One thing that wearing masks during Covid revealed was how your breath smelled. You may have been shocked to discover it wasn’t so pleasant. If so, you are not alone. It’s estimated that approximately 80 million Americans suffer from chronic halitosis (bad breath). The good news is that this oral health condition is completely treatable! Read on to learn six ways you can freshen your breath.
#1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It can never be emphasized enough how essential it is to have a consistent oral hygiene routine. By brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, you will keep food particles, plaque, and other debris from building up on your teeth. This will keep your oral health in check, resulting in fresher breath.
#2. Clean Your Tongue
After you brush your pearly whites for at least two minutes, be sure to give your tongue a good clean too! Your tongue has many grooves and crevices, which can easily get filled with bacteria, food debris, and plaque. By giving it a good scrub, you will wash away harmful things that can give you bad breath.
#3. Stay Hydrated
Most people know water is the best beverage for your body, but it also benefits your smile! A dry mouth can lead to an increase in bad bacteria, which increases unpleasant odors in your mouth. By drinking plenty of water, you will wash away all the things that cause your breath to smell bad.
#4. Chew on Sugar-Free Gum
Do you like having a piece of minty gum? That is good news if you are fighting bad breath. Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva flow. Since saliva is a natural cleansing agent, your mouth will continually wash away food debris and bacteria that cause bad breath after you chew gum.
#5. Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Of course, tobacco products have negative repercussions on your overall health, but they also can ruin your oral health. Smoking dries out your mouth; as stated above, this quickly leads to bad breath. Additionally, tobacco also leaves a lingering scent long after you stop using it. By saying goodbye to this harmful oral habit, your breath will instantly thank you!
#6. Visit Your Dentist
A very important part of caring for your grin is maintaining your biannual dental visits. Your dentist will not only thoroughly clean and polish your pearly whites, but tend to any underlying oral health issues. This not only ensures a long-lasting healthy smile but fresh breath too!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas and his team at Vista Dental Care are eager to help you achieve a healthy and bright smile. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific, served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, and is an active member of several dental associations. With a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction, he offers a comprehensive range of services to keep your oral health in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (775) 626-3535.