have any questions on how to fix bad breath or any dental related issues, contact us.