How to Always Have Fresh Breath

The worst thing about having bad breath is that, unless you have very direct friends, you don’t know that you have it. But everyone around you does. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of things like medical conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis or even just your last meal, and short of taking a tongue scraping, there is almost no way to tell you have it. So, if you’re worried that you might be causing undue distress to those you talk to, we’ll give you some tips for fresher breath. But before that, let’s look at the causes of bad breath.

Bad Breath Causes

In 90% of cases, the main cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth. There is always a certain amount of bacteria present in the mouth. But without a good oral hygiene regime, it increases, leading to a build-up of plaque and eventually tooth decay and gum disease. This and the smell of rotting food particles trapped between the teeth are the primary causes of bad breath.

Although the main cause of bad breath, not everyone who has it has bad oral hygiene. It can also be caused by medical conditions such as acid reflux or diabetes.

How to Get Fresher Breath

Although regular brushing and flossing are your primary weapon in the battle against halitosis (bad breath), there are also a few other tips you can try.

• Chew Parsley Leaves

Parsley will neutralize the odors of any sulfur compounds in your mouth. Chewing a few leaves after every meal, especially ones which contain garlic, is a great way to make sure your breath is as fresh as you would like.

• Avoid Coffee and Alcohol

Both these drinks can cause foul breath as they contain residues that stick to existing plaque in your mouth. And if giving them up completely is too tall an order, try brushing after you’ve had a drink or a cup of joe.

• Pineapple and Pineapple Juice

Although there are no scientific studies on the subject, anecdotal evidence suggests that eating a slice of fresh pineapple or drinking a glass of pineapple juice after every meal will keep your breath, among other things, sweet.

• Always Stay Hydrated

If your mouth is dry, there is nothing to stop the bacteria from spreading. Stay hydrated by replacing soda with water as your beverage of choice during the day (doctors recommend 8 glasses of water per day).

• Baking Soda Mouthwash

Baking soda kills mouth bacteria. Rinsing your mouth for 30 seconds after every meal with a wash made of two spoons of baking soda in a glass of warm water will effectively neutralize any unpleasant odors in your mouth.

• Green Tea or Mint Tea

Both green and mint tea have been scientifically proven to contain disinfectant and deodorizing properties that temporarily freshen your breath. Make the tea of your choice, refrigerate it overnight and carry it around in a water bottle to sip during the day.

If you do have bad breath, combining one or more of these tips with improved oral hygiene should be enough to freshen it up. But if the problem persists, you should really consult a dentist or doctor as persistent bad breath could be a symptom of a much more serious medical condition. We hope this blog was helpful, and remember, if you have any further questions or concerns, make an appointment today and our expert staff will be happy to address them.